A Necessary Skill, A Dying Art

I think it's safe to say that the value of good penmanship is often overlooked in our day of computers and "the faster the better" attitude. According to a November Newsweek article, there is a reviving interest in handwriting skills, but as far as I can tell this is mainly for utilitarian purpose. With practice, the function of writing by hand becomes second nature. Students benefit in other areas such as math, when they do not struggle with turning letters and numbers around. Notes during class lectures are important to absorbing and retaining information.

I would go farther to say that the skill of handwriting is not limited to practical uses. For those who hold to the ideals of absolute Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, there is an aesthetic aspect to proper penmanship which is all but lost in modern education. To this day I feel a twinge of embarrassment when I have to choose between sending a thank-you note written with informal print or elementary cursive. We have all seen beautiful handwriting, but it can be easy to forget that this was learned by the author rather than a natural-born ability.

Although most schools are not giving handwriting the attention it's due, this article gives parents some pointers in working with their children. Be sure to check out the Handwriting Without Tears website mentioned in both of the above articles, as well. Their parent section contains practical suggestions for parents which can be implemented whether or not you purchase their curriculum.

Of all the skills you are sure to have your children learn, do not neglect this basic but important one. From the simplest thank-you note to the most heartfelt letter or journal entry, communication and self-expression should not be stifled by a lack of this foundational skill.