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Pencil Grips Can Dramatically Improve Hand Strength for Writing

When a child first grips a crayon or marker they usually hold it in their fist.  This is because they have not developed the small muscles in their hands, and therefore the strength to hold it, in what is considered the “correct” grasp, also known as the dynamic tripod grasp where the thumb, index and middle fingers hold the pencil.  In occupational therapy we engage the child in fine motor activities to develop hand muscles and finger dexterity needed for a functional pencil grasp.

To help the child maintain a functional grasp, while developing hand strength, at times they are given a pencil grip to use.  This helps train their fingers to hold a pencil more easily and comfortably.  The grips I use most frequently with children are:

The Cross Over Grip


A silicone grip which positions fingers correctly on the pencil and prevents fingers from crossing over each other while holding the pencil.  This grip works well for children who wrap their thumb around the pencil while writing.  It can be used by both right and left-handed children. The children I use them with often tell me they like the “squishy” feel of the grip and the softness helps prevent fatigue for those who grip their pencil too tightly.  They are available from many online retailers, but I purchase mine from Amazon. Click here for the link.

The C.L.A.W. Grip

The CLAW grip has 3 small cups joined by a small ring.  The ring slides onto the pencil and the child places their thumb, index, and middle fingers into the cups.  The fingers are then in a dynamic tripod grasp for writing.  It is easy to use and can even fit on a stylus for use on an iPad or other tablet.  It works for either right or left hand.  Again, I purchase mine from Amazon, but they are available from other online retailers. Click here for the link.
Elise Bondy, COTA

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Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

Heather Dougherty-Pantoja

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

Jessica Havalotti

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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