The Question of Handwriting
Just a quick one from me today, folks. I'm going to share something with you that's been on my mind the last few weeks, in fact since I wrote a blog post about my first pen.
What are your thoughts on handwriting? Some primary schools put great emphasis on handwriting and encourage children to join their handwriting as soon as possible. However, is this really necessary in today's world?
I know ten-year-olds who struggle with their fine motor skills and spend hours trying to perfect their handwriting using an abundance of handwriting programs. They are left feeling demoralised, yet their ideas and imagination are amazing. I have one such child in my class and she records her ideas using a microphone and an iPad. We then print out her work and stick it into her book. She is very proud of her work and it means that she doesn't just rely on her written work for recognition of her brilliance!
As an adult, I use a laptop for almost everything except for writing birthday and Christmas cards. I love my fountain pen but it does spend most of its life in my desk drawer.
What are your thoughts?
I don't know why touch typing isn't part of the primary curriculum. It would be so easy for children to learn at that age and would set them up for life as keyboard users. As a secondary teacher, I've seen the difference it can make when a student can type fast and accurately. If they're going to do their GCSEs online, surely this needs levelling up!
ReplyDeleteThis. Absolutely.
DeleteI completely agree. It seems only when a child 'fails' at writing, someone says - I know, let's teach the child to type!
DeleteInteresting. I think I have a foot in both camps. It seems a little like a retreat to simply to recognise letters on screen and not be encouraged to draw them and consequently to write. I'm a fairly convinced advocate of learning by doing and, although onscreen skills are essential, the motor skills of reproducing letters, then sentences, legibly, are good skills to acquire in their own right. Is this a case of one of both/and?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that joined handwriting isn't necessary. On the other hand, I'm struggling to read and evaluate many of the written pieces I see from Year 6 because they're not legible. And it's not just a few but over half the class. I do think children should be trained to write legibly as well as using a computer. Computers aren't always available. Our hands are!
ReplyDeleteAs a homeschool mum I waver between the two! I love the handwriting skill, as in a way it teaches other things, like feeling the pressure of a stirring spoon, or having the skills to draw, but if someone is a slow writer, it can be so disheartening!
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Nikki! I think handwriting helps fine motor skills and is good for the brain. I guess a time will come when writing will only be typed!. The next century! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your comment s. All are valid and interesting. It was funny because my husband is very strict about handwriting and will almost judge someone's ability by their handwriting (only almost!). However, I expect most doctors would have something to say about that!!!
DeleteAs a mother of four, I've spent a lot of time stressing about handwriting! And I love writing myself, in my journal, on the back of an envelope, anywhere. However, I agree with the person who suggested that all kids learn to touch type. It's an incredibly useful skill. I learnt as a kid just for something to do and I am so grateful. It won't help kids in their exams if they can use a computer but their typing is worse than their writing!
ReplyDelete