Say the word “penmanship,” and your kid may look at you like you asked where his quill was. After all, given our computer keyboard-centric world, it’s easy to assume that handwriting isn’t important anymore.
Not a chance. For one, research shows that reading ability improves as handwriting does. What’s more, teachers sometimes make an unconscious judgment about kids’ overall ability based on it, says Kathleen Wright, national manager for Zaner-Bloser, the oldest handwriting education service in the country.
That’s enough for us! Help your little student get the "write" stuff with this advice:
Encourage practice
“It’s like learning an instrument. If kids don’t come home and keep trying, they won’t learn it,” says Wright. You can get free downloadable practice materials from Zaner-Bloser.
Be a role model
Writing cards and notes in front of your child shows you value it.
Call for backup
Ask your child’s teacher what you can do. She’ll likely suggest adjusting your child’s posture and trying to boost fine-motor skills with tasks like cutting paper and building with Legos. If you’ve tried everything and see no improvement, ask your pediatrician if a visit to an occupational therapist is needed.
