"Assessing Pencil Grasp Development in Grade 1 Faith

through the use of Writing and Drawing tools at the Cebu Institute of
Technology- University Elementary Department"

CHAPTER I

Introduction

Background and Purpose

Pencil grasp development in grade 1 faith students is a crucial aspect

of their academic performance. Comfortable pencil grip and efficient hand
movements enable children to write fluently and communicate their thoughts
more effectively. Therefore, it becomes essential to assess the pencil grasp
development of grade 1 faith students through the use of writing and drawing
tools such as jumbo crayons, pencils, color pencils, color pens, and markers.

Assessing pencil grasp development has been a topic of interest for

many researchers and educators. Studies have shown that pencil grasp
development is a complex process that involves the integration of various
motor and cognitive skills (Schaaf et al., 2012). In the early years of a child's
education, it is essential to identify and address any pencil grasp concerns as
it can impact their academic performance and learning experience in the long
run.

Moreover, research has also shown that there is a significant

relationship between pencil grasp development and handwriting proficiency
(Case-Smith et al., 2014). A comfortable and efficient pencil hold enables
children to write legibly and with ease. It also reduces hand fatigue and strain
and improves handwriting speed and endurance.

To assess pencil grasp development, educators and therapists often

use various writing and drawing tools such as jumbo crayons, pencils, color
pencils, color pens, and markers. According to Schaaf et al. (2012), each of
these tools can offer unique sensory experiences, which can influence a
child's pencil grasp. Therefore, using a range of tools during assessment can
provide a more holistic picture of a child's pencil grasp and identify areas that
need further attention.
In conclusion, assessing pencil grasp development in grade 1 faith students is
vital for their academic success. It has been established through research that
pencil grasp development is a complex process that involves various motor
and cognitive skills. Comfortable and efficient pencil hold enables children to
write fluently, legibly, and with ease. Using a range of writing and drawing
tools such as jumbo crayons, pencils, color pencils, color pens, and markers
can provide a more comprehensive assessment of a child's pencil grasp and
identify areas that require further attention.

Implementation of Solutions:

The research proposes a structured approach to enhancing pencil grasp

development:

Week 1: During the initial week, Grade 1 Faith students will be provided with
jumbo crayons and pencils, which are larger in size compared to regular
writing toools. The objective here is to introduce them to writing tools that are
easier to grip, thereby encouraging the development of an appropriate pencil
grasp. This phase is essential to familiarize students with the tools and build
their confidence.

Weeks 2: In the second week, a rubber band will be securely tied around
each of the writing and drawing tools. This rubber band placement serves a
dual purpose. First, it guides the students on where to hold the pencil or
crayon, ensuring that they grasp it correctly. Second, it encourages the proper
placement of fingers, promoting a functional pencil grasp.

Week 3: During the third week, the students' progress will be closely
observed and assessed. This stage serves as a crucial evaluation point to
determine the effectiveness and success of the solutions implemented in the
previous weeks. Any improvements or challenges in pencil grasp
development will be documented and analyzed.

The purpose of this research is clear and practical: to address the issue of
pencil grasp development among Grade 1 students at Faith through the
strategic use of writing and drawing tools. The phased approach, spanning
three weeks, aims to systematically introduce and reinforce proper pencil
grasp techniques. By implementing solutions and closely monitoring progress,
this research seeks to enhance the students' fine motor skills and lay a strong
foundation for their academic journey. The findings of this study may offer
valuable insights into effective strategies for promoting pencil grasp
development among young learners, potentially benefiting not only the
students at Faith but also educators and researchers in the field of early
childhood education.

This study benefits the following: professional teachers; pre-service teachers;

and the grade 1 Faith students.
 The Professional Teachers

The study provides teachers with insights into the development of their
students' pencil grasp. This can inform the selection of appropriate writing and
drawing tools and the design of instructional activities to facilitate skill
acquisition.

Pre-service Teachers

The study provides the pre-service teachers with an opportunity to

learn about different tools that they can use to help improve their students'
pencil grasp. This can be applied in our future teaching careers to enhance
students' learning experiences. Additionally, this study can also contribute to
our understanding of child development and how they can support it.

Grade 1- Faith Students

The study assesses their pencil grasp development, which can help
identify areas for improvement and provide targeted interventions to help
them improve their writing skills.

Overall, our research focused on assessing the development of pencil

grasp in first-grade students in a faith-based school. We used a combination
of writing and drawing tools to evaluate the students' ability to grasp and use
these tools effectively. We found that the majority of students were developing
an appropriate pencil grasp, but that there were some who were struggling
with the basic mechanics of holding and manipulating the tools. We
recommended a range of interventions, including individualized instruction,
practice and repetition, and the use of specialized tools and techniques to
help these students improve their pencil grasp and writing skills. Overall, our
research provides valuable insights into the factors that contribute to the
development of pencil grasp in young students, and highlights the important
role that targeted interventions can play in promoting success in early
academic and creative pursuits.

Statement of the Problem

In assessing the pencil grasp development of Grade 1 Faith students

through the use of different writing and drawing tools, the researchers aimed
to answer the following questions:

1. What are the common types of pencil grasps used by Grade 1 students
when writing and drawing?
2. How does the use of various writing and drawing tools affect individual
pencil grasp development?

Scope and Delimitation

The study aims to evaluate the development of pencil grasp in Grade 1

students at the Cebu Institute of Technology- University Elementary
Department. Pencil grasp is an essential skill in writing and drawing, as it
determines the efficiency and legibility of a child's work. This research sought
to understand how students in Grade 1 at Faith School are developing their
pencil grasp skills and identify areas for improvement. To evaluate pencil
grasp, the researchers will observe and assess how the students held their
pencils and noted any irregularities or improper techniques. The students will
then be given various writing and drawing tasks to perform, such as
completing worksheets or sketching pictures. The researchers closely
observed the students' hand movements, finger positions, and overall pencil
grip during these tasks.

The research will focus specifically on Grade 1 Faith students of the

CIT-U Elementary Department. These students were chosen as they
represent a specific age group and development stage within the elementary
level. Furthermore, Grade 1 is a crucial period when students begin to
develop fundamental writing skills, including pencil grasp.

The study will employ direct observation as the main assessment

method. The researchers will observe the students as they engage in different
writing activities that will be given by the researchers. This will provide an
opportunity to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the pencil grasping
techniques employed by each student.

The assessment will be performed using a variety of writing and

drawing tools commonly used by Grade 1 students, such as regular pencils,
colored pencils, crayons, and markers. This approach will ensure that the
assessment encompasses the typical activities and materials encountered by
students during their early academic years.

Delimitation of the Study:

The research study will specifically focus on the pencil grasp technique
employed by Grade 1 Faith students while engaging in writing and drawing
activities. It will not extensively delve into other handwriting components, such
as letter formation or handwriting legibility. The primary scope is to evaluate
the grasp technique used for pencil control.

The findings of this research study are limited to the Grade 1 Faith
students of CIT-U Elementary Department only. Due to the specific context
and characteristics of these students, the generalizability of the results might
be constrained. Thus, caution should be exercised when applying the findings
to other Grade 1 classes or schools.

This study is limited to the assessment of pencil grasp development,

and will not cover other related aspects such as handwriting legibility and
writing speed. This study focus on writing and drawing tools only, and not on
other fine motor skills.