By Gwendolyn Bounds
Looked at your child’s handwriting lately (or your own) and thought it could use some improvement? Then did you wonder: Does it even matter in this age of digital correspondence?
Turns out, it may. Far more than just a tool for communication, the act of writing by hand appears to be an important building block for learning. In today’s WSJ story, we talk about new research showing how handwriting helps with learning letters and shapes, can improve idea composition and expression and may even aid fine motor skill development.
Even adults can benefit from the practice when studying new graphically different languages – such as Chinese — or symbols in sciences such as chemistry. Some physicians say it could help keep our minds sharp as we age.
Ironically, it may be modern technology that gives a boost to handwriting’s resurgence. For anyone whose kids balk at or have trouble with traditional handwriting instruction, the arrival of new educational games for the iPhone, iPod, iPad and other touch screen devices may come as a welcome teaching aid.
We checked out a few in the iTunes app store with names such as abc PocketPhonics, ABC Tracer and iWriteWords. Cheering pencils and encouraging animals give positive feedback for good performance. Parents who’ve downloaded them say their kids think learning to write on these devices is a game. There are also adult apps, such as the $3.99 WritePad, which convert your own handwriting to text. Some adults are setting out to fix their own handwriting through traditional means.
Have you noticed a decline in your penmanship or are you concerned about your child’s writing? How much time does your kid spend handwriting each week versus typing on a keyboard or handheld device? Do you think handwriting matters in the digital age?