Since most states have adopted Common Core Standards, associated changes in the way students will be tested are on the way. The new tests will rely heavily on hand written responses. Their responses will have to demonstrate understanding of the subject matter. Since people will be reading these answers for scoring, the writing will have to be legible.
Over the last few years as a substitute, I have witnessed a decreased emphasis legibility of students' writing. There are, I'm sure, a number of factors leading to this outcome. None less important than a lack of emphasis on writing at home. Teachers don't help by learning to interpret poor writing, rather than correcting it. In most instances this is due to a lack of time to spend on this skill. The increased use of technology in communication, play, and entertainment also adds to the problem by reducing opportunities to write.
Many students start writing their numbers and letters from the bottom (this may not seem important, but it does have a big impact on the formation of text and standardization of writing. Students are in a hurry to get writing out of the way, not caring about legibility or the importance of writing. No real consequences for poor penmanship only adds to the problem. Grades are not affected for the most part, and there is much less emphasis on writing for meaning in classrooms in too many classes.
Writing by hand is very important for fine motor skills. Writing by hand forces students to organize their thinking before putting pencil to paper. Any writing for meaning requires students to understand the material, or subject, they are writing about, organizing thoughts, and supporting their ideas with examples.
One of the best ways to acclimate children to writing is to have them keep some kind of journal, private or not. Writing daily is best; at least 2-3 times a week is helpful. Have them write about story ideas, activities during the day, retell a story (book or movie), plan a trip, plan a meal, write about something learned. The possibilities are endless. Writing by hand in a journal on a regular basis, provides necessary practice forming letters, framing thoughts, and putting those thoughts into another medium. One more important aspect of keeping a journal is to review it on a regular basis. How often one reviews will depend on how often one writes; reviewing about every 4 to 6 is a good idea. Reviewing provides feedback for how well thoughts were framed, how well ideas are communicated, and how easy it is to read the writing, and reviewing thoughts and ideas for future use or reinforcing memories.
Journals don't have to be expensive. Journals can be as simple as some binder paper stapled together, an inexpensive notebook from an office supply store, or as fancy as a leather bound diary. Whatever works for your budget is great, the important thing is that children learn to put thoughts onto paper and develop good, legible writing.
The main point is to get children in the habit of writing, writing legibly, and framing thoughts in a coherent manner for others to read.
