Why Handwriting Still Matters for Struggling Readers
Introduction
We often talk about reading and writing as separate things, but they’re more connected than we think. For children facing challenges like dyslexia or ADHD, every bit helps, and that includes focusing on handwriting. When we think about helping kids read better, adding handwriting into the mix might just be the secret ingredient that makes all the difference.
You might be wondering why we're spending time on handwriting when keyboards and screens are everywhere. Well, though typing is important, putting pen to paper can offer unique benefits. Handwriting engages parts of the brain that assist with learning and memory, and these activities can aid in improving reading skills. Curious to learn more about this connection? Let’s take a closer look.
The Link Between Handwriting and Reading
Seems like a no-brainer, right? When kids take the time to write words by hand, they don’t just see the words—they feel them. This multi-sensory experience can be essential for kids who have trouble with reading.
Here's how it works:
- Handwriting activates brain areas associated with reading and writing. This connection helps reinforce language skills.
- Writing by hand can improve fine motor skills, which are helpful for understanding spacing and letter formation.
- The repetition involved in practicing handwriting can boost both reading fluency and vocabulary retention.
Imagine a student named Jamie. Jamie writes each letter with extra care and focus, so they gradually understand the shape and sound of the letter. Over time, this practice leads to better decoding skills, the kind that make reading smoother. By pairing handwriting with reading practice, kids like Jamie can have an easier time remembering what they learn.
Benefits of Handwriting Practice for Dyslexic Children
Dyslexia can create a tough journey for many kids, but handwriting practice is one tool that can offer real support. Here’s why it matters for children with dyslexia:
- Reinforces letter recognition. For these children, recognizing letters doesn’t always come naturally. Writing them repeatedly helps turn confusion into clarity.
- Boosts spelling abilities. As kids write, they start remembering the sequence and shape of words, making spelling less intimidating.
- Improves cognitive development. Practicing handwriting isn’t just about forming letters neatly. It helps with brain development, organization of thoughts, and concentration.
This kind of focused practice addresses some of the root challenges children with dyslexia face. By writing, they activate learning processes that can lead to stronger recall and a better grasp of the language.
Structured Methods That Work
When kids are struggling to read, it’s not enough to give them a few flashcards and hope for the best. They need methods that are thoughtful and structured. That’s where approaches like the Slingerland Approach and Orton-Gillingham come in.
These programs were created specifically for students with language-based learning difficulties like dyslexia. What makes them especially effective is the way they weave handwriting into reading instruction. In these methods, students are taught to connect letter sounds with how the letters are formed and spoken.
For example, a student learning the letter “b” might say the sound out loud, trace the letter with their finger, and then write it down several times. This multi-sensory repetition helps solidify the sound-symbol connection. It isn’t just handwriting for handwriting’s sake—it’s handwriting as a path to understanding and reading better.
These approaches don’t isolate skills. They build them together, which is why they work well for students who’ve had difficulty progressing in more traditional classroom settings. With consistent, guided instruction, those simple writing exercises begin to fuel breakthroughs in reading, decoding, and comprehension.
Real-World Applications and Tips
Now, all of that might make it sound like handwriting practice only happens during lessons. But in reality, day-to-day life offers plenty of natural ways for kids to blend handwriting and reading without it turning into extra homework.
Here are a few activities that build both skills:
- Writing a grocery list with a parent, then reading it aloud while shopping
- Drawing and labeling pictures of animals or favorite snacks
- Sending handwritten thank-you notes to relatives
- Creating a simple storybook or comic with captions
- Keeping a daily log with a sentence or two about what they did that day
These things don’t take long, and they don’t have to be fancy. What matters is that they give children a reason to write and read in a way that feels purposeful. The movement of writing reinforces the sound and shape of letters. Saying the words out loud or reading what they wrote makes those connections even stronger.
But it’s important to remember that habits only help when they’re done correctly. If a child is holding their pencil awkwardly or forming letters inconsistently, then they might not be getting the full benefit from these everyday activities. That’s where some extra support can fill in the gaps.
The Role of Professional Support
Sometimes, a little guidance goes a long way. Many children need more than effort and repetition. They need someone who can lead them through each stage of the process—from pencil grip to hearing sound patterns to writing complete words.
Professional instruction gives kids structured, targeted lessons that follow proven approaches. A trained expert can recognize patterns, pick up on persistent struggles, and tailor the experience to what that specific child needs. Just as importantly, they offer encouragement and consistency.
When instruction is one-on-one and focused, suddenly a child who felt stuck can make real progress. It’s not just about improving writing or decoding. It’s about building confidence and helping them understand that they can learn. Children notice that shift—so do their parents and teachers. It changes how they approach school altogether.
Helping Your Child Succeed With Handwriting and Reading
Helping a child read better isn’t always a clear path, especially when things like ADHD or dyslexia are part of the mix. But one thing is clear—the link between handwriting and reading holds real potential for progress. It deepens understanding, helps lock in letter recognition, and strengthens memory.
When typing is the default, it’s easy to overlook what writing by hand can do. But those pencil strokes can make all the difference for a child who hasn’t quite found their way with reading.
It doesn’t take rushing through worksheets or daily drills. It takes patience, thoughtful guidance, and strategies that meet them where they are. Structured methods, real-life writing moments, and support from someone who knows what they’re doing—that’s what builds momentum.
Every journal they write in, every sound they match to a letter, every word they read aloud slowly and carefully—it all adds up. And over time, those small steps lead somewhere big.
If you’re looking for expert support to strengthen the connection between handwriting and reading,
Lamorinda Reads offers guided help that’s built around your child’s needs. Reach out today to take the first step toward giving your child the focused attention they need to grow with confidence, both on the page and beyond.
