How’s Your Handwriting??
January 23rd is National Handwriting Day in honor of John Hancock’s birthday. His handwriting bold, legible and beautiful. The document itself was written by
a clerk in the Pennsylvania State House, Timothy Matlack. His handwriting is a work of art!!
How to Teach/Improve Handwriting
When I was a child in grade school (grades 5 – 8) our language teacher was also our art teacher. Why? Because you can use art to teach hand control. When he was first cursive, he taught us how to freestyle line art swans. Why? to teach loops. Swans were fun. Practicing letters, not so much. I recently had hand surgery or I’d so a video for you.
Lefties
I’m a lefty, I don’t write backhand or with my wrist all curled and contorted. My handwriting is beautiful. I’ve been asked to help lefties with their handwriting. I think it goes back to my grade school teacher. Then when I decided to homeschool my daughter and we learned old English handwriting, I cleaned it up even more.
Ideas for improving Handwriting
- Take up line art drawing. Whether it’s a formal class or just on your own.
- Take up Calligraphy. When I homeschooled my daughter, many of the parents did an art project with calligraphy.
- Buy good writing instruments. Nothing hurts handwriting efforts more than writing instruments that skip, drag, and the ink just doesn’t flow. I remember falling in love with handwriting when I was able to buy a “Bic Banana” pen back in the early
1970’s . It was the first Bic pen that was really meant for drawing as well as writing. The ink just flowed. It never skipped or dragged on the paper. - Make it fun, not a chore. As I said, learning to draw or learning calligraphy can be a fun hobby. Meanwhile, your handwriting will be easier to correct. It will be natural.
When You’re Good at It
You can create beautiful artwork for your home and as gifts. Some people actually earn money with their beautiful handwriting. Be it artwork or addressing invitations, there is money to be made with it beautiful hand lettering.
Sources
I did a quick internet search for handwriting through art. There were a few sites I liked. But do your own search if non of these float your boat.
- This is an occupational therapy site. The focus is handwriting. There are printables: https://www.theottoolbox.com/2016/04/improve-handwriting-with-art.html
- This is a web designer turned calligraphy artist. She tells of her journey learning the art and gives helpful suggestions: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2017/02/art-calligraphy-getting-started-lessons-learned/
- This one is just some ideas of what you can do with your newfound skill: https://thepostmansknock.com/7-projects-will-motivate-learn-calligraphy/
- Another ideas site: https://www.diys.com/15-beautiful-calligraphy-projects-keep-inspired/
Handwriting is a lost art. It shouldn’t be. I agree with what Anastasia said on the Smashing Magazine site: Your handwriting tells a story. In
Well, I’m off. Have a great day! Practice your handwriting today in honor of John Hancock’s birthday.
