Printing and/or writing isn’t used as much today as in the past. However, there are times when printing/writing is needed. As we grow, a person’s writing changes. Therefore, printing/writing practice must continue through elementary school and children must practice at home. Print is mechanical and resembles machine made letters. It is what most schools and preschools teach for letter formation and recognition.
Learning to print is developmental. Elementary school age children should practice printing every day to have their writing understood by themselves and others. Many times teachers, students and parents say they do not understand what is written by their student. This is due to the fact that the student’s writing becomes illegible. Thus, illegible writing leads to poor grades on written content. Clarity is a must when written communication is needed. Practice in print and cursive enable children to be satisfied with the looks of their handwriting.
Printing – Writing In Adults
Often, adults use print more than cursive writing. In addition, adults begin to combine print letters with cursive letters to fit a specific personality style. However, they must first learn print and then cursive (or vice versa) in order to achieve a writing style of their own. And, as with anything that is to be learned, correctly done practice makes perfect. Style does not matter, correct practice matters. Therefore, any style is good as long as letters are clearly formed and evenly spaced.
Today’s research points to the fact children must learn to write by hand whether in print or cursive. Writing by hand is not a lost art regardless of the keyboard. Cognitive development of the writing skills aides in reading.
When all is said and done, students must become good readers, writers, and develop a love of learning. Therefore, the summer months must contain time to sustain the skills of reading and writing. That is, writing by print or cursive, not on the keyboard. Write, write, write.
