The Ontario Ministry of Education released an updated Language curriculum in 2023 that highlights the importance of handwriting. Students begin learning to print letters and words in Grade 1, focusing on correct letter formation, size, placement, and spacing. In Grade 3, they start learning cursive writing, and by Grade 4, they begin developing fluent keyboarding skills.
Even with increased access to technology, explicit handwriting instruction remains important.
Handwriting supports learning in many ways:
- When handwriting is slow or difficult, it can take away from a child’s ability to think about ideas, organize their writing, and use correct grammar.
- Handwriting is used across all subjects. Challenges with handwriting can make tasks like notetaking, tests, and classwork more difficult.
- When handwriting becomes automatic, students often feel more confident and motivated to write.
- Handwriting is connected to reading and spelling, helping to strengthen these important skills.