National Handwriting Day

As a school-based Occupational Therapist (OT), I often work with students to support their handwriting skills. Handwriting is a complex occupation that requires integrating numerous skills, including fine motor skills, visual-motor coordination, and executive functioning. By focusing on improving graphomotor skills—the fine motor skills involved in handwriting and drawing—we can help students overcome challenges in handwriting and enhance their overall literacy development.

Recent research, including the article "The Impact of Graphomotor Demands on Letter-Like Shape Recognition: A Comparison Between Hampered and Normal Handwriting," sheds light on the vital role handwriting plays in learning. This study emphasizes that handwriting is not merely mechanical; it involves intricate processes that link fine motor skills with cognitive functions.

The findings highlight the significance of graphomotor skills—essential motor skills required for writing. Children with strong graphomotor abilities are more likely to develop proficient handwriting, leading to better letter recognition and reading skills. Conversely, children who struggle with fine motor skills, often labeled as “poor handwriters” or “dysgraphic,” may find it challenging to construct letter representations, which can impede their literacy development.

This research reinforces the importance of targeted handwriting instruction and intervention. By providing support in this area, we can empower children to develop confidence in their writing abilities, ultimately enhancing their literacy skills.

As we celebrate National Handwriting Day on January 23, let’s commit to prioritizing handwriting in our educational practices and supporting all students on their journey to becoming proficient writers and readers.

Seyll, L., & Content, A. (2020). The impact of graphomotor demands on letter-like shapes recognition: A comparison between hampered and normal handwriting. Human Movement Science, 72, 102662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2020.102662