Do you know what percentage of the school day
is spent doing handwritten work?
Percent of school instruction time
100
Writing on paper
Using technology
The majority of
58
24
15
K
46
45
45
21
20
elementary ed teachers
41
felt that training
22
21
20
to teach handwriting
would have
been helpful.
1
2
3
4
5
Grades
According to a recent survey* of K–5 teachers, writing on paper
happens during a major part of the elementary school day.
Whether it’s completing worksheets, journaling, or taking notes and written
exams, handwriting plays a significant role in today’s classrooms. In fact,
handwritten work increases as students progress through
elementary grades.
Technology lessons currently occur during 20 percent of instruction time.
Therefore, handwriting and technology must work together in the classroom
to create an engaged, balanced, and successful learning environment.
Despite its importance
in the school day, a majority
of elementary education
teachers surveyed did not
receive formal training to
teach handwriting.
However, 86 percent felt
that receiving training to
teach handwriting would
have been helpful.**
Handwriting Facts
It's a crucial skill.
Good handwriting skills help
students write with speed and
ease. Handwriting instruction
is a time saver: students finish
work quickly, and teachers can
read what they write.
It builds the brain.
Various research studies show
the impact of handwriting on
the developing brain, including
enhanced neural activity and
impact on the areas of the brain
related to literacy.
* August 2013; sample size of 450; K–5 teachers
** June 2011; sample size of 3,450; teachers and occupational therapists
It predicts success
in other subjects.
Students with good handwriting
are more likely to succeed
in school. Students without
consistent exposure to
handwriting are more likely to
struggle in all academic areas.
3 Ways Handwriting Without Tears ®
No. 1 It sets up teachers for success.
The curriculum makes handwriting easy to teach,
and easy to learn, in just 15 minutes a day.
Through a variety of workshops, online seminars,
and implementation assistance at the school
and district level, we equip teachers with materials
and easily accessible year-round support.
No. 2
It works alongside other subjects,…
including technology lessons.
The lessons support state English Language Arts and
Math standards. Lessons also offer cross-curricular
connections and technology links to help easily
integrate handwriting practice in your day.
No. 3
It’s developmental and multisensory
for children of all abilities.
The lessons and activities draw from years of innovation
and research to provide developmentally appropriate,
multisensory tools and strategies that are appropriate
for all children. Children learn more effectively by actively
doing, with materials that address all styles of learning.
For more information and a full list of citations,
visit hwtears.com/works