Six Months. It took six months of hand-over-hand and verbal cues. It took six months of Handi-writers, foam, and cotton balls tucked under her pinkie fingers. It took six intensive months (really 12 months, but only six were intensive) of practice with occupational therapists. It took six months of me reminding, nagging, and begging. It took six months for Isabelle to use a tripod grasp to hold a writing utensil. And as of today, she’s been using a “big girl grip” for a week straight! Her OT let her pick a prize, which was a very exciting way to celebrate this accomplishment. 😃
Isabelle played with her reward after eating some pizza for lunch.
I am a literacy consultant who focuses on writing workshop. I've been working with K-6 teachers and students since 2009. Prior to that, I was a fourth and fifth-grade teacher in New York City and Rhode Island.
I'm the author of Craft Moves (Stenhouse Publishers, 2016) and the co-author of Jump Into Writing (Zaner-Bloser, 2021), Welcome to Writing Workshop (Stenhouse Publishers, 2019), and Day By Day (Stenhouse, 2010).
I live in Central Pennsylvania with my husband and children. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, doing Pilates, cooking, baking, making ice cream, and reading novels.
View all posts by Stacey Shubitz
Wow! That was a lot of perseverance on everyone’s part. I’m sure there were moments of frustration along the way, but how nice to pause and celebrate together.
Many, many, many moments of frustration! Like everything, my daughter may be late to the party, but she always arrives in style (albeit on her own timeline).
Exciting news. Congratulations! You may let Isabelle know that even from a far away country I admire that she has followed the instructions, practiced and not given up.
Thanks Terje! One day I’ll tell her that as close as PA (Aileen, Janice, Karen, & Maria) and as far away as Estonia (you) she had people routing for her!
Hurray for Isabelle! She is one strong girl!! All of her experiences, difficulties, and successes can only lead to big achievements as she grows. I think you should have gotten a prize, too!
Raising Literate Humans 
Awesome!
That’s so special, Stacey. Hurrah for Isabelle!
Wow! That was a lot of perseverance on everyone’s part. I’m sure there were moments of frustration along the way, but how nice to pause and celebrate together.
Many, many, many moments of frustration! Like everything, my daughter may be late to the party, but she always arrives in style (albeit on her own timeline).
Isn’t amazing to watch our children blossom right in front of us!
Bida-boom!!!!!!
Question mark INSTEAD of an exclamation point!!!
Yay, Isabelle!! This is so fantastic and exciting! Way to go!
It feels so great to celebrate all the hard work that goes into reaching our goals. Congrats to both Isabelle and yourself.
How exciting! I know it takes a lot of hard work and frustration. Celebrating all the steps along the way is definitely the way to go.
Congratulations, little lady! Your hard work has paid off! What wonderful news. Keep it up!!
Exciting news. Congratulations! You may let Isabelle know that even from a far away country I admire that she has followed the instructions, practiced and not given up.
Thanks Terje! One day I’ll tell her that as close as PA (Aileen, Janice, Karen, & Maria) and as far away as Estonia (you) she had people routing for her!
Hurray for Isabelle! She is one strong girl!! All of her experiences, difficulties, and successes can only lead to big achievements as she grows. I think you should have gotten a prize, too!
Yay!! Everyone ends up winning here!