Toddlers typically hold crayons in a fist-like grip, laying the crayon across their palm.
Toddler Crayon Grip Development
As toddlers develop, their motor skills evolve, impacting how they hold crayons.
The Early Fist Grip
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Description: Between the ages of 2 and 3, toddlers are developing better control over their arm muscles. When they first start using crayons, they often hold them in a fisted grip. This involves holding the crayon across their palm with a still-closed fist.
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Positioning: This type of grip means that the toddler’s arm is often slightly bent on the side, sometimes awkwardly raised a bit, with their thumb pointing downward.
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Result: This grip is quite different from how an older child or adult would hold a crayon and often leads to less precise coloring.
Development of Fine Motor Skills
While the fist grip is common early on, toddlers will eventually develop more refined ways to hold crayons as they improve their fine motor skills. This progression is gradual and varies from child to child.
