Posted on 19th October 2011

Improve Your Handwriting

Computers are taking over our lives, and we rely on them more and more every year. Instead of reading real books, you can read e-books, instead of meeting up for a chat, you can Skype, and instead of writing a letter, you can send an e-mail. Most students now write the majority of their homework on the computer and then print it off, and some just e-mail it to their teachers. So is handwriting irrelevant now? I would argue no; it is still vitally important to develop your own handwriting style and researchers in America have proven that people who learn joined-up writing skills have improved brain function, compared to those who never join letters up.

Your handwriting is very particular to you, like a fingerprint or the colour of your eyes, and people much prefer to receive a hand written card or letter than a text message. We should also remember how to function without modern technology, so it is essential that we remember how to write without the aid of a keyboard!

If you feel like your writing is a bit messy, don’t despair! Here are some tips for how to improve your handwriting.

1. Although your handwriting should be personal to you, why not find an example of a handwriting style that you really like so that you have something to aspire to.

2. Get kitted out with the right tools. A blunt pencil and the back of a receipt will not do. Instead, invest in some lined paper and a nice pen. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a fancy fountain pen, but whatever you go for, make sure it feels comfortable in-between your fingers.

3. Remember to be patient. Practice makes perfect, but you won’t transform your style immediately, so just take one step at a time.

4. Start by writing the alphabet. Maybe just focus on a couple of letters a day, then build up to words and sentences.

5. Use different resources to help you improve. There are some excellent guidelines for children and adults here and there’s a fantastic website with very detailed advice to be found if you click here. If you’d like to get your paws on a book to help guide you then try Rosemary Sassoon’s ‘Improve Your Handwriting’. It’s got lots of superb exercises in it for you to follow. Click here for a link to give you more info.

If you’re a parent with young kids and you want to help your children to develop their writing skills then a good place to start is encouraging them to build up the fine-motor skills which handwriting demands. Playing with play dough, puzzles and building blocks will build muscle strength. Tying laces, using finger paints and playing games with small counters will improve dexterity. Then when they start to write, their hands should have the required strength.