How learning and practising cursive handwriting can help dyslexic students to enhance their abilities and skills in a variety of areas
Ever since last year when Psychology Today published its article, “Why writing by hand could make you smarter,” there has been an upturn in interest in the benefits of teaching cursive writing.
Drawing on research from Indiana University in 2013, the article reported that it seems that learning cursive writing actually enhances the brain’s capacity for optimal efficiency and the integration of sensation, movement control, and thinking – particularly with dyslexic students.
Of course, that is not to say that practising cursive writing can combat the effects of dyslexia, but there seems to be little doubt that it can help dyslexic pupils who are being supported in other ways.
It seems that through this activity of practising cursive writing multiple areas of the brain become co-activated in a way that doesn’t happen with typing or just visual practice.
There is even a spill-over benefit for thinking skills. Cursive writing requires fine motor control and attention to detail, and this combination of focus seemingly activates areas of the brain that can enhance the retention of spelling – even in children who have difficulties with learning to spell.
Thus, as the Indiana University study shows, cursive writing has benefits for students that go far beyond reading, printing or using a keyboard.
It was to help with this vital development of the brain that Multi-Sensory Learning produced its Handwriting Activity Workbook which consists of over 300 structured exercises designed to establish the correct cursive letter formation and encourage an automatic response to frequently used spelling choices.
The books are available in packs of five for £39.95 per pack. A 15% discount is applicable for orders of 4 packs and over.
You can order The Handwriting Activity Workbooks in any of these ways:
- On our website
- By phone on 01604 505000
- By fax to 01604 505001
- By email to info@msl-online.net
- By post to Multi-Sensory Learning, Highgate House, Creaton, Northants, NN6 8NN