The importance of learning handwriting from a young age
Handwriting is more than just putting pen to paper—it is a fundamental skill that shapes a child’s cognitive development, fine motor skills, and academic success. In the French curriculum, handwriting is taught with structure and precision from an early age, ensuring that students develop lifelong skills in writing and presentation. At Teach Me Learning Center, we integrate these essential elements into our bilingual program to provide children with a strong foundation in literacy and organization.
Why start early?
The earlier children learn proper handwriting techniques, the easier it is for them to develop good habits. Research has shown that children who begin handwriting instruction at a young age demonstrate better letter recognition, reading comprehension, and writing fluency. According to a study published in The Journal of Educational Psychology, young students who practice handwriting early tend to perform better in spelling and composition compared to those who primarily use keyboards.
Moreover, handwriting isn’t just about communication—it plays a significant role in brain development. Dr. Karin James, a cognitive scientist at Indiana University, explains, “When children write by hand, their neural activity is far more enhanced than when they type, showing greater engagement in areas associated with language and memory.” This is why it is crucial to introduce handwriting as early as possible.
The key elements of handwriting instruction
In our French classes, and in our bilingual French American Program, students learn key principles that help them develop structured and legible handwriting:
✅ Proper Pencil Grip – Holding a pen or pencil correctly enhances control and fluidity in writing.
✅ Paper Orientation & Layout – Children learn to locate themselves on a sheet of paper and respect a structured layout for neatness and organization.
✅ Letter & Number Formation – Following a precise height and proportion code ensures clarity and readability.
✅ Stroke Direction – Learning the correct way to form letters and numbers helps maintain uniformity and speed.
These fundamental skills not only improve handwriting but also encourage discipline, organization, and attention to detail—qualities that benefit students in all areas of learning.
Breaking bad habits before they start
One of the biggest challenges in handwriting instruction is correcting bad habits. Once improper grip or letter formation is established, it becomes difficult to unlearn. This is why structured handwriting instruction is essential from the beginning. As the famous educator Maria Montessori said, “What the hand does, the mind remembers.” Early exposure to proper handwriting techniques prevents common issues such as illegible writing, fatigue, and poor writing speed later in life.
The French approach to handwriting
In the French education system, handwriting is considered a vital skill, not just an afterthought. French schools emphasize:
- Cursive writing from an early age to reinforce muscle memory and fluidity.
- Consistent letter sizing and spacing to improve readability.
- Strict guidelines for presentation to encourage clarity and structure in all written work.
At Teach Me Learning Center, we bring these high standards into our bilingual program, ensuring that students learn to write with precision and confidence.
Handwriting: A lifelong skill
Good handwriting habits set students up for success in many ways. Studies have found that students who write by hand retain information better than those who type their notes. Furthermore, neat handwriting boosts confidence and self-expression, making it a valuable skill beyond the classroom.
By integrating handwriting instruction into our French classes and bilingual program, we help students develop skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Because learning the French way means embracing structure, precision, and confidence in writing! 💙🤍❤️
Contact us!
Are you interested in giving your child the best start in handwriting and literacy?
Contact Teach Me Learning Center today to learn more about our bilingual program and French curriculum!
[email protected] / 725 300 4189