FM.F.46 HOLDS A CRAYON

Here we are concerned with an adaptive hold – that is, a hold with one end of the crayon up, and one end down, ready to draw. If your child attempted to imitate scribble in FM.F.40, but did not mark the paper, it was probably because he was not holding the crayon at the correct angle to the paper.

You can assess and teach this skill at the same time as FM.F.47 (marks paper with a crayon).

How to Assess

Materials: Paper and a thick crayon.

Method: Demonstrate drawing, then hand the crayon to your child,

Score plus if your child holds the crayon with one end up and the other end down, in a position which allows him to draw.

How to Teach

Teach at the same time as FM.F.47.

When your child picks up a crayon, tilt his hand from the wrist as you help him to mark the paper. Make your support lighter and lighter as he gets the idea.

Note that some children hold their crayons with their little fingers closest to the paper, while some prefer to have their thumbs closest. Use whichever method seems most comfortable for your child.

If he is just learning to scribble, your child will probably use all his fingers to clasp the crayon against his palm. This is quite acceptable. It may be a year or more before he masters holding his crayon away from his palm with his fingers.