We Still Need To Learn Handwriting

Here are 6 reasons why

Schools, particularly in the United States, are devoting less time to teaching handwriting, seemingly under the impression that it is destined to disappear from our digital society.

However, scientific research consistently emphasises the vital role of this skill in brain development and cognitive abilities.

As a result of the lack of training, we see more and more children and even adults unable to write correctly. Too often, they don’t even know how to hold their pen, which is the first needed step toward mastering handwriting.

I have written articles and a book on this subject to raise awareness and help solve these difficulties. But I think it is necessary to keep hammering the nail.

So here are six reasons to keep learning handwriting:

1. Handwriting develops fine motor skills

Handwriting develops critical fine motor skills and the coordination needed to control precise movements. These movements are required for everyday school- and work-related activities.

2. Handwriting helps you remember

Handwriting has important cognitive benefits. Research suggests traditional pen-and-paper notes are remembered better than typed notes.

Moreover, learning to read and handwrite is linked. Students become better readers through practicing writing and vice versa.

3. Handwriting is good for well-being

Handwriting, and related activities such as drawing and doodling, are tactile, creative, and reflective sources of pleasure for writers of all ages. Journaling, in particular, has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety while improving self-confidence.

4. Handwriting is very accessible

Handwriting does not need electricity, devices, batteries, a fast internet connection, a keyboard, or the many other things on which digital writing depends.

It only needs a pen and paper. And can be done anywhere.

5. Handwriting is about thinking

Learning to write and learning to think are intimately connected.
Ideas are formed as students write. They are developed and organized as they are composed. Thinking is too important to be outsourced to bots!

6. Each handwriting is unique

Our handwriting is unique and reflects our personality. And we can’t deny the creative pleasure we get from forging our own personalized letters and inventing the unique seal that our signature represents.

When we write by hand, we offer a vibrant personal trace of ourselves, unlike the cold, uniform letters of a typed message.

Even without being handwriting experts, we can all feel the lively emotions expressed through handwriting compared to lifeless typed text.

Handwriting may also regain its importance if tests and exams are returned to handwritten formats to prevent students from using generative AI to cheat. What an ironic comeback that would be!

So, let’s not abandon the practice of writing by hand, given all its benefits and usefulness.