Developing Children's Handwriting: Beliefs about Handwriting

© Beverley Paine

[an excerpt from Developing Children's Handwriting, a Practical Homeschooling Booklet, by Beverley Paine, available from Always Learning Books.]

In any learning situation how we behave is a reflection of our beliefs. Successful outcomes depend upon having realistic expectations and goals. It is important to determine what is most important to you when planning activities to develop your
children’s handwriting skills.

The following set of beliefs about learning and handwriting can be used as a guide:

• Learning needs to be uncomplicated and whole, not a collection of fragmented, unconnected parts.
• Learning needs to be related to real tasks, and have personal meaning for the learner. Children learn to write by writing. Opportunities to develop handwriting need to include a variety of writing experiences in different settings, for different
  purposes and audiences, and be tailored to the individual’s learning styles and needs.
• Writing is a means of self-exploration and expression, as well as communication.
• Learning is the responsibility of the learner, and needs to have input and control over the process. This is aided by having access to the tools, information and resources necessary to the learning task.
• Learning occurs in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment, where stress and pressure is reduced to a minimum and success is celebrated.
• Consistent development of a fluent and legible handwriting style and technique is essential to facilitate handwriting as a communication tool.
• Handwriting develops best in an environment where handwriting is valued and demonstrated, and practice is encouraged without threat of criticism. Practice is the context of approximation (mistakes are a natural consequence of learning), and
  positive feedback is essential to successful learning outcomes.