I have been writing for 30+ years and never thought about how I hold a pencil, until now. I hold my pencil like I am about to punch the paper. Like I am about to pull back a shower curtain and stab Janet Leigh. Somehow I managed to be an English Major in college and write a very long dissertation in grad school - all while strangling my pen - thumb tucked under my pointer finger.

According to the handwriting books I am reading in preparation to teach my almost 6 year old, I hold my pencil incorrectly.*