Parent Talk / December 2006
Writing in Style
Whether it’s a love note taped to the mirror a good luck wish tucked in a lunchbox, there’s something about a handwritten message that conveys sincerity and depth unlike any other form of communication. Keyboards and electronic notepads seem to have become permanent members in the communication arsenal, but handwriting remains a stable component of every culture. Computers have not reduced handwriting’s relevance as a necessary life skill
Parents have a variety of reasons to encourage actual pensmanship. Handwriting requires, and develops, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and perceptual ability. Good handwriting promotes better reading and comprehension skills and learning a vertical manuscript at a young age supports the reading development of young children.
Studies have shown the development of higher-order thinking skills, such as problem-solving and analytical thinking are directly linked to the ability of putting thoughts on paper in a legible manner.
Teachers know that students who write legibly produce better and higher-graded compositions. Plus, more than 10 million students nationwide must handwrite responses on state-assessment tests.
Even computers need handwriting. New technology places a computer and applications into a pen as the main input device. Engineers are finding that handwriting above a keyboard is the most convenient form of input.
Parents can help their children appreciate the importance of handwriting and benefit from educational, psychological, physiological benefits with such simple tasks as signing Christmas cards, penning thank you notes, writing a letter to a grandparent or distant parent, or sending a get-well card to a friend or relative.
Young children learn through repetition, and celebrations like Christmas, Hannukah, New Years or Valentine’s Day, are great ways to promote handwriting practice. And, “I love you” even in the most childish scrawl is guaranteed to bring a smile the world over.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
Top • Home • Subscribe • Advertise • Submit • Distribution • Contact
Support Our Advertisers • Organization Resources • Women Owned Business
Designed by Livewire Studio
Send an Email About This Article