Fingers and Pillows

Let me explain. I just introduced a new song to the children (in both sessions) and it is called Fingers and Pillows. It is a great way to help children learn how to use the tripod hold when they are using a writing utensil. It can be implemented at home as well. All you need are your hands, a cotton ball (the pillow) and a writing utensil....and paper of course! 
It takes a lot of practice and fine motor skills to get the tripod grasp. Don't worry if your child doesn't get it right away. And don't feel pressured to do this at home; sometimes children resist doing any "work" at home. If you make it fun and playful and not a task, that often makes children more eager to participate. 

If you hear your child singing this song, then you will understand what it is about! Here are the words to the song:

Fingers and Pillows

By Marianne Gibbs, EdD, OTR/L (http://www.writeoutofthebox.com/home.html)

(sung to the tune of Oh my Darlin’)

I have two hands with ten fingers – I have five on each hand

First is Thumbkin, then Pointer, then the tall one, Middleman.

These 3 are special, they are busy, and they love to play

They play with toys and hold a pencil in just the right way.

Next is Ringman and Pinky – they are sleepy little ones

They hug a pillow and stay sleeping so the busy fingers

can have fun!

(Visit http://www.writeoutofthebox.com/home.html for more ideas on fine motor skills to use at home!)

Here we are practicing it during group time:

We have our pillows and markers ready to go.

There is the tripod hold we are aiming for!
(I like the excited one in the back....yawn,
what's all the fuss about holding the marker
a certain way....)