Why should we bother learning to write by hand? Should we use digital devices, such as laptops, computers, etc.? Does what we use matter as long as a child can communicate?

If a child has the appropriate ability, they should be taught to write by hand; there comes a time when there is a necessity to write, for example, the form suddenly thrust at you at the doctor’s surgery or an application for a job. The last time I went on holiday, I had to fill in a form before we landed!

The experts recommend that children be taught handwriting instruction for fifteen minutes daily until age ten. It is important to continue handwriting instruction because a child’s corticospinal tract – which reaches the fingertips and impacts fine motor skills – is not fully developed until this age.[1]

[1] Conti, G. ‘Handwriting Characteristics and the Prediction of Illegibility in Third and Fifth Grade Students.’

Extract from Alli Can’t Write: A Storybook for Children with Handwriting Difficulties including those with: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia & ADHD’ by Maria Chivers.