From Pencils to Pixels: What We Lose When Children Stop Writing by Hand

By now you have probably heard that handwriting has declined in recent years for children. It’s no wonder why as tablets and computers are becoming the norm not just at home but in the classroom. Even I sit at a computer all day. It’s one of the reasons I try to write in my journal on a weekly basis. It’s an ability I would never want to lose.

Screens are all around us. Children see their parents using their phones at home. They play games on iPads, watch cartoons on the TV, and interact with computers at school. They can’t escape them. Our world revolves so much around screens and we learn from an early age how to type on the keyboard to better prepare us for our future careers. It’s no wonder that even teenagers need handwriting lessons. 

So what’s the big deal? Why should we even learn how to write?

Handwriting is a milestone in the foundational phase of education. It has cognitive benefits, motor development, and helps with our creative and personal expression. There’s a huge benefit to handwriting and it’s worth learning. 

Are children’s attention span getting shorter and shorter? There are some teachers in England who would agree. Handwriting also strengthens our focus and attention. Writing out letters and words helps sharpen focus and improve memory retention.

I remember being told in school to write in blue or black ink to help with memory retention—but in hindsight, it was likely the act of writing itself that made the difference.

How do I get my kid to write more? 

I think a lot about my daughter’s education these days. Although, she is a few years away from learning how to write, I figured we could come up with some ideas to encourage kids to practice their handwriting. 

Ways to Encourage Kids to Handwrite

• Keep a Journal
  Encourage kids to write a sentence or two each day about something they saw, did, or felt. They can also describe their favorite food or place. It doesn’t have to be long—just a small, consistent habit.

• Write a Letter to a Friend
  Have them write a short note or letter to a friend or family member. They can share something they appreciate about the person or talk about a fun memory.

• Use Fun Writing Prompts
  Creative prompts can make writing exciting! Try ideas like:

• “If your pet could talk, what would they say?”

• “If you could invent a new holiday, what would it be?”

• “What would you do if you could fly for one day?”

• Create and Share a Story
  Let kids write their own short stories and read them aloud during family time. You can even talk about how to change a scene or add a new character to spark imagination and revision.

Above all, make handwriting an enjoyable experience—not a chore. Writing should be something we want to do, not just something we’re told to do. Handwriting is a powerful skill and a lifelong tool. It helps us express ourselves, connect with others, and build confidence. It is something we will have forever.