title: How to Hold a Pencil: Simple and Clear Instructions Teach Kids the Tripod Grip
author:  Megan Hirsch 
description: "As easy as 1-2-3! How to Hold a Pencil is a practical guide for parents and teachers who want to help young children with the appropriate way to hold and use that all-important writing and drawing tool - the pencil." --Karolynne Gee, Education Consultant<br /><br />"How to Hold a Pencil combines clear pictures and easy to follow instructions for young children. Use this book to teach for success!" --Genie Son, Elementary School Teacher<br /><br />"How to Hold a Pencil by Megan Hirsch is a fun, sweet, kid-friendly book. It provides clear illustrations and simple language. I plan to use this book with children who struggle with a Tripod Grip!" --Carole F. Lee, OTR/L Pediatric Occupational Therapist<br /><br />"What a useful book! It is very important for children to hold their pencils correctly, and this book models a step-by-step guide of `how to' and `how NOT to' techniques that will reinforce learning. The colorful pictures will help the visual learners." --Darcy Mellinger, Elementary School Teacher<br /><br />"This book should be required reading for beginning writers. Learning how to hold a pencil correctly is so important, and this book shows and tells how to do this with clear instructions and illustrations." --Lillie Pardo, Kindergarten Teacher<br /><br />"It's a How-To book designed just for kids--and designed well! Megan Hirsch knows her audience. She explains--and shows--exactly how to hold a pencil correctly, and does it with clear communication, engaging photos and a tone sure to inspire, entertain and instruct young readers." --Julee Shapiro, Copywriter, Mattel Toys<br /><br />"I can't wait for more books by Megan Hirsch. Her books are useful and beautifully laid out." --Audrey Fann-Ellis, Elementary School Teacher<br /><br />"Megan Hirsch's photo book "How to Hold a Pencil" is a clever, quick how-to guide. The simple text and clear photos made me and my two boys smile. We loved imitating the photos and appreciated the simple yet sophisticated design!" --Elizabeth Aquino, Writer<br /><br />"This book is an excellent way for parents and teachers to introduce this important skill to children." --Alyssa Gonzales, First Grade Teacher<br /><br />"This is such an excellent visual guide to help children feel independent and confident in their writing skills that I heartily suggest it as a must-have for any family with a child who is just starting to learn how to hold a pencil." ---Karlynn Johnston, Mumsense Magazine, Feb/Mar 2010
zlib_text: Pencil Manipulation
  
   **Pencil Manipulation**
  
   **Pencil Manipulation**
  
  ● Introduction
  
  ● Links
  
  ● Arm Roll
  
  **Introduction**
  
  ● Balance
  
  ● Behind The Hand Twirl
  
  ❍ Two Pen Twirl
  
  Pencil Manipulation is a form of contact juggling in which a pencil or pencil
  
  ● Cigarette Toss
  
  like object (pencil/pen/cigarette/toothbrush etc) is twirled, flipped and spun
  
  ●
  
  with the fingers.
  
  Classic Finger Twirl
  
  ❍ Twirl Down
  
  Slide
  
  When learning some of the dynamic moves it is easier to practice with
  something large as it will make the trick slower and easier to learn. You can
  
  ❍ Two Pen Twirl
  
  then reduce the size of the object until you are able to perform it with a
  
  ● Drumstick Twirl
  
  pencil.
  
  ● Finger 1 Spin
  
  ❍ Circle Spin
  
  NOTE: All tricks are static unless otherwise specified.
  
  ● Fingertip Spin
  
  ❍ Six Fingertip
  
  Spin
  
  ❍ Four Fingertip
  
  **Links**
  
  Spin
  
  ❍ Three Fingertip
  
  Spin
  
  There are two other pages on pencil manipulation that I know of.
  
  ❍ Six Fingertip
  
  Spin - Two Pens
  
  ● [Pen Spinning T