Why Handwriting Still Matters: What Every Parent Should Know

Written by: Keller Seamons

It’s no secret that screens are everywhere these days. Kids are growing up in a world filled with tablets, phones, and educational apps that promise fast, easy learning. So it’s natural to wonder: does handwriting still matter?

At ThinkInk, we believe the answer is a resounding yes.

Not because we’re stuck in the past, but because the science is clear: handwriting plays a vital role in how young children learn, grow, and think. And when we see kids thrive through a handwriting-first approach, it’s hard to ignore just how powerful this “old-school” skill really is.

1. Handwriting Builds Stronger, Smarter Brains

When your child picks up a pencil or pen and writes, they’re doing a lot more than forming letters. Brain scans show that handwriting lights up areas of the brain involved in memory, movement, language, and focus, far more than tapping, typing, or swiping ever does.

One study found that 5- to 6-year-olds with stronger handwriting had more developed brain regions tied to reading and language (James & Engelhardt, 2012). Other research has shown that handwriting activates the brain in deeper, more complex ways than digital input (Askvik et al., 2020; van der Meer & van der Weel, 2020).

In other words, writing by hand doesn’t just help children learn letters. It helps build the mental pathways they’ll use for thinking, reading, and communicating for the rest of their lives.

2. It Gives Kids a Real Boost in Reading and Spelling

Handwriting isn’t just about neatness, it’s about connecting the physical act of writing to how children process language.

When kids write letters themselves, their brains link the shape, sound, and feel of each one. This leads to stronger letter recognition, better phonics understanding, and improved spelling. One study showed that children who learned letters through handwriting scored up to 30% higher in reading fluency compared to those who learned by typing (James & Atwood, 2009).

The takeaway for parents? Handwriting might just be one of the most powerful literacy tools out there.

3. It Helps Kids Remember What They Learn

There’s a reason so many of us still write things down when we really want to remember them. That’s because writing helps us process information more deeply, and the same goes for kids.

A 2024 study found that handwriting activated more than twice as many brain regions as typing, leading to stronger learning and memory (van der Meer & van der Weel, 2024). Another study from Princeton showed that students who took handwritten notes understood and remembered material better than those who typed (Mueller & Oppenheimer, 2014).

For young learners, this means that writing by hand helps them hold onto what they’re learning, not just repeat it.

4. It Sparks Creativity and Clearer Thinking

There’s something about handwriting that slows us down just enough to think more clearly and creatively. For kids, that’s a gift.

When children write stories by hand, they tend to use more complex ideas and show a greater variety of thoughts (Universal Publishing, 2023). Brain imaging studies show that creative writing activates key areas like the hippocampus and Broca’s area, both involved in imagination, memory, and language (Neural Correlates of Creative Writing, 2013).

In short: handwriting helps kids express themselves in deeper, more meaningful ways.

5. It Builds Patience, Focus, and Fine Motor Skills

We live in a fast world, and our kids feel that too. Handwriting is one of the few school activities that requires them to slow down and really pay attention.

But it’s not just about focus. Writing by hand also builds important fine motor skills, the same skills they need to tie their shoes, use utensils, or play an instrument. According to research, handwriting demands up to four times more motor engagement than tapping or swiping (Only Three Fingers Write, 2020).

This kind of hands-on learning helps kids feel more in control of their bodies, their thoughts, and their progress.

Why This Matters for Your Child

We understand the power of using the right tools in the right way. That’s why we’re blending the advantages of modern technology with proven, research-backed methods that support how children learn and grow best.

When your child writes by hand, they’re not just learning to form letters. They’re building stronger brains. They’re growing as readers, thinkers, and creators. They’re learning patience and persistence. They’re developing confidence.

At ThinkInk, handwriting isn’t just part of the curriculum, it’s the heart of it.

References

• Askvik, E. O., van der Meer, A. L., & van der Weel, F. R. (2020). The importance of handwriting in learning. Frontiers in Psychology

• James, K. H., & Engelhardt, L. (2012). The effects of handwriting experience on functional brain development in pre-literate children. Trends in Neuroscience and Education

• James, K. H., & Atwood, T. P. (2009). The role of sensorimotor learning in the early development of letter recognition. Developmental Neuropsychology

• Longcamp, M., et al. (2008). Learning through handwriting helps develop visual recognition. NeuroReport

• Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard: Advantages of longhand over laptop note taking. Psychological Science

• van der Meer, A. L., & van der Weel, F. R. (2024). Handwriting versus typing: New insights from neuroimaging. Frontiers in Psychology

• “Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Your Brain,” Scientific American, 2024

• “Only Three Fingers Write, but the Whole Brain Works,” Neuroimaging Correlates of Handwriting Quality, 2020

• “Neural Correlates of Creative Writing,” 2013

• Universal Publishing. (2023). The Impact of Handwriting on Children’s Writing Abilities

• eLearning Academy. (2023). Neuroimaging and Handwriting: How Writing Enhances Brain Development