School Days: The Pencil Grip, Inc.

I have a confession to make, and it's kind of a strange one. I love writing implements. I mean, I love
them. Pens, pencils, erasers...all different kinds, colors, and styles. I cannot get enough of them. My pencil case is bursting with them, with the zipper protesting as I try to close it. Even so, I don't think that I could stop collecting anytime that I wanted to, lol. For that reason alone, I was pretty happy to do a review for The Pencil Grip, Inc.. Our family received two products, the 3 Step Grip Development Training Kit , and the Ultra Safe Scissors for free, in exchange for my honest review.

As you can see from the photo above, there are three "Grips" in the pencil kit. The varied colors and designs are not simply for the aesthetic value. Each color represents one of three steps. Steps, you ask? What do you mean? Well, I'm glad you asked! Let me tell you about them.

The Green Grip is designed for children working on Step 1. This is the Crossover Grip, used in the training stage. It has what looks like a cute little superhero cape that rests over the child's fingers, to maintain correct positioning. You'll notice that with its design, it provides little to no room for smaller fingers to slip out of place.

Step 2, or , the Red Grip, is the transition grip, also called the Pinch Grip. The "cape" is diminished, but still has "wings" to allow the child to watch their grip, as well as maintain placement. There is slightly more room to wiggle.

Last but not least, is the Blue Grip, or The Pencil Grip Original. This is good for anyone and everyone. Once a child has mastered finger placement, this grip offers the ability to write in comfort, while still keeping finger placement in proper alignment. As an added bonus, all of these are both latex and phthalate free.

It's good to note that these are only suggested steps, you can choose which Grip feels the most comfortable to use.

Now, part two of our review products, The Ultra Safety Scissors.

Designed for ages 3 and up, these really are the ultimate safety scissors. Looking at the photo above, you'll notice a clear plastic shield that goes pretty much from blade to blade. This is designed to be permanent, and prevents your child from cutting themselves. There is a very thin opening, where paper is inserted to be cut. The blades are also blunt, and there is a small yellow spring. This spring is adjustable. You can move it down, so that it will automatically pop open after cutting, which is helpful for little ones just beginning to learn how to use their hands to open and close scissors. It can also lay flat, for those that have mastered this skill.

Our thoughts on both of these products:

Our household is past the preschool age, by about 10 years now, so my girls have established their pencil grip. But like me, they were happy to give them a try and offer their opinion. We started with the Pencil Grips.

The girls liked the soft, squishy texture, as well as the individual designs. Next came the actual pencil gripping. They used them in order, naturally, and liked the little cape.

They found the first grip awkward, and without the freedom to move their fingers, but that is the idea of its design- to keep new writers in proper position.

They found the second grip a little more comfy, and less restrictive.

Now the third one was the clear winner. The girls found it comfortable, but allows enough movement to feel unrestricted. I would add that I think the reason that they find the first two awkward are due to the fact that they are established in their pen and pencil gripping capabilities. These should be great with children that are learning the fine motor skills necessary in writing.

As for the Ultra Safety Scissors, the general thoughts are the same. These would be helpful for preschoolers learning to use those muscles needed to open and close scissors, and the adjustable spring allows for progression. It also prevents not only accidental clipping of fingers, but unfortunate haircuts, lol. That clear shield that protects also has a downsize however. It takes some solid fine motor skills to fit a piece of paper into that thin opening, and that could be a challenge.