In what way does handwriting support literacy development?

Handwriting supports literacy development primarily by connecting motor skills to letter recognition. When children engage in handwriting, they are not just forming letters but also reinforcing their understanding of the shapes and sounds associated with each letter. This kinesthetic aspect of writing—where students physically create the letters—helps solidify their recognition of these letters, strengthening their ability to read and write.

Through the act of writing by hand, children develop fine motor skills that are essential for literacy, such as finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. These skills contribute to more effective writing as well as reading fluency, making handwriting a foundational component of early literacy education. This connection between physical action and cognitive understanding is crucial for young learners as they progress in their reading and writing abilities.