Pulled quote: “A 2020 study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) found that writing by hand boosted memory and learning in a way typing did not.”
Living in a computer age, so much of teaching has shifted from hand-written exercises into lesson planning, report writing and parent-teacher communication via one device or another instead of by hand, so should there still be such emphasis on perfecting fluent handwriting in the classroom?
What the research says:
A 2009 study of year 6 children by the University of Warwick showed a strong link between the speed of handwriting and the quality of writing composition. This is because if handwriting is not fluent, it takes up large amounts of working memory, leaving little capacity left for generating ideas, choosing vocabulary and improving their writing. By getting your class to practise their handwriting until it is ‘automatic,’ you can free up working memory for your class to focus on their composition. This is supported by an American study, which found that handwriting fluency ‘made a statistically unique contribution to predicting primary grade students’ writing quality.’
A 2020 study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) found that writing by hand boosted memory and learning in a way typing did not.
Further to this, a study into preschool children showed that writing letters by hand boosted letter recognition beyond typing.
Improving handwriting in primary school children involves a combination of practice, reinforcement, and engagement. Here’s a sample lesson plan broken down by objectives, activities, and resources:
Objective:
To improve primary school children’s handwriting through structured activities and practice sessions.
Objective 1: Introducing Handwriting Basics
Activity:
Begin the lesson with a brief discussion on the importance of good handwriting.
Introduce basic handwriting strokes such as straight lines, curves, loops, and slants.
Resources:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handwriting posters displaying basic strokes
- Handwriting worksheets
Objective 2: Letter Formation Practice
Activity:
Demonstrate proper formation of lowercase and uppercase letters.
Guide students through tracing letters on worksheets or using sand trays.
Resources:
- Alphabet charts
- Handwriting workbooks
- Sand trays or sensory materials for tactile practice
Objective 3: Word Formation
Activity:
Engage students in word-building activities using the letters they have practiced.
Practice writing common sight words or vocabulary relevant to their grade level.
Resources:
- Flashcards with sight words
- Word building games
- Writing journals for practicing newly learned words
Objective 4: Sentence Writing
Activity:
Encourage students to compose simple sentences incorporating the letters and words they have practiced.
Guide them in focusing on letter spacing, sizing, and neatness.
Resources:
- Sentence starters
- Writing prompts
- Sentence strips for rearranging words to form sentences
Objective 5: Feedback and Improvement
Activity:
Conduct a peer-review session where students exchange their written work and provide constructive feedback.
Provide individual feedback, highlighting areas for improvement and praising areas of success.
Resources:
- Rubrics for assessing handwriting
- Peer evaluation forms
- Teacher feedback sheets
Extension Activities:
- Handwriting games: Bingo, Hangman, Word Search with emphasis on neat writing.
- Calligraphy or decorative lettering for artistic expression and advanced practice.
- Handwriting competitions or challenges to motivate students and celebrate progress.
