News
Here you can find news from the NHA and also links to international news about Handwriting.
British children too weak to grip a pencil thanks to endless use of touchscreens
Toddlers’ excessive use of touchscreens is leaving the muscles in their hands so weak they cannot grip a pencil, specialists warn. See Express article.
Kids’ fingers too weak to hold pencil, occupational therapist says
See NewsCut article, Minnesota Public Radio
Touchscreen-addicted children struggle with writing, experts say
A child’s phone obsession could be making it harder for them to write. According to handwriting, kids are spending too much time swiping screens, and as a result, they’re not developing the motor skills needed to hold pens and pencils correctly. The National Handwriting Association says excessive use of technology means children are not developing the dexterity needed to control their writing. See Fox News.
Estudo inglês afirma que a tecnologia está a fazer com que as crianças não consigam pegar em lápis
Children struggle to hold pens because of excessive use of iPads, claim experts
Article in The Telegraph
How hard is it to learn to write by hand as an adult?
Doctors have warned that overuse of electronic screens is leaving some children unable to hold a pen properly. But while learning as an adult is difficult, it’s not impossible. See article in The Guardian Education.
National Handwriting Day – Winners!
We are pleased to announce the lucky prize draw winners for the NHA celebration of National Handwriting Day.
The hamper was won by Hillingdon Manor School, West Drayton.
The bag full of ‘goodies’ was won by Peover Superior Endowed Primary School in Cheshire.
Thanks to everyone who took part in activities to celebrate the day, and especially those who shared their experiences with us.
Do we need to teach children joined-up handwriting?
The US state of Illinois has passed a law requiring school students to learn joined-up handwriting, or “cursive”, overriding the governor’s veto. It is no longer a requirement in US schools, and some countries have dropped the skill from the curriculum or made it optional. Read the story on BBC News.
Important changes to End of Key Stage Assessments (SATS)
The End of Key Stage Assessments for Writing last year (commonly known as SATs), included requirements for handwriting which caused widespread concern, especially in regard to joining. This year’s requirements appear to be more realistic, flexible and sympathetic to pupils with handwriting difficulties. See the Government Publications for details:
Key Stage 1 Teacher Assessment Frameworks
Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessment Frameworks
Do children need good handwriting skills in the current digital age?
Over a quarter of UK primary school pupils aren’t able to join up a word and third of teachers say that handwriting standards are worsening. Watch discussion on Good Morning Britain.
Cursive Handwriting and Other Education Myths
Teaching cursive handwriting doesn’t have nearly the value we think it does. Read article by Philip Ball on Nautilus.
