National
Handwriting Day is today, January 23. Handwriting gives an intimacy to the written word that nothing else can
duplicate. It illustrates the writer has taken extra time and energy to
communicate their thoughts. Whether in journals, letters or grocery lists,
those words by hand give a glimpse into the personality of their
creators.
Studies on the benefits of handwriting have been done by the Collège de
France in Paris, University of Washington and Indiana University, among
others. Science has shown that children learn to read more quickly when
they first learn to write by hand. They remain better able to think creatively
and retain information. Printing, cursive and typing all produce
specific brain patterns. When we compose by hand instead of on a keyboard, more
ideas are generated. There's also evidence of greater brain activity in areas
with associated with working memory, as well as those associated with reading
and writing.
January 23 was chosen for National Handwriting Day to coincide with John Hancock’s birthday. Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, and his famous signature is beautiful, complete with flourishes. National Handwriting Day was first launched in 1977.
----------------
What's Lost As Handwriting Fades in New York Times
How Handwriting Trains the Brain in Wall Street Journal
Why Writing by Hand Could Make You Smarter
How Cursive Writing Uniquely Helps Brain Development
How Does Handwriting Affect Brain Development
