Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Weighted Pencil How To

 Some students benefit from using a weighted pencil, all of the writing time or sometimes.  The extra weight gives a little extra proprioceptive input that alerts the student to the fact that s/he is holding something and gives them a bit extra information about where the pencil is, in their hand.
 Where did I buy those gummy grips???  Big Lots, of course!  Where did I get the right-size nuts for adding weight???  My shed, of course!
This photo would be better if the student's forearm was resting on the table surface, but the grip itself looks better than the grip he normally uses without the weighted pencil.
Be sure to use the student's favorite color gummy grip on the "lead" end of the pencil.  That way he'll be motivated to grasp that color with his thumb and first two fingers.
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6 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 17, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    You can also use plummer "O" Rings found in the sink repair aisle at Lowe's or Home Depot. They are little rubber type stoppers for the pencil and you can put them at both ends of the "weights."

    ReplyDelete
  2. Zee...May 5, 2014 at 12:11 AM

    Do you have any suggestions on helping a student rest his forearm on the table when writing? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole ChalmersMay 3, 2016 at 8:37 AM

      The OT at my school suggest putting the paper on a sloped surface like a binder. Thickest end at the top of the page.

      Delete
  3. School System Occupational Therapist in VirginiaMay 3, 2016 at 10:02 AM

    thanks Carole!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 8, 2016 at 12:12 PM

    how about adding a grip that is an eraser as well?

    ReplyDelete
  5. School System Occupational Therapist in VirginiaAugust 8, 2016 at 7:41 PM

    Sounds good; thx!

    ReplyDelete

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