One of the most common challenges that many students face is with their handwriting. While everyone won’t have the most beautiful handwriting, it is important to nurture this skill to help kids produce handwriting that is clear and legible.
We have often seen students losing marks during exams or activities due to bad handwriting because anyone will hardly make an extra effort to read what they have written. Moreover, this is a common complaint among parents and educators as well.
Often, what we do is compare a child’s handwriting with another’s and pass a comment. It might not always bring out the desired result. It is important at some point to make the child understand why good handwriting is important. It is not just to compare and contrast them with other kids, but rather to comprehend their work themselves and by others.
Let us take a look at a few points on the importance of good handwriting and how to make your child understand it.
1. Helps in proper expression: They can express their thoughts clearly and precisely when they are writing something which is also intelligible to others. Good handwriting fetches better marks when it comes to academics.
2. Improves memory: Studies show that writing improves memory; students retain learning better when working with new ideas through handwriting instead of typing.
3. Enhances spelling skills: Handwriting skills help children develop reading and spelling skills. It also helps with the ability to recall and remember information.
4. Improves motor skills: The more a child writes and attempts to improve their handwriting, the better their motor skills are put to practice.
5. Aids in creative endevours: Good handwriting also encourages a child to explore other creative works like calligraphy, card making, creative writing, art, etc.
Now let us take a look at some simple ways in which you can help your child to improve their handwriting.
Improve the pencil grip: It is very important for a child to find the right pencil with the correct grip. This helps them to write with ease, without stressing their fingers. There are different kinds of pencil grips and every child gets accustomed to the one in which they are most comfortable.
Make Writing Practice Fun: Give your child a special pencil or a rainbow of colored ones which raises excitement and willingness in them to write. Instead of just simple words, try word puzzles, anagrams, or a game of hangman, or ask them to brainstorm lists around a theme to give writing practice a purpose.
Encourage Drawing and Puzzles: In order to develop the physical requirements of writing like pencil grip, posture, control, dexterity, and coordination — the more time your child spends manipulating objects, the better. Activities like drawing or solving puzzles also help to develop his fine motor skills.
Identify the Problem: Common handwriting problems are in the areas of letter formation, sizing, spaces between words, and line alignment. Focus your child's practice on the letters or concepts that challenge them. Try to ensure that they are using both hands to control the paper.
The Right Tools: If your child's struggling with a regular pencil, try a smaller or shorter, kid-sized one. Ensure he has a good eraser handy so they are not afraid of making mistakes. Finding the right pencil is also important for the correct grip and stroke.
Apart from these, regular handwriting practice at home through various activities can help them improve their handwriting. Try to avoid digital writing as much as possible and urge them to use regular pen and paper.