Welcome to the exciting world of early writing! As your little one grows, developing their fine motor skills and creative expression becomes paramount. One of the simplest yet most effective tools for this journey is the humble pencil. But not just any pencil will do! For toddlers, the right pencil can make all the difference – fostering confidence, encouraging proper grip, and ensuring a safe, mess-free experience.
At Oddblocks, we understand that choosing the perfect pencil for tiny hands can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the research for you, comparing countless options and diving deep into what makes a toddler pencil truly exceptional. We’ve considered safety, durability, ease of use, and, crucially, what other parents are saying.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of toddler pencils, from washable wonders to non-toxic essentials and those with triangular grips designed for budding artists. Get ready to find the ideal writing companion for your future author or artist!
Affiliate Link Disclosure – If you see a product you like and click through to buy it, I would genuinely appreciate it. I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It would mean a lot, thanks!
Table of Contents:
- (01) Our Top Picks for Best Toddler Pencils
- Quick Comparison Chart
- (02) Detailed Reviews of the Best Toddler Pencils
- Product 1: Faber-Castell Jumbo Grip Pencils
- Product 2: Crayola My First Jumbo Washable Crayons & Pencils
- Product 3: LYRA Groove Triple One 3-in-1 Pencils
- Product 4: Melissa & Doug Triangular Jumbo Pencils
- Product 5: Staedtler Noris Ergosoft Jumbo Pencils
- (03) Toddler Pencil Buying Guide: What to Look For
- The Importance of Grip: Triangular, Jumbo, and Ergonomic Designs
- Non-Toxic & Washable: Safety and Cleanup Made Easy
- Durability and Break Resistance
- Lead Type and Smoothness
- Erasable vs. Non-Erasable: Which is Best?
- Age Appropriateness: When to Introduce Pencils
- (04) Benefits of Using Pencils for Toddlers
- (05) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- (06) Conclusion: Empowering Little Hands
1. Our Top Picks for Best Toddler Pencils
Ready for a quick look? Here are our top recommendations, perfect for various needs and stages of toddler development.
| Product Name | Grip Type | Washable | Non-Toxic | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faber-Castell Jumbo Grip Pencils | Jumbo Triangular | No | Yes | Ergonomic Dots |
| Crayola My First Jumbo | Jumbo Round | Yes | Yes | Ultra-Washable |
| LYRA Groove Triple One | Jumbo Triangular | Yes | Yes | Crayon, Pencil, Watercolor in One |
| Melissa & Doug Triangular Jumbo | Jumbo Triangular | No | Yes | Durable, Vibrant |
| Staedtler Noris Ergosoft Jumbo | Jumbo Triangular | No | Yes | Soft Rubber Grip |
2. Detailed Reviews of the Best Toddler Pencils
Let’s dive deeper into why these pencils stand out and how they can benefit your little one.
Product 1: Faber-Castell Jumbo Grip Pencils
Key Features at a Glance:
- Grip Type: Jumbo, Triangular barrel with patented soft-grip zone (dots)
- Washable? No (standard pencil lead)
- Non-Toxic? Yes
- Recommended Age: 3+ years
- Pack Size: Varies (e.g., 5-pack, 10-pack)
- Lead Type: Soft, break-resistant graphite
- Erasable? Yes (standard eraser works)
Why We Love Them:
Faber-Castell is a name synonymous with quality art supplies, and their Jumbo Grip Pencils live up to the reputation. The jumbo size is ideal for small hands that are still developing dexterity, providing a comfortable hold that reduces fatigue. What truly sets these apart is the triangular barrel with soft ergonomic grip dots. This unique design guides toddlers towards a proper tripod grip naturally, without feeling restrictive. The lead is break-resistant, a godsend for enthusiastic young artists, and is of course non-toxic. While not washable, they are fantastic for dedicated drawing and writing practice on paper.
What Parents Love (Aggregated Amazon Feedback):
- “Perfect for tiny hands learning to grip!” Many parents praise the ergonomic design for improving their child’s pencil holding technique.
- “Durable – withstands drops and pressure.” The break-resistant lead and sturdy construction are frequently highlighted.
- “Smooth writing and vivid lines.” Kids enjoy the easy glide and clear marks these pencils make.
Considerations:
Not washable, so best for older toddlers who are less prone to drawing on walls or furniture.
