Despite our ever-increasing dependence on computers, tablets and smartphones, children's capacity to write clearly and legibly with more traditional tools can play a decisive role in how well they manage in school exams. If words fail to flow from their pens, they may not be able to get down all that they know within the time allowed and perhaps lose vital points. Further marks will be lost if there is no clear distinction between letters which look alike, such as o and a, v and u, or m and nn.
Clear handwriting involves the
eyes as much as the hands, so both need to work in harmony.
Just as when we learn to play the piano, the many fine muscles of the hand
need to be strengthened, something only achieved through plenty of
practice. Every opportunity should therefore be given for children to
write things down — and preferably on a daily basis.
A key point to bear in mind is that children themselves should feel there is a purpose in what they are doing — they will soon get tired of repetitive exercises only aimed at improving certain strokes. One good idea is to let them keep a diary to be filled in at bedtime. Another suggestion is to have them write shopping lists when food items run out.
The advice of experts on the subject is sometimes age-specific. When older kids draw pictures they should be encouraged to make less use of 'undemanding' marker pens, and greater use of crayons and colored pencils. For very young children, practice sessions need to be kept relatively short because their delicate hand muscles and movements need more time to develop.
Lasting benefit is sure to come if emphasis is placed on the regularity of practice sessions rather than their duration. Just be sure to make them fun!
