Develop a habit of noticing and responding to pen hold
Help children learn to check and adjust their grip independently.
Display to support more efficient and comfortable handwriting habits.
A Simple, Effective Visual Resource
Enhance your teaching and guidance with these appealing Pen Hold Posters and accompanying notes. Suitable for classroom and home use, they signal clear visual cues to support awareness of pen hold and self-correction. Left- and right-handed examples show efficient holds that provide stability while allowing finger movement, supporting comfortable, controlled handwriting. Designed to complement explicit teaching, this practical resource helps children develop effective writing habits over time. See Better Handwritten's Pen Hold Course for in-depth training, including live access to support.
Nicky Parr - Founder
Hello there, I’m Nicky Parr, founder of Better Handwritten, with over 30 years’ experience teaching handwriting. My journey accelerated in the early 2000s when my son (Jack) was assessed as having Developmental Co-ordination Disorder. Working alongside occupational therapists, I learned how foundational pen hold is to handwriting success. Changing from a fist grip to a tripod hold began Jack's transformation from a resistant writer to a confident one who enjoyed anchoring his thoughts and ideas to the page. Since then, I’ve supported many children and adults to adapt inefficient and uncomfortable pen holds. The Pen Hold Posters are designed to complement explicit teaching in a simple, supportive way, both in the classroom and at home.
Before and After...
Transformation is possible - see for yourself!
'Ned's attitude to handwriting along with his progression has been transformational. We are grateful for the impact you have had.'
Parent
'I'm practising each day and it's definitely getting easier!'
Teacher
Charlie's handwriting was very difficult to read. He didn’t see himself as a writer and his sisters would point out that they couldn’t read his writing. He also mentioned his hand ached after a period of writing. He says his new grip's really comfy. From what I can see he's not going back to his old grip at all! I’m not sure I would have realised Charlie's pen hold was contributing to the presentation of his handwriting. Parents and carers may not realise. I know Charlie’s teachers hadn’t done anything to help him to correct it and I’m not sure as to the reasons why. Perhaps they didn’t realise they can, perhaps they thought it would change as he gets older or perhaps they just didn’t know how to help him.
Parent
'I'm still surprised at how easy it was - he doesn't need reminding any more, even after a week off. I'II definitely persevere with children more at school now that I've seen the impact. You were absolutely right - little and often!'
Parent
'My old grip was so uncomfortable. I still find it hard to believe I went all through school and university not realising it was something I could change... or how easy it would be!'
Teacher
'My pen hold was NOT comfy! It really hurt the side of my hand.'
Student
'Ned's attitude to handwriting along with his progression has been transformational. We are grateful for the impact you have had.'
Parent
Charlie's handwriting was very difficult to read. He didn’t see himself as a writer and his sisters would point out that they couldn’t read his writing. He also mentioned his hand ached after a period of writing. He says his new grip's really comfy. From what I can see he's not going back to his old grip at all! I’m not sure I would have realised Charlie's pen hold was contributing to the presentation of his handwriting. Parents and carers may not realise. I know Charlie’s teachers hadn’t done anything to help him to correct it and I’m not sure as to the reasons why. Perhaps they didn’t realise they can, perhaps they thought it would change as he gets older or perhaps they just didn’t know how to help him.
Parent
'My old grip was so uncomfortable. I still find it hard to believe I went all through school and university not realising it was something I could change... or how easy it would be!'
Teacher
'I'm practising each day and it's definitely getting easier!'
Teacher
'I'm still surprised at how easy it was - he doesn't need reminding any more, even after a week off. I'II definitely persevere with children more at school now that I've seen the impact. You were absolutely right - little and often!'
Parent
'My pen hold was NOT comfy! It really hurt the side of my hand.'
Student
Download your Pen Hold Poster Set now!
Start raising pen awareness at school and at home today.
£10.00