Friday, February 14, 2025
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Handwriting in the digital age

As students struggle to keep up with key developmental milestones in an increasingly digital world, experts warn that the shift away from traditional handwriting is contributing to delays in essential skills like reading, writing, and spelling.

Logan Libraries is offering a range of programs to support young learners and their families through a series of information sessions held from 20 February to 8 March.

The sessions will be led by paediatric occupational therapist Melissa Savonoff, who will guide parents on how to help their children develop strong reading, writing, and spelling skills using simple and enjoyable strategies.

Mrs Savonoff, who has worked with children for over 20 years in the Logan area, said handwriting was important to child development.

“The way we learn hasn’t changed, but the methods around us have altered,” Mrs Savonoff said.

“When children write letters by hand, it links important neural pathways in their brains, which helps the knowledge stick.”

She highlighted that handwriting remains crucial even in a time dominated by digital devices and writing by hand involves a process that creates stronger learning connections in the brain compared to typing.

“Producing something by hand links muscle memory, visual memory, and auditory memory of the letter form, sound, and name,” Mrs Savonoff said.

“It’s like driving a racing car, when you practice the lap, the pattern is laid down in your brain. The more you practice, the quicker you recall it.”

While digital tools like touch typing are necessary in schools today, Mrs Savonoff explains that these tools don’t have the same cognitive impact for learning as handwriting.

“When you type, your finger only presses a key. It doesn’t involve the same motor planning or memory retrieval as forming a letter by hand,” she said.

“It’s why handwriting, especially in the lower school grades, is essential to teach to proficiency for brain development and learning to read and spell effectively.”

Mrs Savonoff also addressed the growing challenges children face due to increased screen time, which has contributed to delays in fine motor skills.

“More and more children are presenting with delays in skills that were once considered foundational by kindergarten,” she said.

“Teachers are seeing children struggling with basic tasks, like holding a pencil, opening lunchboxes or tying shoelaces, because of overexposure to digital devices.”

She pointed to research that links the decline of handwriting instruction in schools with decreased literacy rates.

“A lot of curriculums have removed handwriting instruction, but there’s growing recognition that it needs to return,” she said.

“The more children automate their handwriting skills, the better their memory retrieval, which then helps with spelling, grammar, punctuation, and overall writing fluency.”

The Logan Libraries’ series is part of a broader effort to provide learning support to children and families.

In addition to the handwriting sessions, the libraries offer a Homework Help program, available at various branches during school terms.

These sessions provide students with a quiet space to study, receive advice on assignments, and get help with homework.

For younger readers, the Page Turners Reading Program is available, offering additional support to foster early literacy skills.

Library staff listen to children read or read to them, creating an encouraging environment that strengthens reading abilities.

Mrs Savonoff believes parents play a crucial role in early childhood education, and much can be done at home to support their children’s development.

“Parents don’t need to rely solely on the kindergarten or school to provide a rich learning environment,” she said.

“They can introduce writing tools, like crayons and pencils, at home and encourage their children to practice writing, even before they enter school.”

One of the simplest yet most effective ways parents can support their children’s development is through reading, singing, and talking to them from birth.

“You’re sowing the seed of language into their little brains,” Mrs Savonoff said.

“Research shows that children who are read to, sung to, and talked to from a young age are more likely to develop strong language skills and a love for reading.”

To find a full list of the handwriting sessions, Homework Help, and Page Turners programs, visit loglib.org/b2s.

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