This refers to the construction of letters when making manual inscriptions. For some, handwriting is purely a form of art, where the precision and neatness of presentation are the main focus. Some others may believe it to be a universal skill that’s often taken for granted. Again, others may consider it a functional tool that lets them put ideas on paper quickly and effortlessly. For those belonging to the last group, the script’s look is less important than its fluency.

Just as speech is a form of verbal expression, handwriting is a form of written expression. It’s a vital life skill and a significant part of literacy. That’s why parents need to encourage their children to develop an interest in handwriting. They can do it by giving their kids opportunities to scribble, draw, and write. This way, they can prepare their children for formal handwriting they’ll learn at school.

Handwriting for toddlers and preschoolers is all about drawing and scribbling with chalk, crayons, and pencils. Older children are taught formal handwriting at school. Handwriting skills help children develop spelling and reading skills. It also improves their ability to recall information. Children who can write legibly and smoothly are often found to be better able to use writing to put down their ideas and thoughts on paper. When handwriting is automatic, the child’s ideas tend to flow seamlessly and easily. In addition to helping them handle their school lessons and other tasks, handwriting skills can also become useful for students later in their lives for tackling chores like signing documents, filling forms, writing birthday cards, etc.

Parents can try different activities like the ones mentioned below to build their child’s handwriting skills and confidence:

·         Make practicing fun: Parents can use simple anagrams or word puzzles to make writing practice fun and engaging.

·         Experiment with paper rotations: A good writer should be able to write on any kind of paper. Parents can experiment by changing the type of paper weekly, say from a ruled paper to a white paper, and ask their child to write the same thing on both.

·         Provide the right tools: If a child struggles with a regular pencil, parents should give him a shorter, kid-sized one. They should also provide him with a good eraser to ensure he’s not afraid of making mistakes.

Bring variety in daily practice: From writing a few lines to scribbling and doodling, parents should bring variety in their child’s daily handwriting practice.