Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Why is teaching handwriting so difficult and what can we do about it?
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Jun 29, 2024 Neil Almond, an expert in handwriting and education, shares insights from his work in the researchED Guide to Primary Literacy. He discusses why handwriting is still vital in the digital age, linking it to improved literacy and memory. Almond reveals surprising findings from recent research on the challenges students face in mastering handwriting. He also introduces structured teaching approaches, like the Kinetic Letters program, to overcome difficulties and enhance fluency. The conversation is engaging, filled with practical strategies for educators.
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Handwriting's Importance
- Handwriting remains crucial for learning, impacting reading, writing, and memory.
- Studies reveal brain activity linked to literacy differs when handwriting versus keyboarding, especially in young children.
Handwriting Readiness
- A child's readiness for handwriting instruction can be assessed by their ability to draw an oblique cross.
- This indicates sufficient visual-motor integration for effective writing.
Grip Myths
- Contrary to popular belief, a dynamic tripod grip isn't the only acceptable handwriting grip.
- Many "mature" grips are suitable, and changing ingrained habits can be counterproductive.