“Does {child_name} hold a pencil with the tripod grip — thumb and first two fingers — and use it for drawing or early writing?”
Follow-up: “How is {he_she} with scissors, paint brushes, knives and forks?”
Not yet
Holds pencil in fist; struggles with scissors and small tools
Emerging
Tripod grip emerging; uses scissors with help
Developing
Tripod grip in most cases; uses scissors with reasonable control
Secure
Tripod grip almost always; uses scissors, brushes, cutlery accurately and with care
Playdough, threading, tweezers, peg games — all the unflashy hand-strength stuff is what builds this.