Handwriting enriches our lives in countless ways

Beyond the mind and body benefits, handwriting holds sentimental value. It’s an artistry almost as ancient as human communication. It’s more than a means of communication because it enriches our lives in countless ways.

As we experience an ever-changing landscape of technology, the removal of handwriting from the regular curriculum could potentially lead to learning problems in the classroom.

Handwriting and texting, however, each possess unique strengths and weaknesses that accommodate different communication needs. Handwriting preserves the artistry and individuality of written expression; and texting offers speed and accessibility in this digital age. Individuals, therefore, can choose the most suitable medium for conveying their thoughts and sentiments.

The benefits of handwriting are numerous. Here are a few points to ponder.

• When we write by hand, we engage multiple regions of the brain involved in thinking, language, and memory. This enhances our ability to learn and retain information, making handwritten notes a valuable tool for learners.
• Unlike typing, which tends to be uniform, handwriting promotes creativity and self-expression, reflecting the writer’s personality and mood. This leads to intimacy in the written word.
• Writing by hand demands our full attention and grounds us in the present moment. This mindful approach improves the quality of writing – and reduces stress and anxiety.
• Writing by hand helps develop fine, motor skills, which are crucial for tasks such as buttoning clothes, tying shoelaces, and manipulating objects. Poor fine, motor skills can hinder academic performance and everyday tasks.

If handwriting was removed from the regular curriculum it, potentially, could lead to learning problems in the classroom, such as:

• difficulty retaining information and comprehending concepts,
• fine, motor-skills development suffering,
• limited creativity and personal expression – affecting the ability to think critically and communicate effectively.

Technology has its benefits. We, however, must recognise the value of handwriting because it helps support inclusive learning.