Product 2: Crayola My First Jumbo Washable Crayons & Pencils
Key Features at a Glance:
- Grip Type: Jumbo, Round barrel
- Washable? YES! From skin, clothes, and painted walls.
- Non-Toxic? Yes
- Recommended Age: 1+ years (often paired with crayons)
- Pack Size: Varies (e.g., 8-pack, 12-pack)
- Lead Type: Soft, pigment-rich colored pencil
- Erasable? No (colored pencil)
Why We Love Them:
Crayola understands toddlers, and their My First Jumbo range is a testament to that. If washability is your top priority, look no further. These pencils deliver vibrant colors that easily wash off skin, clothing, and even most painted walls with just a little soap and water. The jumbo, chunky design is perfect for the youngest toddlers, providing an easy-to-grasp shape for developing motor skills. They are inherently non-toxic, making them safe for curious mouths. While they don’t have a triangular grip, their sheer size offers a comfortable hold for initial scribbling and coloring adventures.
What Parents Love (Aggregated Amazon Feedback):
- “Lifesaver for messy play!” The washability feature is consistently praised as a huge relief for parents.
- “Great for little hands just starting out.” The jumbo size and ease of use make them perfect for beginners.
- “Bright colors and durable.” Kids love the vibrant output, and parents appreciate that they don’t break easily.
Considerations:
Round barrel might not encourage a tripod grip as effectively as triangular options.
Product 3: LYRA Groove Triple One 3-in-1 Pencils
Key Features at a Glance:
- Grip Type: Jumbo, Triangular barrel with natural grip grooves
- Washable? Yes (can be used with water to create watercolor effects)
- Non-Toxic? Yes
- Recommended Age: 3+ years
- Pack Size: Varies (e.g., 6-pack, 12-pack)
- Lead Type: Thick, high-pigment crayon/colored pencil/watercolor lead
- Erasable? No (colored pencil/crayon)
Why We Love Them:
The LYRA Groove Triple One pencils are a true multi-tasker, functioning as a colored pencil, crayon, AND watercolor pencil! This versatility makes them an excellent investment for creative toddlers. Their jumbo triangular shape is expertly designed with natural grip grooves (the “Groove” in the name) that intuitively guide fingers into the correct position. The extra-thick, break-resistant lead means less frustration and more drawing time. Crucially, they are non-toxic and the colors are vibrant. The washable nature (especially when used with water) adds another layer of fun and easy cleanup.
What Parents Love (Aggregated Amazon Feedback):
- “The grooves really help with grip!” Parents frequently report an improvement in their child’s pencil holding technique.
- “Incredible versatility – like 3 art supplies in one.” The ability to use them as watercolors is a huge hit.
- “Super durable and great color payoff.” Praised for their robust design and rich, vibrant pigments.
Considerations:
Higher price point than basic pencils, but the 3-in-1 functionality can justify the cost.
Product 4: Melissa & Doug Triangular Jumbo Pencils
Key Features at a Glance:
- Grip Type: Jumbo, Triangular barrel
- Washable? No (standard colored pencil)
- Non-Toxic? Yes
- Recommended Age: 3+ years
- Pack Size: Varies (e.g., 10-pack, 24-pack)
- Lead Type: Thick, vibrant colored pencil
- Erasable? No (colored pencil)
Why We Love Them:
Melissa & Doug are known for their quality educational toys, and these jumbo triangular pencils are no exception. The triangular shape is specifically engineered to promote the correct tripod grip, a foundational skill for future writing. Their jumbo size fits comfortably in developing hands, making them easy to control and less fatiguing. The pencils boast vibrant colors that lay down smoothly, encouraging creativity. Like all good toddler art supplies, they are non-toxic and designed to be durable against the rigors of toddler use.
What Parents Love (Aggregated Amazon Feedback):
- “Excellent for grip development.” Many parents note how the triangular shape intuitively guides their child’s fingers.
- “Bright, true colors that kids love.” The pigment quality is highly rated.
- “Sturdy and long-lasting.” They stand up well to enthusiastic use.
Considerations:
Not washable, which might be a drawback for parents of particularly messy young artists.
