As soon as my son started his First grade online classes, I realized that despite having a good grip he wasn’t able to write very fast. While his writing was beautiful, he wasn’t able to deliver what is required in terms of speed. This made me wonder “how important is it to not only to write beautifully but to write fast”.
Most of us have a beautiful handwriting but when it comes to daily writing, the beauty is lost somewhere in speed. Here are few simple steps that could help us understand how to improve handwriting. These good handwriting tips have not only helped my son improve but has also started writing quite fast. To be honest, I am also working towards improving my handwriting following these steps.
Why to plan to improve handwriting?
Some people debate about focusing on having a good writing. A simple reason is introduction of digital products. With online classes and home schooling you would notice, many children are now used to laptops, tablets and smartphones. But you would be surprised to know how working on handwriting is not only about writing but other things.
Handwriting involves complex motor and cognitive skills. Good handwriting contributes to reading fluency because it activates visual perception of letters. Handwriting is a predictor of success in other subjects, because good handwriting has a positive impact on grades.
how to improve handwriting
Children who experience difficulty mastering handwriting may avoid writing and produce poor written work. Children with poor handwriting will find it hard to proof read their own work. They will then fail to spot their mistakes and their confidence may dip even lower.
Tips on how to improve handwriting
Handwriting is an imprint of self on the page.
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Use a nice pen or good pencil to write
When you are thinking about how to improve handwriting, this is most important tip. It is important for you to choose a write pen or pencil for writing to get better. By “nice”, I mean something that is easy for you to grab. Something that fits or works for you. I always prefer to write with a pencil since I get a good grip or hold of it. It not only help me write neatly but I get to erase and rewrite.
how to improve handwriting
An important thing to note is that is you are looking to improve your handwriting, start writing with a pencil again for some days. It will not only help you get the right grip but also help write fast.
If you are planning to use a pen, I would always advice a gel pen with a pointed nib. Choose a pen that allows writing to flow You don’t have to exert a lot of pressure on the pen to ensure consistent ink flow.
Check how to sit
Sit with your back straight, feel flat on the floor, legs uncrossed. You should always be calm and relaxed when you write. Many children curve their arm around the page while writing, but handwriting benefits from sitting up straight, with your forearm resting on the table, so that the arm moves the fingers rather than the wrist.
how to improve handwriting
Maintain you grip
A nice and relaxed grip is one of the main things that will improve handwriting. A “relaxed grip” means that none of the muscles in your hand are overly flexed, and your fingernails shouldn’t be white from squeezing the pen’s barrel. Many people especially children tend to clutch the pen hard, which will result in an achy hand after a few minutes of writing. We often clutch without realizing we’re doing it, so try to mentally check every few minutes to make sure you’re still holding the pen comfortably.
Pick the right paper
It is important to choose the right kind of paper to start practicing your handwriting. You may find some notebooks with poor paper quality and that is a bad place to start. Always look for a good notebook that has support lines. Having support lines always help in practice. Once you feel you are good to go, may be you can start with rotation of paper or blank sheets.
how to improve handwriting
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Don’t hurry!
When you begin writing practice, try to get the thing right. Writing in a hurry at this point will not add any value. It is important to write fast but try not to push yourself so much that you drop your focus. Letter formation is tricky and our brain should be able to grasp it.
Check your writing style
It is important to check your writing style. Once you start working on writing, it is important to start looking at letter formation. The heights and size of each letter should go with the flow. It should look neat and organized.
Pick a handwriting you like
how to improve handwriting
It is always good to copy handwriting when you are working on your handwriting. When I started working with my son on his handwriting, I bought him a Cursive Writing book and simply asked him to copy. He has been doing it for almost 6 months now and his writing has improved dramatically.
He has not only started writing fast but has also learned some new words.
Write daily – persistence is the key
I believe reading and writing is important for everyone so writing something every single day is important. Practice makes everything perfect, so to achieve a beautiful handwriting, you would need to work on it every day. Improve a bit every day. Keep on it and focus on improving daily.
These are few tips that could help children and adults both improve their handwriting. It is important to write daily so a journal or dairy is helpful. Honestly! While writing the above piece, I only thought the advice I gave my son to help him improve his handwriting. I have seen a tremendous improvement in his writing style. Practice and learn every day.
PS – I wrote this article in my notebook and then typed it here 🙂 🙂
