People across various age groups, including older teenagers and adults, often ask if it is possible to improve handwriting, and the answer is a resounding yes—with the assistance of a few key elements. Possessing excellent handwriting is vital for numerous reasons, be it boosting self-esteem and confidence or securing higher marks in written examinations. The Magic Link Handwriting Programme has been a transformative journey for thousands of students, turning messy and illegible writing into neat and tidy script and here are 7 crucial factors for improving handwriting.
1. Correct posture
It is a recurring observation to witness children write with their heads placed flat on the table and cheeks positioned horizontally on their books. The formation of letters in this quasi-gymnastic posture, while indeed astonishing, is not surprising in its consequential adverse impact on the neatness of handwriting. The peculiar angle of the body concerning the pen and paper introduces a significant challenge in achieving handwriting precision.
Moreover, the angles of the eyes in this position impede accurate proofreading. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a correct posture before attempting to write becomes imperative. This entails ensuring that backs remain straight, discouraging any inclination towards slouching. Additionally, advocating for the non-writing hand to be consistently positioned on the table serves the purpose of providing support to the paper during the writing process.
2. Use standard wide-ruled paper
The common issue leading to messy handwriting in many children is the tendency to make all letters the same height. This is often a result of the variety of ‘handwriting paper’ available, causing confusion. When the lines are overly wide, children tend to neglect the top line, and in the absence of lines, maintaining a straight angle becomes challenging.
For neater handwriting, the recommended approach is to use straightforward, wide-ruled paper with a margin. This specific type of paper can be found on the stationary section of the www.magiclinkhandwriting website. Standard, wide-ruled paper is commonly used in school exercise books and exams. Familiarity with this paper type helps students develop the habit of writing neatly during actual exams.
3. The margin
A considerable number of children do not know what a margin is and ack an understanding of its significance. However, the margin serves a pivotal purpose beyond its physical presence on paper. It is indispensable for orderly number placement, dating, and numbering of bullet points, contributing to the overall tidiness of a student’s written work. Another noteworthy function is its utility for right-handed individuals, enabling them to stabilise the page by placing their left thumb in the margin. Each page within the Magic Link Handwriting Programme is deliberately designed with a margin, emphasising the importance of encouraging and promoting consistent usage for optimal writing practices.
4. Correct grip
For students seeking to enhance their handwriting, achieving this goal is contingent on the correct grip of the pencil or pen. It is imperative to use a triangular-shaped pencil or pen, a seemingly uncommon find on the typical high street but absolutely essential for successful handwriting. Detailed guidance on this aspect is available on a dedicated page on the Magic Link website.
It is crucial to instruct pupils of all ages on the precise positioning of their fingers. The recommended technique involves using ‘frogs legs’ fingers, emphasising the avoidance of wrapping the thumb around the pen or pencil, which obscures the letters and hindering visibility,
5. Differentiate letter heights
A prevalent challenge impeding children’s handwriting improvement lies in their tendency to produce letters of either insufficient or excessive size. It is a frequent occurrence to observe uniform-sized letters, imparting an immature appearance to their written work. The often-overlooked fundamental aspect is the critical importance of incorporating contrast in letter heights.
The 30-step Magic Link handwriting programme strategically addresses this challenge by systematically instructing students on the formation of both ‘tall’ and ‘tiny’ letters right from the program’s initiation, predating the introduction of cursive handwriting. This foundational element plays a pivotal role in effecting a transformative shift from messy scrawl to a more refined and improved handwriting style.
6. Simple letter formation
Children often encounter confusion when they are exposed to an excessive number of flicks and curls in letter formations. It is imperative to emphasise the teaching of a simple font, minimising unnecessary curls, thereby facilitating ease in letter formation. Simplifying the font significantly contributes to enabling children to achieve neater writing, given the increased simplicity of letter shapes.There is always a noticeable improvement in ease of handwriting as well as speed when lead-in flicks are eliminated.
Handwriting, fundamentally a means of communication, demands the ability to write quickly and precisely. This becomes particularly critical during examinations, where students face heightened pressure to respond to questions within tightly regulated time constraints. The Magic Link Handwriting font plays a pivotal role in this context by ensuring that each letter is scripted in the simplest and swiftest manner possible, promoting both speed and legibility simultaneously.
7. Cursive is crucial!
It’s surprising to observe the number of primary and secondary school children struggling with writing in fast, cursive, joined-up letters. Opting for a non-joined-up writing style not only makes handwriting slower but also introduces continuous gaps in words. The repetitive process of forming each letter individually leads to aching fingers and muscle fatigue, a considerable hindrance, especially during lengthy activities such as a 3-hour examination paper.
The Magic Link Handwriting Programme offers a solution for pupils to enhance their handwriting skills and adopt cursive, joined-up writing. Through this programme, they will be taught a straightforward method for connecting letters, fostering neat spacing and tidy writing. The added benefit is that speed can be increased without compromising legibility.
As a result, not only will examiners be able to effortlessly read examination papers, but students will also experience a sense of pride and confidence in their newly acquired handwriting skills. The Magic Link Handwriting Programme proves to be a valuable tool for students seeking to overcome challenges in their writing abilities.