Product 5: Staedtler Noris Ergosoft Jumbo Pencils
Key Features at a Glance:
- Grip Type: Jumbo, Triangular barrel with soft, anti-slip surface
- Washable? No (standard colored pencil)
- Non-Toxic? Yes
- Recommended Age: 3+ years
- Pack Size: Varies (e.g., 6-pack, 12-pack)
- Lead Type: Smooth, break-resistant colored pencil
- Erasable? No (colored pencil)
Why We Love Them:
Staedtler’s Noris Ergosoft Jumbo pencils bring an extra layer of comfort to the ergonomic design. They feature a jumbo triangular barrel that naturally supports the correct grip, but what makes them special is the soft, anti-slip surface. This velvety coating provides a secure and comfortable hold, preventing slippage and making them even easier for small hands to manage. The lead is incredibly break-resistant and offers a smooth, vibrant color payoff. Naturally, they are non-toxic and designed for reliable performance, making them a fantastic choice for encouraging early drawing and coloring skills.
What Parents Love (Aggregated Amazon Feedback):
- “The soft grip is amazing for comfort and control.” Parents rave about the unique feel and how it helps their child maintain a good grip.
- “Very durable and the colors are beautiful.” High marks for quality and vibrancy.
- “Great for kids with developing motor skills.” The design genuinely aids in better pencil holding.
Considerations:
Similar to other colored pencils, these are not designed to be washable.
3. Toddler Pencil Buying Guide: What to Look For
Choosing the “best” toddler pencil isn’t about finding a single perfect product, but rather finding the right product for your child’s developmental stage and your family’s needs. Here’s what to prioritize:
The Importance of Grip: Triangular, Jumbo, and Ergonomic Designs
The most crucial factor for toddler pencils is how well they facilitate a proper grip. This impacts comfort, control, and ultimately, a child’s confidence in drawing and writing.
- Jumbo Size: Toddlers have small hands and undeveloped fine motor skills. Jumbo pencils are thicker and shorter than standard pencils, making them much easier to grasp and manipulate. They provide a larger surface area for little fingers to hold onto, reducing strain and frustration.
- Triangular Grip Pencils: This specific shape is a game-changer. Triangular grip pencils naturally guide a child’s fingers into the “tripod grip” – where the thumb, index, and middle fingers work together. This is the foundation for efficient and comfortable writing later on. Many feature slight indentations or grooves along the sides to further enhance this natural positioning.
- Ergonomic Features: Beyond just the shape, look for pencils with added ergonomic benefits like soft-grip zones (like the Faber-Castell dots) or anti-slip surfaces (like the Staedtler Ergosoft). These features further enhance comfort and prevent fingers from sliding, leading to better control.
Non-Toxic & Washable: Safety and Cleanup Made Easy
Toddlers explore with all their senses, and that often means putting things in their mouths or getting creative on unexpected surfaces.
- Non-Toxic: This is a non-negotiable safety feature. Always ensure any art supplies for toddlers are clearly labeled “non-toxic.” This guarantees they are safe if accidentally ingested or chewed on.
- Washable Pencils for Toddlers: For younger artists, washable pencils are a sanity-saver! These pencils are specifically formulated so their marks easily wash off skin, most fabrics, and painted walls with just water and a little soap. This feature dramatically reduces stress during creative playtime.
Durability and Break Resistance
Toddlers can be enthusiastic! Pencils will be dropped, pressed hard, and generally put through their paces.
- Break-Resistant Lead: Look for pencils with break-resistant lead. This prevents constant sharpening and frustration, allowing your child to focus on drawing rather than broken tips. Many quality jumbo pencils are designed with thicker leads for this very reason.
- Sturdy Barrel: The pencil barrel itself should be robust enough to withstand drops and pressure without cracking or splintering.
Lead Type and Smoothness
- Soft Lead: Toddlers don’t have the same hand strength as older children. Pencils with a softer lead (often marked ‘B’ for blackness, or simply described as ‘soft’) require less pressure to make a mark, reducing effort and encouraging engagement.
- Smooth Application: A smooth-gliding pencil provides immediate gratification and prevents tearing paper, making the drawing experience more enjoyable.
Erasable vs. Non-Erasable: Which is Best?
- Erasable Pencils: For early writing practice, especially when forming letters and numbers, erasable pencils (typically graphite) can be beneficial. They allow for corrections and reduce the fear of making “mistakes,” encouraging experimentation.
- Non-Erasable (Colored Pencils/Crayons): For pure creative drawing and coloring, non-erasable colored pencils or crayon-pencils are fantastic. The focus here is on expression rather than perfection.
