The tripod grip uses three fingers: the thumb, index and middle finger. This is a functional grasp which is essential for holding a pencil as well as other activities like fastening buttons. Most children will learn how to write with a tripod grip as it suites the structure of their hands, but many children adopt an alternative grip, which can prevent proper writing styles.
We know you want to do all you can to help your children on their learning journey – so it makes sense to be informed about our writing products and how and why to use them. Below you’ll find the questions our customers most often ask us, but if you have any further questions please drop us a line at hello@lovewritingco.com
What is a tripod grip?
How to encourage tripod grip?
Before practising, it is important children use a shorter pencil as it means they can’t squeeze on unnecessary fingers. Our pencils have been specifically designed to be the right length for control and balance, with a wider diameter and hexagonal shape to encourage the correct tripod grip. Parents can try using the ‘pinch and flip’ method: simply lay the pencil with the point facing the child’s hand, when they pick it up just above the pencil’s point, the pencil will rest in the skin between their thumb and index finger in the correct tripod position. Use a variety of writing activities to make writing fun as children will be more likely to practice. Our books include sections which show how to use the tripod grip, designed with a variety of fun activities keep children engaged.
Do our pencils help left-handed children to write?
Yes, Love Writing Co. pencils are specially designed to suit both left and right handed children. Our pencils contain a softer core (2B) so the pencil moves smoothly across the page and reduce writing pressure which is important for left-handed children. They are also the correct length for little hands and have a wider diameter so they are easier to hold, with a hexagonal shape to encourage the correct tripod grip. For more tips on teaching left handed children read our blog post: Teaching Left-Handed Children How to Write.
What age group are your products suitable for?
Our product range is suitable for ages 3 to 9-years-old. Love Writing Co. pencils and activity books are split into ages 3 to 5 years and 6 to 9 years, with specifically designed age-appropriate activities and exercises to help your child through each of their writing development stages.
Do your books teach precursive or cursive writing?
Our Ages 3-5 Handwriting and Alphabet Practice Books teach precursive writing, whilst our Ages 6-9 Handwriting and Alphabet Practice Books help children learn cursive writing. Learning cursive writing is important once children are at the correct stage because it activate different parts of the brain than printing and is good for their fine motor skills.
If someone chooses to use mineral oil, when and how is the best way to apply it?
Mineral oil is a natural by-product of petroleum. It’s created when petroleum is distilled to become gasoline (yep, the stuff you put in the ol’ gas tank). It’s the same stuff as “petroleum jelly,” which has been a mainstay in U.S. homes for many years by way of creams and lotions, as well as Vaseline and baby oil.
Do our books follow the national curriculum?
Yes, our books are designed in line with the most recent national curriculum and have been created with the help of UK teaching professionals and Early Learning Educational Experts. Our activity books follow the curriculum with our own bespoke set of characters to make the learning experience more enjoyable. The books are based around activities which help children: develop hand muscle co-ordination, establish pencil control, learn letter and word formation, engage with phonics and build a solid writing foundation. Best of all these are activity books with stickers, with 35 reward stickers in each book to be precise!
Are our products sustainably sourced?
Yes, all of our products are sustainably sourced. At Love Writing Co., we are conscious of our carbon footprint and endeavour to create sustainable stationery and do what we can to be kind to our planet by only using paper, wood and materials that are fully FSC certified.
Do we deliver outside of the UK?
Yes, we deliver globally. All deliveries outside of the EU are sent "DAP" - Delivered at Place - as standard. This means that we arrange for carriage to the stated delivery address, but that the buyer remains responsible for all costs related to import clearance. For more information please visit our Deliveries and Returns Page.
What is our returns policy?
We offer free returns for UK customers only with RoyalMail. Please ensure that the product is unused and in the original packagingfor a return. Returns must be made within 14 days of purchase and include thereturns form in your package. We endeavour to work through any returns quicklybut please allow at least 5 working days for processing. For more informationplease visit our Deliveriesand Returns Page.
How does the subscription work?
The Love Writing Co. subscription service offers a monthly home learning pack for children aged 3-6 years. Subscription packs are sent out monthly with one pack a month per subscription. The pack includes fun-filled sheets and reward stickers with activities focusing on phonics, writing, pencil control and numeracy for just £6.49 a month. When you subscribe you also will receive an intro pack of 20 downloadable worksheets emailed to you to get you started. The cut off dates to receive your pack will be the last day of the month and 14th of each month. There are two release dates depending on when you subscribed: the 1st and 15th of each month and delivery will take approximately 7 working days. For more information please visit our Subscription Page.