What is a key value of teaching handwriting?

Teaching handwriting has multiple important benefits, one of which is its significant role in enhancing letter recognition, which is directly related to reading skills. When students practice handwriting, they develop fine motor skills that are necessary for writing letters accurately and consistently. This physical practice also reinforces their cognitive recognition of letters and their shapes, which in turn supports reading development.

Handwriting instruction helps students learn how letters are formed and how different letter shapes connect, ultimately improving their literacy skills. This understanding is foundational for successful reading and writing, as it connects the physical act of writing with the cognitive process of recognizing and decoding words. Thus, teaching handwriting plays a crucial role in literacy education, far beyond any subjective judgments that may influence teacher evaluations.