Let’s Connect the Old-Fashioned Way
When was the last time you sat down and wrote a letter to anyone? Not typed on your phone or computer keyboard, but actually put pen to paper? Well, your chance is coming! Whether you use biros and postcards or you have handmade notepaper and fountain pens, everyone can celebrate National Handwriting Day.
Held on 23 January each year, National Handwriting Day was founded in 1977 by the American organisation the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association to promote and celebrate everything related to handwriting, such as pens, pencils and writing paper. I wonder if they had anticipated how computers would take off?
23 January was chosen as this was John Hancock’s birthday. Who’s he? you may ask. He was the first person to sign the US Declaration of Independence!
Is The Writing on The Wall For Handwriting?
We used to have to write everything: shopping lists, to-do lists, notes to friends, letters. Today you probably have apps that can do all these things. You don’t even have to press any keys; you could use voice recognition software on your phone to do this. Messaging apps allow you to contact a friend – or even everyone in your contacts list – at the press of a button.
Why Write?
But there are benefits to be found in writing as opposed to typing. Writing allows you to slow down. Putting your thoughts down on paper helps you to really think about the person you’re writing to and what you want to say to them. And receiving a letter is a treat – imagine the smile on your friend’s or family member’s face as they open the letter you have lovingly written to them!
Getting It Write
Even though most of our communication is done via computer today, children still have to learn to write at school. If your child doesn’t enjoy writing or is struggling, there are plenty of ways you can help them. The National Handwriting Association website also contains advice and resources.
Some Creative Activities You Could Try
There are lots of fun writing activities you can do at home with your child to help them practise their writing skills. How about writing an acrostic poem? Or you could ask your child to write a shopping list for you before you head to the supermarket. Most children will be delighted to be grown-up and help you. Or you could ask your child to write a letter to Gran or Grandad, or a family member they don’t see very often, to brighten up their day.
If your child is a little older, they might want to keep a diary. They could choose a notebook they like, and a special pen, and get writing! Or perhaps your child is inspired by nature? If so, how about starting a nature journal? This also has the benefit of allowing you and your child to get outside in the bracing winter air together! Ask your child to look out for leaves or flowers you can take home and press (or you could take photos and print them out), then your child can glue them into their nature journal and label them or write some facts about them.
Of course, these ideas are not just for children. Why not unleash your creative side and try your hand at colouring in or calligraphy? These are activities all the family could do together: they’re relaxing, they improve your fine motor skills, and you can chat to each other while you’re creating.
Whatever you choose to do for National Handwriting Day, have fun!