Age Appropriateness: When to Introduce Pencils
- 12-18 Months: Focus on chunky, round crayons (like palm-grip crayons) for scribbling.
- 18-24 Months: Introduce jumbo, round washable pencils or larger crayons. The goal is free exploration and mark-making.
- 2-3 Years: This is an ideal time to introduce jumbo triangular grip pencils. Focus on developing the proper grip and hand-eye coordination through drawing, coloring, and simple lines. Washable options are still highly recommended.
- 3-4 Years+: As fine motor skills improve, children can transition to slightly smaller triangular grip graphite pencils for pre-writing activities like tracing and forming basic letters.
4. Benefits of Using Pencils for Toddlers
- Develops Fine Motor Skills: Holding and manipulating a pencil strengthens the small muscles in the hands and fingers, essential for dressing, eating, and eventually, writing.
- Promotes Proper Grip: Specially designed toddler pencils help establish the correct tripod grip, which is crucial for comfortable and efficient handwriting later on.
- Boosts Hand-Eye Coordination: Drawing and coloring require children to coordinate what their eyes see with what their hands do, enhancing this vital skill.
- Encourages Creativity and Self-Expression: Pencils are a fantastic outlet for toddlers to express their ideas, emotions, and imagination.
- Prepares for School: Early exposure to pencils and drawing builds confidence and familiarity with tools they’ll use extensively in preschool and kindergarten.
- Enhances Concentration and Focus: Engaging in drawing activities can help toddlers develop longer attention spans.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: At what age should a toddler start using pencils?
A1: You can introduce jumbo, easy-to-grip pencils as early as 18 months for free scribbling. For focused grip development with triangular pencils, 2-3 years is an excellent time. - Q2: What is the difference between jumbo and standard pencils?
A2: Jumbo pencils are significantly thicker and often shorter than standard pencils. This larger barrel makes them much easier for small hands with developing fine motor skills to grasp and control, reducing hand fatigue. - Q3: Why is a triangular grip important for toddlers?
A3: A triangular grip naturally encourages the development of the “tripod grip,” which is the most efficient and ergonomic way to hold a pencil for writing. It helps prevent awkward or fatiguing grip habits from forming. - Q4: Are all “non-toxic” pencils safe if my toddler chews on them?
A4: “Non-toxic” means the materials used (lead, paint, wood) are not poisonous. While generally safe if accidentally ingested in small amounts, it’s always best to discourage chewing on pencils for hygiene and to prevent splintering of wood. - Q5: My toddler presses really hard and breaks pencil tips constantly. What can I do?
A5: This is very common! Look for pencils with break-resistant lead (most jumbo pencils have this). Also, encourage a lighter touch by emphasizing the smooth glide of the pencil on paper rather than the force needed. - Q6: Can I use colored pencils or should I stick to graphite for early writing?
A6: For pure drawing and coloring, colored pencils are fantastic! For early writing practice (like tracing letters), graphite pencils (especially erasable ones) can be helpful as they allow for corrections. Many jumbo pencils come in both graphite and colored versions.
6. Conclusion: Empowering Little Hands
Choosing the right pencil for your toddler is a small decision that can have a big impact on their early development and love for learning. By prioritizing jumbo size, triangular or ergonomic grips, and essential features like non-toxic materials and washability, you’re setting your child up for success.
Our top picks, from the ergonomic Faber-Castell Jumbo Grip to the ultra-washable Crayola My First Jumbo and the versatile LYRA Groove Triple One, all offer unique benefits tailored for little hands.
Invest in quality tools that make the learning process fun, safe, and encouraging. Watch as your little one’s fine motor skills flourish, their creativity blossoms, and their confidence grows, one scribble and stroke at a time!
***
For first-time writers — you need a thick-grip pencil with the right kind of “led” that won’t roll of the workstation.
Having the right writing tool for the job makes it that much easier — penciling the ABCs, crunching the 123s, and developing my very own handwriting style…
Make one of these writer’s pencils (designed specifically for young children) unlock “The Literate Child’s Pencil & Paper Superpowers”.
Affiliate Link Disclosure – If you see a product you like and click through to buy it, I would genuinely appreciate it. I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It would mean a lot, thanks!
