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Shop the full range of TTS handwriting resources here.
Competition terms & conditions. Prize value includes VAT.
Here’s what you can win:
- Fine Motor Skills Pre-Writing Board Set
- One Finger Spacer Handwriting Aid 20pk
- Fidgety Feet Posture Aid 3pk
- Hand & Finger Strengthener Starter Set 5pk
- 2 x Developmental Pencil Grip 5pk
- Breathing & Mindfulness Boards 6pk
- Illuminated Mark Making Boards and 6 Pens
- Essential Pencil Grip Kit 20pk
- A4 Double Sided Whiteboards Gridded/Lined 30pk
- Budget Essentials Drywipe Pens Fine Tip Black
- Handwriting Pens Blue 300pk
- Handwriting Pens Black 300pk
- 2 x Glue Sticks 144pk
About National Handwriting Day
With the dominance of keyboards and touchscreens, handwriting can sometimes be overshadowed. Yet, handwriting remains a vital skill, especially for young learners. National Handwriting Day serves as a reminder of the importance of this fundamental skill. Celebrated annually on 23rd January, this day encourages both children and adults to put pen to paper and appreciate the joy of handwriting.
National Handwriting Day was established by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association in 1977. The date was chosen in honour of John Hancock, whose iconic signature symbolises boldness and individuality. This day aims to promote the advantages of handwriting, which include improved memory retention, enhanced creativity and better fine motor skills.
Why Handwriting Matters in Early Education
National Handwriting Day provides a brilliant opportunity to highlight the importance of handwriting in child development. Handwriting is more than just a means of communication; it plays a crucial role in cognitive development. Writing by hand engages the brain in unique ways that typing does not:
- Cognitive benefits: research suggests that handwriting helps to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, it aids in learning to read and spell, as children learn to recognise and form letters.
- Emotional and personal expression: handwriting allows for personal expression and can be an emotional outlet for children. The uniqueness of each person’s handwriting reflects their personality and offers a sense of identity and ownership over their work.
How Teachers Can Celebrate National Handwriting Day
There are various ways teachers can incorporate the celebration of National Handwriting Day into their classrooms. Here are just a few ideas:
Handwriting Activities
Plan engaging handwriting activities that encourage children to practise their skills. Use creative prompts to inspire them to write stories, poems or letters. Providing handwriting resources, such as tracing sheets, can make these activities more enjoyable and educational.
Handwriting Contests
Organise a handwriting contest to motivate children to improve their handwriting. This can be a fun and rewarding way to challenge them while fostering a sense of healthy competition.
Showcasing Work
Create a display of children’s handwritten work which can boost their confidence and allow them to appreciate the diversity of handwriting styles within the class.
National Handwriting Day is an excellent opportunity for teachers and early years educators to highlight the importance of handwriting. By incorporating fun and educational activities into the classroom, teachers can help children recognise the value of handwriting and inspire them to embrace this timeless and enjoyable skill.
Shop the full range of TTS handwriting resources here.