4Real Forums: pencils??

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Topic: pencils??

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Becky Parker
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Posted: June 20 2007 at 9:40am \| IP Logged

I'm not sure if this is the place to post this question, but I'm wondering about pencils for my soon to be 1st grader. He has some eye-hand coordination issues and I was reading from the HWT website about the pencils they sell here.

I also noticed that Rainbow Resources sells triangular shaped pencils, then there are the thicker "Laddie" pencils, and of course, regular pencils with pencil grips.
Does anyone have any advice or experience regarding this? It seems like an odd question, but this ds of mine needs some help and success with his writing.

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Becky
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Karen T
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Posted: June 20 2007 at 5:13pm \| IP Logged

It is definitely easier to encourage a child correctly from the beginning than to wait until they've developed a bad grip (like my ds had in ps) and then retrain them. I have used triangular grip pencils but really prefer an actual grip on the pencil so there is no way to hold it wrong.
This shows several grips I prefer one similar to the Stetro or the new Solo grip on their page, but I've also used The Pencil Grip.
Draw Your World has the triangular pencils that are a little larger than regular pencils.

hth
Karen T

Maryan
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Posted: June 21 2007 at 4:06pm \| IP Logged

Becky, I don't know about the other options -- but we have the HWT pencils and my boys seem to find them easier to use. It's a BIG box of pencils -- so we never run out!

We also used those rubber things that you put on pencils from Emmanuel Books -- but we lost them. Those seemed to help too.

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Maryan
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SuzanneG
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Posted: Aug 03 2007 at 10:51pm \| IP Logged

I'm just seeing this while searching for something else. Becky, did you decide or try anything? Any success?

I have a dd6.5 that has a weird grip and pretty wild handwriting.

I ordered a couple colored pencils to see what my girls like (if any):

Lyra Super Ferby Colored Pencils
And, the Lyra Color Giants (I can't link directly o the type) which is large hexagonal pencil.

If the triangle shape or the larger size seems to help them, then I'll get some more and regular ones.

I talked to the woman at Paper, Scissors, Stone and she said that it just depends on the child. But, the triangle shaped pencils could definetely help a child who is holding the pencil incorrectly. She also said that some kids like shorter pencils.

A couple months ago, I tried the pencil grip things too, but they are just too hard to keep track of. And, my daughter that has the grip-problem literally CRIED when I would try to show her how to use it. She said it hurt and it was too hard

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Suzanne in ID
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SuzanneG
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Posted: Aug 06 2007 at 11:16pm \| IP Logged

Verdict is in.....we rec'd our Super Ferbys and they are a hit! They are BIG and TRIANGULAR with beautiful colors. The lead is 6 mm, which is huge, which means they'll last longer and much less sharpening. These are worth the $$$$! I will definitely be adding more as the budget allows.

Most of all dd-6.5 is holding her pencil correctly (voluntarily) for the first time and is PROUD of it!

We'll see if it's a temporary thing, but for now, I think we've found something that helps.

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Suzanne in ID
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Becky Parker
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Posted: Aug 07 2007 at 6:14am \| IP Logged

Thanks for the update Suzanne. I was really struggling about what to do. I tried the pencil grip thing too. I thought that if he liked the triangular grip then I would splurge on the pencils. But, as you mentioned the grips don't seem to work too well. My ds felt like they were "in the way" so he would push it way to the top of his pencil! Maybe we'll have to splurge on the Ferbys!
Here's a question though. I'm not familiar with the Waldorf method so bare with me...
I notice the pencils are all colored. Does that mean you use them for art, coloring purposes only? What about written work? Sorry if this is a silly question!

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Becky
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SuzanneG
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Posted: Aug 07 2007 at 3:20pm \| IP Logged

Becky Parker wrote:

I notice the pencils are all colored. Does that mean you use them for art, coloring purposes only? What about written work?

I'm not sure of that answer either, Waldorf-wise.

There ARE "graphite pencils" (Easy Learner and Super Ferby) , but they are only slightly less expensive (.05

)than the colored ones, and my kids prefer color. So, they will use these for everything, until I find out otherwise or find something less expensive.

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Suzanne in ID
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Elizabeth
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Posted: Aug 07 2007 at 3:36pm \| IP Logged

SuzanneG wrote:

Becky Parker wrote:

I notice the pencils are all colored. Does that mean you use them for art, coloring purposes only? What about written work?

I'm not sure of that answer either, Waldorf-wise.

Waldorf-wise, colored pencils are encouraged for written work as well as art.

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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)

Becky Parker
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Posted: Aug 08 2007 at 3:01pm \| IP Logged

Thanks for the info! My "crafty" dd would love to do everything in color. It might take her quite a while though. I'm picturing "rainbow" everything!!

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Becky
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Academy Of The Good Shepherd

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