There has been quite a bit of attention focused on children's writing today, but the emphasis is on writing stories and essays that show that children are learning to think. However, before children can write anything, they must learn printing or cursive handwriting. Contrary to popular ideas, computers have not replaced the need to learn how to print or write.

HOW IS HANDWRITING TAUGHT TODAY?

     Generally, kindergarten or first grade children are first taught to print. Cursive handwriting is usually introduced in late second or third grade. Instruction typically takes place as a group activity rather than as individualized. Group lessons take place daily in grades one to four, and rarely after.

SHOULD CHILDREN BE TAUGHT PRINTING FIRST, THEN CURSIVE HANDWRITING?

     One primary reason for teaching children to print is that the printed letters look more like the typeset letters found in books. This reason was based on the time when schools taught only printing, called manuscript, which doesn’t slant the letters as cursive handwriting does. Some evidence supports the idea that the teaching of printing should be retained in the lower grades because it is more easily learned, is more legible, and is at least as fast to produce as cursive handwriting.

SHOULD POOR PRINTERS BE TAUGHT CURSIVE HANDWRITING AT THE SAME TIME AS GOOD PRINTERS?

     Interestingly enough, some research supports the idea that second and third graders make a smoother transition than do older children. Also, there is little evidence to support the idea that poor printers will necessarily become poor writers. In fact, it may be the opposite.

SHOULD CHILDREN USE WIDE-LINED PAPER AND BEGINNER'S PENCILS?

     It seems reasonable to use wide-lined paper with broken lines when children are being introduced to both printing and cursive handwriting. Several studies have shown that children's beginning performance improves when special paper is used.

     Second graders who are still printing do not need the wide-lined paper, but second and third graders who are being introduced to cursive handwriting perform better when they use paper that is geared towards cursive writing.  Special pencils, however, do not appear necessary. Research indicates not only that young children prefer adult pencils, but also that they do not write better when using a beginner's pencil. Furthermore, by the time children reach the third grade, they produce more letters when they are writing stories if they use ballpoint or felt-tip pens (Askov and Peck, 1982).

WHAT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED WHEN SELECTING A HANDWRITING INSTRUCTION PROGRAM?

     Regardless of the program, copying leads to better results than just tracing.  However, children do not transfer understanding of letters learned by copying to letters that they have not yet learned to copy.  Make sure your child does a fair amount of copying cursive letter, then words, and finally sentences.  Practice is the key.  Try not to have your child trace letters or words.  Instead, make sure your child first knows the proper steps for each letter (i.e. where to start first and where to continue) and make sure your child is able to see the letters when copying, not tracing.