Some researches from Nordic countries that explore the benefits of writing by hand for children.
In today's digital age, where typing on keyboards and touchscreen devices has become the norm, the act of writing by hand may seem like a lost art. However, numerous studies from Nordic countries have highlighted the cognitive benefits of handwriting, particularly for children. From improved literacy skills to enhanced brain development, there are several reasons why encouraging kids to write by hand can contribute to their overall cognitive development. In this article, we will explore the research and evidence that supports the claim that writing by hand makes kids smarter.
Here are some benefits below for your references:
#1 - Fine Motor Skills Development
Handwriting requires the coordination of finger and hand movements, promoting the development of fine motor skills. Research by James and Engelhardt (2012) found a positive correlation between fine motor skill development and early writing abilities. Fine motor skills are not only important for handwriting but also for other essential tasks such as buttoning clothes, using utensils, and tying shoelaces.
#2 - Cognitive Processing and Memory
Writing by hand engages multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for thinking, language, and working memory. Studies, such as the one conducted by Longcamp et al. (2008) and newest study by Prof. Audrey L. H. van der Meer (2020), have shown that handwriting activates neural pathways associated with reading and writing more effectively than typing. The process of forming letters manually can enhance memory retention and comprehension, leading to improved overall learning outcomes.
"“When you write your shopping list or lecture notes by hand, you simply remember the content better afterwards" – Audrey van der Meer, a neuroscientist and professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
#3 - Letter Recognition and Reading Skills
Handwriting practice aids in the recognition and recall of letters, which is crucial for early literacy development. A study published in Psychological Science by James and Engelhardt (2012) revealed that children who practiced handwriting were better able to recognize and distinguish letters compared to those who primarily typed. The act of physically forming letters reinforces the connections between visual and motor skills, enhancing letter recognition and reading abilities.
#4 - Creativity and Idea Generation
Writing by hand stimulates creative thinking and idea generation. A study by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014) demonstrated that students who took handwritten notes during lectures performed better in both factual and conceptual questions compared to those who used laptops. The process of manually writing encourages students to synthesize and summarize information, promoting deeper understanding and creativity in their work.
#5 - Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Writing by hand has been associated with improved emotional well-being and psychological development in children. It allows for self-expression, aids in self-regulation, and can serve as a therapeutic tool. Research by Kovács et al. (2019) showed that writing by hand positively influenced emotional processing and regulation, leading to enhanced emotional intelligence.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear: Using pen and paper provides more sensory stimuli, activating the sensorimotor regions of the brain, offers significant cognitive benefits and fostering learning and better memory retention for children. From fine motor skills development and enhanced memory to improved literacy and creativity, the act of physically forming letters stimulates various areas of brain function. Encouraging kids to write by hand alongside the use of digital devices can provide a balanced approach to their cognitive development. So, let's continue to foster the art of handwriting and empower children to reap the cognitive advantages it offers.
References
These studies below from Nordic countries provide further insights into the cognitive and educational benefits of writing by hand for children, including its impact on word recall, writing quality, spelling instruction, attention, and reading skills.
Audrey L. H. van der Meer, F. R. (Ruud) van der Weel, Eva Ose Askvik. (2020). The Importance of Cursive Handwriting Over Typewriting for Learning in the classroom: A High-Density EEG Study of 12-Year-Old Children and Young Adults. Sec. Educational Psychology, Volume 11 - 2020.
Elbæk, L., Madsen, K. H., & Madsen, J. Ø. (2015). Handwriting versus keyboard writing: Effect on word recall. Nordic Psychology, 67(4), 229-243.
Hagtvet, B. E., Løsnes, B., Lødding, B., & Solheim, O. J. (2017). The importance of handwriting skills for writing quality in primary school: A study in Norwegian 6th graders. Reading and Writing, 30(2), 403-424.
Hulme, C., & Joshi, R. M. (2009). Reading and spelling: Scandinavian and other orthographies. In R. M. Joshi, P. G. Aaron, & N. A. Joshi (Eds.), Handbook of orthography and literacy (pp. 349-366). Routledge.
Lehtonen, M., Mononen, R., & Aro, M. (2018). Handwriting and spelling instruction for young dyslexic writers: Teaching comparison between traditional and laptop-supported approaches. Annals of Dyslexia, 68(2), 123-144.
Mangen, A., Anda, L. G., & Oxborough, G. (2015). Relationships between attention, reading and physical activity: A cross-lagged panel design study in 9- to 16-year-olds. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 59(2), 204-225.
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