The steps below are somewhat different from what is in the book. The result should be the same! The third picture on page 7 is very good.
1) Hold the eraser of the pencil in your left hand.
2) Look at the palm of your right hand. We will begin the bow hold in "knuckle turnover" position – see top of page 8.
3) Place the pencil on your right hand fingers. Keep holding the eraser with your left hand. Do not hold the pencil with your right thumb yet.
Violins and Violas: Place the pencil on the tip of the pinkie to the middle of the 1st finger – slightly above the 2nd joint.
Cellos: Place the pencil almost at the tip of the pinkie to the middle of the 1st finger – slightly above the 2nd joint.
Everyone: The pencil should be flat against the fingers.
4) Bend your right thumb. Thumb lightly touches pencil at about your 2nd finger.
a) "Tickle" the pencil with your thumb. Also do "Thumb Flexers" (at bottom of page). Make sure your thumb bends out instead of squishing in.
b) Wiggle your other fingers to make sure the pencil touches each finger.
c) Only the tip of your thumb and pinkie should touch the pencil. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fingers should be draped around. Keep holding the eraser with your left hand.
Cellos: The thumb and fingers should be less curved than violins.
5) Air bows.
Let go of the eraser. Turn your hand so the pencil is straight up and down. Raise your right hand so it is above your head. Now, keeping the pencil straight, move it down until your arm is almost straight (arm should never be straight). This is a DOWN BOW. Move the pencil up, keeping it straight, until it is above your head. This is an UP BOW.
6) Bowing on your "pretend" violin, viola or cello.
Point the pencil to your left shoulder. Begin with your right arm square. Move the pencil away from you, keeping it pointing at the shoulder (down bow). Move it toward your shoulder (up bow), keeping the pencil pointing straight at your shoulder.