There are many benefits to writing by hand, whether that be printing or cursive writing. One of the biggest areas for many students, is how it supports their ability to retain information. Recently, research has begun to look at how well children (and adults) recall information when written by hand vs. typed on a computer. When writing by hand, students’ memory is boosted and they can recall the information better due to the connections made in the brain. This is because writing incorporates muscle movements in the hand and arm, as well as sensory input through the use of tactile feedback. Overall, writing employs more areas of the brain when taking notes, leading to better recall and retention skills for students. This is not to say those who work on technology will not retain the information. Computers also have their advantages as well, primarily when motor and sensory needs have not fully developed.
If you feel that your child is having trouble with their writing, it is often a good idea to get him/her assessed by your occupational therapist to determine the underlying issue. Because printing and cursive writing are complex tasks and require motor and sensory components of the brain, there are multiple options to help develop these skills, and in turn, increase their knowledge retention and recall.
To get an assessment by one of our Occupational Therapists, regarding your child’s writing or any other fine motor needs, you can Call Us.
Michelle – Occupational Therapist
