Grip pattern development in early writers: A study of Flip Crayons

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Flip Crayons, developed by Handwriting Without Tears, on grip pattern development, variability of grip and tracing accuracy within 4-year-olds. Thirty-nine participants from California and Colorado, with and without identified disabilities, were tested in an pre-test/post-test format over an 8-week trial. Data were analyzed for grip development, variability of grip and tracing accuracy. Statistically significant differences between the treatment and control groups were noted at pre-test for grip selection. Variability of grip increased over the eight-week trial period for both groups. There was no statistically significant change in tracing accuracy. Based on the results, Flip Crayons do not make an impact on student grip development, variability of grip or tracing accuracy when provided within the classroom as the only writing implement. Further testing is appropriate to determine the use of Flip Crayons within the classroom.