I only ask because I helped out at playgroup the other day and some children were drawing crosses, circles and some almost writing their names. My dd aged 3.3 yr can't even hold a pencil properly she just puts her whole hand around it and scribbles.
I've tried with her today to get her to hold it properly but everytime she picks another up she just holds it the old way again. She can draw sort of circles and did a cross earlier but won't be shown anything very easily.
Had a paed appointment last week and her assesment of her was that she scored age 3 in most things except speech and motor neuron skills so what can I do to encourage her or should I just leave her to do it in her own time.
Should also say that although her speech has come on leaps and bounds over the last 6 weeks she chooses not to speak at all at playgroup or nursery. She will say what colour things are if they ask her but will not enter into conversation. They just can't suss her out at all.
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Behaviour/development
At what age do they develop a decent pencil grip?
longwaytogo · 30/04/2006 21:26
Its so down to the individual isn't it.
My dd has had good pencil control since i'd guess about 21/2, this is because imo she is quite particular about things especially involving fine motor skills. I'd sit and write words for her - she realised i was holding a pencil a certain way and so used to get really frustrated when she couldn't do the same and would always ask me to show her.
On the other hand, i'd say she took longer to develop her large motor skills, she was always a bit slow with pushing bikes and the little tikes cars around with her feet, when friends the same age were zipping around.
I'd say its a mix, of their likes and wants, and also the parents! Now i look back, i probably give dd a whole lot more attention when we are sitting down doing a puzzle or drawing together than i ever did, demonstrating how to ride a bike etc. Being in the garden = break for me to sit and watch her! 
Your questiona bout encouring her, or leaving her to do it in her own time. I think there is a happy medium there. Providing regular opportunity and support to practice those skills, but same time ensuring she doesn't feel to pressurised or bored of such activities. If one activity doesn't interest her, think of demonstrating those skills in another way.
Sometimes these assessment just scare people unnecessarily don't they.
Many 8mths old babies fail their hearing because they would rather look at something in front of them or out the window then to where the noise is behind them!
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