Is the pen mightier than the computer? Discover whether the benefits of handwriting for KS1 pupils are enough to keep it as a firm fixture in the curriculum.
Even in today’s digital-savvy society, handwriting and good penmanship are crucial for child development.
In today’s TikTok-loving, computer-centric, smartphone-obsessed society, the art of handwriting seems like a mere chapter in man’s evolution.
But what’s the truth? Is it finally time to ditch the biros and go fully digital in education?
Read on to uncover the benefits of handwriting for KS1 and whether you should invest in handwriting books for your school.
What are the three kinds of handwriting?
Handwriting is more than just holding a pen or pencil and scribbling away on paper.
This lifelong skill encompasses the following:
- Formation of letters
- Amount of pressure applied on the paper
- The positioning of the arm
- Learning how to place your fingers on a pen or pencil
- The spacing between the letters
And as well as learning and adopting these skills, there are three different types of handwriting forms to understand and develop.
- Cursive
- Pre-cursive
But what are the differences?
Cursive handwriting
Cursive handwriting is a style of writing that joins the letters which helps people write faster. It’s also commonly known as “joined-up” handwriting. Pupils learn cursive writing in primary schools across the UK more than other handwriting styles.
Pre-cursive handwriting
Pre-cursive handwriting is the transition stage, where children practice adding lead-ins and lead-outs to the letters. Once a pupil has mastered this composite skill, cursive handwriting is much easier.
Print handwriting
Print handwriting is where the letters are disconnected, so written individually. Interestingly, only 37% of adults write in cursive, with another 9% printed.
But each person’s handwriting is unique, and we should celebrate the difference because each pupil will find forms easier than others.
The benefits of handwriting for KS1 pupils
Despite the ongoing debate about the importance of handwriting, it’s still a skill needed during a child’s educational journey.
The National Curriculum states that in the study of English, ‘writing also depends on fluent, legible and eventually speedy handwriting’ for pupils by the time they enter Year 5. Therefore, it’s still a principal skill in a primary school setting.
This complex skill is needed in many subjects and helps with notetaking, tests, classroom work and homework.
So, the question is, why is handwriting still beneficial?
- It engages the brain and enhances brain development – Handwriting activates a specific part of the brain that researchers believe is important for memory and learning. A study by Frontiers in Psychology, found when children write with a pen and paper, they show more brain activity than when using a keyboard. Therefore, handwriting improves memory capacity and helps people recall information more easily.
- Handwriting improves pupils’ spelling – Children learn to spell correctly through handwriting. According to research, handwriting and hand movements create some muscle memory that retains spelling patterns.
- Writing by hand is more effective for those with dyslexia – There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK, and one of the most common is dyslexia. Learning to write in cursive can help pupils with dyslexia distinguish easily confused letters.
- It improves reading skills – Reading and writing are closely related, and both benefit the development of one another. Cursive writing helps pupils read words instead of distinct letters, and little by little, pupils can read more quickly and efficiently.
- Handwriting benefits problem-solving skills – Writing information down can help with problem-solving. During a child’s time at school, problem-solving is an essential skill. And the handwriting is the basis for note-taking. This skill allows pupils to jot information down and work out problems.
KS1 is a crucial time that shapes the rest of a student’s educational journey. Therefore, it’s arguably one of the most valued skills taught in schools.
Invest in handwriting books for KS1
Now that we have educated you on why handwriting is important for KS1 pupils, it’s time for you to purchase the best handwriting books to get the ball rolling. Here at The Exercise Book Company, we always provide the quality you deserve at a cost that won’t break the bank on a teacher’s budget.
We produce an all-encompassing range of bespoke exercise books that ensure maximum usability, durability, and appearance.
Our personalisation options enable your school to display your crest, emblem, subject, and even your student’s name on the cover.
If you are interested in our exercise books manufactured in the UK, visit our website to create your school account and get in touch if you have any questions.
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