Why is handwriting important for our kids
D Y Patil Dnyanshanti School
Remember those times when we wrote letters to our loved ones during festivals, when we made the grocery list on paper and stuck it on our fridge when homework meant hard copies and writing alphabets after alphabets until we master each stroke.
With technological shift changing the way we define every habit, the above scenarios seem like it was such a long time ago.
However, when was the last time you saw your kids writing a letter, or journaling their feelings or even completing their handwritten homework?
Food for thought right?
Let us take you into the deeper perspective
Why is writing by hand important in this digital era?
With kids using lesser and lesser pen and paper approach today, what impact does this have on their development and learning? Child counsellors and paediatricians around the world have noticed that children find it difficult and stressful to even hold a pencil, and they would rather type it out on a keyboard.
At DY Patil, we employ both writing and typing as a part of a student's learning phase. We understand computers form a huge part of the future we are preparing our kids for, but at the same time we focus our students on handwritten practises as well. This will help them get a better understanding of what they write and further help them learn. Learning to write by hand aids physical coordination, rhythm and posture.
Benefits of writing by hand
1. Cognitive development
When children use handwritten method to learn or study, the process of observation and analyzing the letters and sentences begins. This in turn aids cognitive development and also helps motor skills in kids.
2. Strengthens memory
When compared to typing, writing is a long process. It requires more concentration and motor skills. Using the pen-paper approach for writing helps kids remember it for a longer period as compared to typing.
3. Helps in better expression
Writing helps children to express themselves better. It is more personal when they write is via hand. They pen down their emotions through essays or articles. This also helps increase the writing speed which benefits during the examinations.
4. Creativity
While typing gives you an added advantage of editing as you go on with your articles, it may slightly hamper the free flow of ideas. When children use pen and paper, they just put down their thoughts and ideas into the paper, leaving the editing process until later.
5. Improves language and reading skills
With the help of writing, children tend to analyze the letters and grammar of a particular language. They learn how to spell more accurately. It also helps increase reading speed
We at DY Patil, understand that computers and technology form a major part of today's world and children need to be introduced to machines from the very beginning. At the same time, we also believe that learning has to start with handwritten notes and exams to get our children accustomed to the language and the writing practise. Along with encouraging kids to writing by hand as well as engaging them in newer technologies, we make sure it will help our kids in the long run for the future we cannot see today.