THE ART OF HANDWRITING BECOMING A DISTANT MEMORY

As society immerses with the fast pace of everyday life and technology advances, we have gradually stepped away from traditional forms of communication. The age – old art of handwriting is slowly becoming a distant memory.

Have you ever wrote a letter or a thank you note? As a young child whenever I received a gift or letter, my mother would encourage me to write a thank you note. My mother would say that it showed appreciation and a great sign of respect.

I remember my grandmother telling me fairy tales of Kings and Queens remarking that they had elegant handwriting and wrote on scrolls for everyone to see. My Grandmother would write in copperplate and would say “You must take pride in your handwriting”. Try as I might I could never get my handwriting to look at elegant at hers.

Years later, now a mother myself, I actively encourage my children to write – to their friends and family and also stories, riddles and jokes . . . hey whatever just as long as their writing.

My children are particularly fond of the write and wipe style of book. I strongly recommend this type of book for youngsters 3 – 7 years old. These books teach how each letter is shaped from start to finish. Best of all when your youngsters have finished it can simply be wiped over with a damp cloth ready to start again. Write and wipe books are both cost effective and educational.

Through much practice and the beginning of primary school, my daughter has started to write to me. I am delighted to get her letters in the mail not only do I get to see how her handwriting is improving but I am apart of her education too. I experience her life through her letters noticing the improvement in her grammar, punctuation, etc.

As you can see I am trying to keep the tradition and art of handwriting instilled within my children. My children have a natural joy for learning and I am proud that I have been able to pass on this tradition to my children.

There are too many these days that are either too lazy or caught up in everyday life to take the time to put pen to paper and thus their families are denied heritage and a link to the past. I believe this is a crying sham and more encouragement is needed for this art to be passed onto the next generation.