 Before your child starts writing letters or numbers, it's important for them to learn how to hold a pencil. Between the ages of 1 and 7, a child's writing ability goes through four stages. They start by holding a pencil with their fist and moving their whole arm to make marks. This works for scribbling, but not for making controlled lines. Next, they hold the pencil with their thumb and all four fingers, and then with the thumb and the first three fingers. Eventually, they learn to use their thumb and first two fingers only. This allows them to make small movements for more controlled lines. An easy way to help your child develop the skill is to break their crayons, pencils, or chalk into small pieces. Since the pieces are too small to hold with their fist, they will start using their thumb and fingers. This skill will prepare your child to make the controlled lines necessary to write letters and numbers.