Best Writing Pencil for Toddlers (2-5 Years Old)
- (01) Channie’s “My First Pencil” Easy-to-Hold Pencil + Sharpener Pack
- (02) Koala Tools “Bear Claw” Thick Triangular Toddler-Friendly Pencils
- (03) STEAMFLO Jumbo Pencils for Toddlers and Kids (Triangle Shape)
- (04) Pencil Buddies Short Fat Toddler Pencils for Beginners with Sharpener
- (05) Mammoth “Made in USA” Jumbo Preschooler American Standard Pencil Pack
- (06) TICONDEROGA “My First Tri-Write” Neon Triangular Kids Pencil with Eraser Tip
- (07) BSIRI Natural Tree Bark Graphite Twig Pencils Kids Sensory Pencil
- (08) Party Pieces Co. Eco Friendly “Natural Branch” Twig Pencil Pack
- (09) Paper Mate Toddler-Friendly Triangular Mechanical Pencil with Lead and Eraser Refills
- (10) Lyra Beginner’s Tri-Grip German Design Kindergarten Sketch Pencil
- (11) BIC Kids Developmental Mechanical Pencil with Blue or Pink Barrel
- (12) PRANG “Chunky-Safe” Jumbo Colored Pencils for Early Years
- (13) AUTEMOJO Short Triangular Pencils for Writing Learners (Eraser + Sharpener)
- (14) TICONDEROGA “My First Pencils” Pre-Sharpened Round School Pencil with Eraser Tip
(01) Channie’s “My First Pencil” Easy-to-Hold Pencil + Sharpener Pack
The supplier channie’s offers two types of pencil packs very appropriate for the beginning of writing, suitable for children between 3 and 7 years old. First, they have a pack with 5 thick pencils, handmade, smaller in size than conventional pencils, and with a cylindrical shape (4.7” long and 0.5” in diameter), weighing 5 oz each, to help the child to have a better control of his hand when writing. Thick pencils offer the advantage of easier grip, because children need items that fit their small hands. The thicker the pencil, the easier it is for them to grip, the thinner the pencil, the more they tend to use their whole hand and not their fingers to write. This kit comes with a pencil sharpener and the tip of each pencil is 2B graphite, which allows them to create thick, dark lines. Its labeling design is of panda bear figurines.
The second pack contains 2 kits with 5 hexagonal pencils each, a total of 10 pencils, measuring 4 inches long, which allows the little ones to have a better control of the grip when writing. Due to its shape, it helps to place the fingers in the correct position for writing. The graphite tip allows for a thick, dark line. Unlike the previous model, the pencil sharpener is not included, but traditional cylindrical pencil sharpeners will fit.
(02) Koala Tools “Bear Claw” Thick Triangular Toddler-Friendly Pencils
If you are looking for a triangular shaped pencil with a thick 2B graphite tip, the Koala Tools pencil is a very good choice. As it has a thicker tip 0.354 inches, it allows you to make darker strokes without exerting pressure, and this aspect is very important, especially in children who tend to sharpen more and exert pressure on hand and arm thinking that this can make them draw better.
Also, as it is triangular in shape, it allows the grip to be more comfortable, and this facilitates the elaboration of letters and drawings. This set includes 6 pre-sharpened pencils, and each one is 6.5 inches long, slightly shorter than traditional pencils, but better designed to facilitate writing.
(03) STEAMFLO Jumbo Pencils for Toddlers and Kids (Triangle Shape)
The thicker the pencil, the more comfortable the grip for small children at the beginning of the strokes and the less effort to make a dark line. This brand has created a pencil 50% thicker than the traditional one, with a 10mm diameter and a 3mm tip (type 6B). The shape is triangular, which allows a correct posture of the fingers, and the wood is ecological and easy to sharpen. It comes in a pack of 12 units, and includes blank and downloadable worksheets for printing, with plenty of strokes for the little ones to practice letters and lines.
(04) Pencil Buddies Short Fat Toddler Pencils for Beginners with Sharpener
This type of pencils (number 2) are suitable for children between 2 and 4 years old, because they are half the length of conventional pencils (3.5 inches), with a triangular shape, a 0.197 inch graphite core and a light ecological wood that is easy to sharpen. They are perfect for initiating children into the world of drawing. These characteristics allow the child to feel comfortable while writing, without exerting effort that could cause fatigue.
The set includes 8 units and a pencil sharpener. This model does not include an eraser at the end of the pencil.
