Is Handwriting Still Important?

Anna, The Measured Mom, shares her thoughts about handwriting on the Pentel Blog

I remember sharpening my pencil for handwriting practice. Do you?

I wrote line after line of letters and words in my handwriting notebook. Meanwhile, the classroom computer sat in a corner. It was almost forgotten as we completed our work.

Times have changed. Many classrooms have Smart boards, iPads, and rows of computers.

We have e-mail, social media, and texting.


Who needs handwriting anymore?

Why handwriting instruction still matters

It may be a digital age, but handwriting still deserves a place in today’s classrooms.

Here are six reasons why.

1. Children in early elementary school complete most of their work and assignments with pencil and paper.

2. With practice, children’s handwriting becomes automatic. This frees them to compose thoughtful sentences and stories without being bogged down by the mechanics of letter formation.

3. Did you know that writing actually improves spelling and reading? We want our children to write as much as possible… and when handwriting is effortless, they’ll be inspired to do even more of it.

4. Adults have opportunities to use handwriting, too. We may need to fill out emergency hospital forms or bank paperwork. We write grocery lists, gift tags, and thank you notes.

5. Do you use a stylus with your computer? Sometimes, writing with a pen or pencil is more efficient than typing.

6. It’s important that we have legible handwriting that communicates clearly. Whether we’re writing a note to an aging grandparent or communicating with an employer, a handwritten note shows that we care. It says that we’ve taken the time and effort to make a personal connection.

Yes, handwriting is still important. So how do we teach it well? 
Read more http://blog.pentel.com/is-handwriting-still-important/

---