[readerabbit]

I am doing a presentation on handwriting. I want your imput please.
Do you believe that handwriting has anything to do with a child's reading ability or learning ability. Explain.
I am doing internet research as well as my own. I know what my answer is .But I wanted to know what you thought.
Thanks

[SC]

I haven't conducted official research, but in my own experience, it seems as those who are higher readers also have better handwriting. I think that stems from the fact that better readers are usually exposed to more text and learn from what they see.

As far as handwriting and learning ability being linked, I've seen mixed cases. I know of students with learning disabilities but who have neat handwriting, but I also know of some very smart students with atrocious handwriting. I'm not sure if those are linked or not, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are.

Of course, there are always exceptions; those are just my general observations. I'm interested to read what others think.

[kwh]

There is research coming out now that shows that children who do not develop a dominant hand (usually those who are left handed but do a lot of things right handed) have greater difficulty in school. This would also link to handwriting. The lack of brain dominance for writing and small motor skills affects larger things like organization and comprehension.

[slooper]

I just had a meeting with our reading specialist and discussed this very issue. She told me that some of the research that she has read shows a direct correlation between handwriting and reading. If students are not forming letters correctly (especially b and d), this sends a confusing message to the brain. I have two students in my class that were not corrected with their letter formation and they are reading very far below grade level. We have started focusing on where to begin the letter (top line or bottom line) and I have seen an improvement with just this simple exercise. When writing a "b" I have students place a green dot where we start the letter. We do this for other letters that they confuse as well. So far, it seems to be working.

[readerabbit]

This is exactly what I need to hear from "we the people" that deal with students on a everyday. So keep the imput flowing please.

[Love_2_Teach]

I find that children who have messy hard to read handwriting are more creative and have great ideas they just have a difficult time with the writing part. I don't think that it is a direct link to not doing well in school. Look at docters who can read anything they write?

[creativeandy]

We are in the process of making changes in our handwriting instruction. As a Kindergarten teacher with some reading recovery training under my belt, I have some concerns with the program being considered. Could you share any of your research? I do not want to add any confusions for my struggling learners. Thanks, Creativeandy