06/14/2025
✍️Static v. dynamic tripod grasp: know the difference!
🤔You will often hear occupational therapists use these terms when talking about your child’s grasp. But what the heck does this lingo mean?!
⭐️Static Tripod Grasps are developmentally seen in kiddos 3 to 4 years old. A Static Tripod Grasp is when a kiddo holds a pencil with their thumb, index finger, and middle finger. But, their fingers do not move in order to move the pencil around. Kids who use static tripod grasps will often hold their arm in the air, rather than resting it on the table. This causes the child to often fatigue faster because they are using their whole arm to write! The best way to help support kiddos to use static tripod grasps at this age, is hand, shoulder, and core strengthening.
⭐️So on the other hand, a Dynamic Tripod Grasps are developmentally seen in kiddos between 4-6 years old. This method of writing is best for writing accuracy and endurance. A dynamic tripod grasp is when a kiddo moves their thumb, index finger, and middle finger in order to move a pencil around the paper. Kiddos will generally rest their arm on the table.
🗣️Don’t ever hesitate to ask your occupational therapist at InGym what terminology means! We want parents to have the education and tools to support their kids at home and in the community!
