Incog,
We tried a few keyboarding programs last year when DS was 6. He found them boring, but did like type to learn Jr. Which you can search and download online.
Keet, when my DS had real trouble holding the pencil, we tried those rubber pencil grips, which he liked. Not sure if they are the same ones you're trying, but they're not expensive. Our OT also recommended the pentel mechanical pencil with the 0.9 lead. It's smooth and soft enough. Also, just lines wren't enough. He needed paper that also showed the midline when he was learning to write. Not sure if any of this helps you or not. Give the OT some time. That was the Best thing we did.
