Handwriting is an essential life skill.
For example, children who can write smoothly and clearly are better able to use writing to record their thoughts and ideas. When handwriting is automatic, their ideas can flow. Children also need to write for many school lessons and tasks.
Handwriting skills help children develop reading and spelling skills. It also helps with the ability to recall and remember information.
And we need handwriting skills to do many tasks later in life like writing birthday cards, filling in forms and signing important documents.
Handwriting is a complex skill that develops over time. To learn handwriting children need to combine fine motor skills, language, memory and concentration. They also need to practise and follow instructions.
Handwriting starts with scribbling and drawing then moves on to forming letters and words.
You can encourage your child to develop an interest in handwriting by giving them opportunities to draw, scribble and write. This prepares your child for the formal handwriting they’ll learn at school.