A recent study conducted by Joana Acha has revealed that children who engage in handwriting practice exhibit superior development in reading and writing compared to their peers who rely on technological devices. The study examined the impacts on 50 kindergarten-aged children aged 5 to 6 years old. It showcased the importance of experiential learning in writing-based projects. After years of research, Acha came to the conclusion that the tactile experience of using one’s hands produces the most effective results on literacy skills.
During the research, children learned nine letters from the Georgian and Armenian alphabets. It contained 16 pseudowords that the researchers invented. Participants were divided into two primary groups: one practicing handwriting and the other using keyboards. Each of these cohorts were further divided. One subgroup of handwriting students learned with a single font, while the other subgroup learned with a variety of fonts. Findings from this study advance our understanding of the important contribution handwriting can make to beginning literacy skills.
The Importance of Handwriting in Learning
Acha’s study highlighted that handwriting significantly enhances children’s ability to memorize letters and understand word structures. Development of graphomotor function is foundational for our youngest learners. From development of their fine motor skills that first allow them to write, to their exploration of the complexities of language. Through practicing handwriting, children build those small, specific motor movements that are the building blocks before moving on to more creative, spontaneous writing.
In comparison, those children who practiced typing on computerized keyboards showed significantly less retention or comprehension. This wouldn’t happen with typing, as handwriting offers a unique tactile feedback experience that helps children internalize learning. This realization further supports the notion that traditional, face-to-face approaches to literacy instruction are just as important, if not more so, in a digital world.
Study Design and Methodology
As educators push to recover from the pandemic impact on literacy, neuroeducation research has provided a blueprint to measure how writing techniques shape children’s literacy development. Children took part in three different assessments, all aimed at testing their understanding and knowledge. The research measured how the handwriting group did versus the keyboard group. Its intention was to find the best, strongest evidence that could unequivocally answer the question of whether or not handwriting essentials practice is effective.
This unique analysis provided the ability to compare the outcomes of the diverse population of participants to understand specifically how font use during training affected outcomes. Acha discovered that students who regularly practiced on multiple typefaces felt more engaged and adaptable in their writing abilities. This shift in practice can increase your literacy knowledge and expertise. As a consequence, you will notice noticeable growth in your reading and writing proficiencies.
Complementing Technology with Handwriting
Acha understands that technology is a key component of today’s education. He is adamant that it should be used as a supplement and complement to personalized learning—not the main approach. She likes to share with educators that tech should be used to augment, not replace old school learning. These findings indicate that incorporating handwriting instruction into early education allows for a well-rounded approach between technology use and supporting literacy skills development.
Acha’s insights indicate a pressing need for educators and policymakers to consider the implications of their teaching methods on children’s learning outcomes. By teaching handwriting skills alongside tech tools, schools set young learners up for success in academia and beyond.
