The latest fad in our class is to use a pencil grip. They come in a variety of shapes and colors and the kids LOVE them. Today, I saw a student shaking his hand in the middle of cursive writing practice.

Mrs. B: What are you doing?

Joey: My hand hurts.

Mrs. B: Well, you're holding your pencil too tightly. Your poor pencil can't breathe...stop choking it.

Joey: I'm not. (pointing to his grip) See, he has his little collar on.