Did You Know That Handwriting Can Predict Writing and Reading Skills?

It is truly amazing how the brain works. More and more research continues to be published regarding how various skills develop. Previous research has indicated that handwriting automaticity is related to the development of effective writing skills. Recent research published in Reading and Writing, explored how handwriting predicts writing and reading skills.

Does Handwriting Predict Writing and Reading Skills in Young Children?

A research study investigated the influence of handwriting automaticity in the writing and reading performance of 154 Year 1 students in 24 classrooms in Western Australia. Each student was assessed for handwriting automaticity and word-reading at the end of kindergarten (average age 5.8 years old) and one year later (average age 6.8 years old).

In addition, at the end of Year 1, child-level measures of writing quality and production were completed. Teachers reported on the amount and type of writing instruction and the amount of writing practice in the classrooms in Year 1.

Results of the Study on Handwriting, Writing and Reading

Data analysis indicated the following:

  • handwriting automaticity predicted writing quality and production concurrently and across time after accounting for gender and initial word-reading skills.
  • handwriting automaticity predicted reading performance across time.
  • writing and reading performance were associated with amount of writing practice.
  • teaching planning and revising were positively associated with writing performance.

Reference

Malpique, A. A., Pino-Pasternak, D., & Roberto, M. S. (2020). Writing and reading performance in Year 1 Australian classrooms: Associations with handwriting automaticity and writing instruction. Reading and Writing, 33(3), 783-805.

Read More

Read more on how Instruction Influences Handwriting Automaticity in Children.

Many schools use specific handwriting curriculums to help reduce variance among classrooms for handwriting instruction.  At Your Therapy Source, we offer three handwriting tools and curriculums to help support handwriting instruction.

This Handwriting Bundle for PreK-5th Graders was created by school based occupational therapist, Thia Triggs of Print Path. This Handwriting Without Tears© -style letter font, uses 3-lines to best support your students. There are Go-Dots, Gray-Boxes, and Simple Arrows that inform rather than confuse learners. Best practices include research based methods incorporating application of developmental and motor learning theories to benefit your struggling learners.  Get 8 of the best handwriting instruction downloads for your multi-leveled interventions!  FIND OUT MORE.

Write Incredibly Now ™(W.I.N. TM) is an exclusive U.S. trademarked handwriting program of Children’s Special Services, LLC and designed by Susan N. Schriber Orloff, OTR/L!  It breaks manuscript into three forms and cursive into four using colors instead of directional cues, as well as gross and fine motor games. You get both the manuscript and the cursive programs in reusable workbook form for multiple use. There are games, activities and follow-up suggestions so that the child can individually continue the program after the 12 hours are “over”.  There is plenty of room to add your own creativity too!!  FIND OUT MORE.

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