Happy National Handwriting Day!

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time you might have read my yearly posts on National Handwriting Day (or seen the National Handwriting Day badge I keep permanently in the sidebar) pertaining to the importance of handwriting – and teaching it – in American society. Note that I say American society, as most other countries do still teach cursive or some form of joined handwriting (the only European exception I'm aware of is Finland). Here in France it is stringently taught and with a fountain pen, no less!

It isn't just my own opinion that cursive/joined handwriting remains a relevant skill worthy of teaching. Ongoing studies continue to show the importance of cursive/joined handwriting in improving brain development and motor skills in children, leading to enhanced writing composition and content, as well as knowledge retention and a host of other bonuses in academic achievement (aiding students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, for example).

More of my thoughts on this important subject along with relevant supporting links are included with this past post Cursive Writing – It's important! 10 reasons to teach and use it. There was also a very interesting article in the New York Times this past summer, Why Handwriting Is Still Essential in the Keyboard Age, by  Perri Klass, M.D., which talks more about the benefit of handwriting for children with learning disabilities – definitely worth a read if you're as passionate about this subject as I am.

An interesting (and very entertaining) Ted Talk has been given on this subject by the artist and calligrapher, Jake Weidmann. His penmanship and artwork are truly stunning. Click HERE to see all relevant links and video.

And finally, feel free to use the badge I've created above to let others know about National Handwriting Day and to show your support for continuing to use and teach this most basic – yet oh so important – human motor skill.