(05) Mammoth “Made in USA” Jumbo Preschooler American Standard Pencil Pack
Mammoth pencils are super break resistant. They have a smooth finish, with cedar wood harvested in sustainable forests and manufactured in the United States.
It is a perfect choice for young children because they are thick, making them easier to grip, and no pressure is exerted at the time of the stroke. Its graphite tip is size 2, and the set includes 12 units. It includes an eraser at the other end.
(06) TICONDEROGA “My First Tri-Write” Neon Triangular Kids Pencil with Eraser Tip
This brand has manufactured graphite pencils with very intense neon-colored designs, which tend to attract the attention of children very quickly. The tip is with graphite core number 2, and have PMA certificate of non-toxicity.
It comes with a set of 12 neon colored pencils, and its triangular shape makes it a perfect choice to improve the grip and posture of children’s little hands. They come pre-sharpened and with a neon colored eraser.
(07) BSIRI Natural Tree Bark Graphite Twig Pencils Kids Sensory Pencil
BSIRI on Amazon (Graphite, Colors)
It’s available as bark-on graphite pencils. A unique graphite pencil model, made with rustic birch wood (natural tree branches), no two pieces are alike. Its finish is rough, and it is very resistant to breakage. Measuring 5 inches in length, it is a great choice as a party favor, or as a decoration in a child’s room.
They are certainly not designed to improve the grip, or generate a particular stroke, but rather as an object of play, contact, and curiosity for children. Seeing two pencils with the same color of graphite, but different in shape (some more twisted than others) generates a lot of curiosity. The set includes 12 pencils.
It’s available as bark-on colored pencils. The same firm bets for the design of rustic pencils, but with colored tips. Each pencil measures 3 inches long and includes 12 different colors in the set. To be able to differentiate each color, it will be enough to see the tips, because its outer layer is made of natural rustic wood. Like the previous ones, each unit is unique in its shape, some more twisted and others more straight because they are made with real branches.
Perfect as decorative elements in the children’s room, or as a gift at the end of the holidays. They can paint with them, but they do not have a shape that facilitates the grip. They will be very curious to see the designs and the tips with a variety of colors.
(08) Party Pieces Co. Eco Friendly “Natural Branch” Twig Pencil Pack
The set of Twig brand also bets on the manufacture of pencils with a natural rustic look. They are handmade and include 10 pencils with different colors. It is an ecological product, which cares for the environment and is made from natural wood branches.
It is an ideal choice as a children’s room decoration, as a birthday gift, and as an object of discovery and comparison versus traditional pencils among young children. Because they are uniquely shaped, no two are alike. They look rustic to the touch, for painting for a while, not as a way to improve the shape of the stroke or grip.
(09) Paper Mate Toddler-Friendly Triangular Mechanical Pencil with Lead and Eraser Refills
Mechanical pencils are a good option if you don’t want to be sharpening the tip of a wooden pencil every time. This particular design from Paper mate is specifically for young children, it is triangular in shape, has a 1.3mm thick lead reservoir to prevent breakage, and a removable eraser included. It comes with a set of 5 mechanical pencils of different colors, a pack of 1.3mm leads, and two refill erasers.
Knowing that the triangular shape is very good for improving grip for young children, do not hesitate to offer this automatic graphite tip option to children.
(10) Lyra Beginner’s Tri-Grip German Design Kindergarten Sketch Pencil
These super thick wooden pencils are suitable for preschool children. The thicker the pencil, the easier and simpler it is for the child to hold and draw.
They measure 4.5 inches long, being much shorter than traditional pencils to facilitate balance in small hands. They have a triangular shape and the set includes 6 units. They are very light in weight despite being thick, about 0.16 ounces.
(11) BIC Kids Developmental Mechanical Pencil with Blue or Pink Barrel
This mechanical pencil is very functional and original for children from 4 years old. It is designed by teachers, who have taken care of the details so that the shape and comfort in the grip for writing are the main advantages. It has a shape with guide lines for a correct placement of the fingers, which makes the grip perfect from the beginning. Its design makes it suitable for both left and right-handed users, and it comes with 6 lead refills with a thickness of 1.3mm, as well as a large eraser.
It is made of highly break-resistant plastic and comes in a single blue color. Units included (1).
(12) PRANG “Chunky-Safe” Jumbo Colored Pencils for Early Years
During the early years, the little ones prefer fun colors over “regular graphite led”.
