Why It’s Important for Students to Write by Hand

Yet, they nod and press on. Intently concentrating on correctly forming letters, writing them on the line, getting correct word order. Making sure their sentences have subjects and verbs. They check for correct spelling. They erase when I point out a mistake. They use actual erasers. They use pencils. New students in my Literacy class always choose a pencil over a pen when I offer them a choice. The same goes for the higher level classes I’ve taught – most students use a pencil. They know they’ll make mistakes.

Along with pencils and erasers, they all have a notebook. Even with their computers open, the students are busy diligently copying. Even if a higher level student is doing an HP5 online writing activity, they first do the activity in their notebook, putting words in the correct order to make a sentence, or composing an email asking for time off, for instance.

I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised at students’ preference for writing by hand. They are, after all, although without knowing it, following the science.

Scientific data (see links to articles at the end of this blog post) shows that writing by hand is a distinct act, unique and different from typing. Writing with a keyboard is not the same as with pen and paper. Further, writing by hand, studies indicate, has benefits unique from typing.

One benefit is that writing by hand increases brain connectivity. This connectivity, for instance, is thought to be why there is a link between handwritten notes and increased learning among students. Handwriting is tactile, and the process of writing by hand reinforces memory pathways and enhances comprehension and retention.

Another benefit of handwriting is that, especially for literacy students, writing by hand can make letter recognition easier. Learning to write letters is vital for learning to read them. For instance, studies with kids show that tracing out ABCs, rather than typing them, results in stronger recognition and understanding of letters. Writing by hand improves memory and recall of words, two skills that are necessary building blocks of literacy.

A third benefit is that writing by hand is part of a fundamental process necessary for immersive cognitive experiences. In other words, the act of writing by hand forces students to slow down and fully concentrate on whatever they’re writing, be it a letter, words, or sentences. I’ve noticed the difference in my students’ focus when they’re writing with pencil and paper. They’re more locked in when handwriting. This slowness forces the students to process information — in effect, making it their own.

I’ve outlined only three pluses of writing by hand. There are a lot more. Having students writing by hand in every class is important for their literacy development, the building of their skills, and the strengthening of the relationship between our students’ cognitive and motor skills. A sharp pencil sharpens the mind.

Finally, I want to be clear that there is no conflict between the pencil and the keyboard. These two ways of writing are complementary. It’s important to have our students use both computers and pencil and paper, although I do advocate for greater emphasis on the latter.