So far they are the only safe pencils that can be suitable for babies (from 12 months of age). They have an ergonomic, thick, medium to soft tip design, come in a set with 6 units in different colors (black, brown, green, yellow, red and blue), and visually inspire the child to practice fine motor skills with grasping and drawing intent.
It has a rounded plastic tip edge to facilitate safety between the pencil and the child, and includes a pencil sharpener for this design.
(13) AUTEMOJO Short Triangular Pencils for Writing Learners (Eraser + Sharpener)
This wooden pencil set has a very ergonomic triangular design, very soft to the touch and suitable for young children from 3 years old. Each pencil has a thickness of 0.39 inches and its graphite tip is number 2B (0.14 inches). Includes 7 pencils made of poplar, a double pencil sharpener for 0.315 inch pencils and 0.394 inch pencils, and a medium-sized eraser.
Being triangular and thick format, they improve grip and drawing skills in the smallest of the house.
(14) TICONDEROGA “My First Pencils” Pre-Sharpened Round School Pencil with Eraser Tip
This premium and sustainable wooden pencil set has a large diameter being 13 inches, which facilitates drawing in small children and minimal impact on graphite breakage. Its core belongs to the size 2, allowing a dark drawing without effort, and its triangular shape favors the grip for a more comfortable stroke without pressure on the hands and paper.
Included are 12 pencils with extra large latex-free eraser and a double pencil sharpener of the same thickness as the pencils. Can be used by children from 4 years old.
Why are so many toddler pencils a “Triangular” in shape?
Based on the fact that a pencil should be grasped with three fingers (thumb, index and middle finger), triangular pencils were created to facilitate the grip, and to teach children the posture of the fingers for writing. A triangular pencil is a pencil with three sides. It has the same shape as an equilateral triangle, but it is not necessarily made of triangles; imagine a cylindrical pencil, but cut on three sides with a thin tip, simulating a triangle, so are the basic triangular pencils, which of course on its opposite side have an integrated eraser, like the traditional ones.
The main advantage and functionality of triangular pencils in children is that each finger will have an identifiable contact area to the touch and they are usually larger, this allows a better grip, favors the ergonomics of his little hand, and therefore, allows writing without exerting so much pressure between the hand and the pencil.
There are many types of triangular pencils. The most common is the standard triangle, as I have described, but there are other variations, such as the hexagonal pencil (six sides), the pentagonal pencil (five sides) and the octagonal pencil (eight sides).
After many studies in children’s schools in various parts of the world, they were able to conclude that 60% of the children in the total class did not have a correct grip on the pencil, and one of the influential factors was that they used the traditional cylindrical pencil. When compared to children who were offered triangular pencils, there is a higher level and ease of grip to improve fine motor skills through hand coordination and writing.
Should I get a “Pencil Grip”?
Triangular or grip pencils are elements that allow us to teach children a correct posture and grip when they start writing. It is one more element among the tools available today to improve children’s motor skills and enhance their fine motor skills. Therefore, it is not an obligation to offer it to the child or to demand it in their early childhood education school as an indispensable tool. It is true that information is power, and if there are benefits described in this type of material, it will not hurt the children. For something, there are plenty of models and sizes to select the most suitable for our children. The best tool we have as parents is constant observation, and if we see that when we offer a traditional pencil, it is difficult for him to hold it, he does not get used to it, or he gets tired when trying to write because of the pressure he exerts with his hand, then let’s offer this type of material and see how the child evolves.
How to sharpen “Thick Pencils”?
Grip pencils and triangular pencils are sharpened just like any traditional cylindrical pencil. In fact, triangular pencils, despite their shape, are sharpened in the same sharpener as conventional pencils. The only difference is that if we choose thicker pencils, we must have a pencil sharpener with a larger hole, usually associated with the first purchase of such models.
It is normal for our children to be curious to see how pencils are sharpened, since they are constantly watching us, and even more so if we are introducing them to a new element. Although pencil sharpeners may have a certain degree of danger due to the blades and their fine little fingers, try to choose a pencil sharpener with a reservoir, so that we can offer it to the children with more peace of mind, and explain the sharpening process to them. Don’t be afraid to introduce these tools to children, they teach us lessons every day, and I am sure they will be very excited if we integrate them into the process of sharpening pencils for writing. Any new process requires supervision, calm and patience with the little ones in the house.
