In our increasingly digital & now evolving AI world, it’s easy to forget the value of good old-fashioned handwriting.
But the act of putting pencil or pen to paper offers unique benefits for young children that go far beyond simply learning & writing:
WHAT ARE BENEFITS OF WRITING ON PAPER FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?
- Brain Boost:
- Fine Motor Skills: Handwriting strengthens tiny muscles in the hands and fingers, crucial for dexterity, coordination, and even later painting or musical instrument playing.
- Brain Connectivity: The brain areas responsible for vision, motor control, and language all work together during handwriting. This strengthens brain development significantly – neural pathways and improves cognitive functions.
- Spatial Awareness: Forming letters and words or drawing /painting on a page enhances spatial reasoning & creative skills – understanding how objects relate to each other in space & also for catalyzing innovation.
Steve Jobs handwriting classes in his younger years had reportedly helped him craft the first Mac’s keyboard – now such a famous case study.
- Memory Power-Up:
- Engaging Multiple Senses: When children write, they see the letters, feel the pen on the paper, and hear the sound of the writing. This multi-sensory experience strengthens memory formation & curation.
- Improved Recall: Studies have shown that children who write by hand tend to remember information better than those who type. The physical act of writing seems to deepen the learning process.
- Language & Literacy Leap:
- Letter Formation: Handwriting helps children understand the unique shapes and sounds of letters, building a strong foundation for reading and spelling.
- Creativity & Expression: Writing by hand encourages creativity and self-expression. Children can experiment with different styles, fonts, and colors, fostering a love of language.
- Improved Communication: Clear handwriting is essential for effective communication. It helps children express their thoughts and ideas clearly and confidently.
- Academic Success:
- Focus & Attention: Handwriting requires concentration and sustained attention, valuable skills for academic success in all subjects.
- Problem-Solving: Learning to form letters neatly involves problem-solving as children experiment with different grips and techniques.
- Increased Confidence: Mastering handwriting boosts a child’s self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.
SO HOW SHOULD WE ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO WRITE?
Tips for Encouraging Handwriting:
- Make it Fun: Use colorful pens, pencils, and fun writing paper.
- Start Early: Even toddlers can benefit from simple scribbling activities.
- Practice Regularly: Short, frequent practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
- Focus on Quality over Speed: Emphasize neatness and accuracy over how quickly a child can write.
- Make it Meaningful: Let children write letters/small posts/postcards/birthday cards to friends and family, create stories, and draw pictures.
- Ensure your child is in right school: which does not use laptops/pads/screens for education.
WHY HAVE SO MANY COUNTRIES BANNED SCREEN BASED SCHOOLING?
Yes, the benefits of handwriting discussed in this note – apart from health related adverse impacts – are definitely among the reasons why some countries are implementing screen bans in schools for younger children.
Here’s how they connect:
- Prioritizing Foundational Skills: Screen bans often aim to prioritize the development of fundamental skills like handwriting, reading, and critical thinking in early & amongst young childhood. These skills are believed to be better developed through hands-on activities and direct interaction with physical objects.
- Impact on health : eyes, learning & speech disorders/lags are all getting impacted, besides cyber risks
Several countries have implemented screen bans or have restrictions in schools, often focusing on smartphones and tablets based education.
Some notable examples include:
- France: One of the earliest and most prominent examples, France has banned the use of cell-phones in all primary and secondary schools.
- Netherlands: A recent addition to the list, the Netherlands has implemented a nationwide ban on smartphones in schools for both primary and secondary students.
- Hungary: Hungary has also implemented a ban on smartphones in schools.
- Greece: Greece has restrictions on smartphone use in schools, requiring students to keep their phones in their bags during the school day.
The article from the Guardian newspaper explains :
CONCLUSION:
While technology has its place, handwriting remains a vital skill with profound benefits for a child’s overall development. By encouraging regular handwriting practice, we can help our children build a strong foundation for learning and success in all areas of life.
Sometimes in our school’s counseling sessions with some new parents – a careful analysis of learning gaps sometimes does uncover how the child has been losing out due to too much screens exposure – including in the child’s previous school.
In short screens-based primary school education – not recommended.
MORE QUESTIONS ON WHATS GOOD FOR YOUR Child’s FUTURE? do reach us – maybe schedule a visit one of our campuses with your child.
We will strive to answer your questions – with the perspective of what’s best for your child.
why – the Sixth Element?
Very simply, the Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back, to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – so important for children’s development – as we nurture, and get them ready for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done on instilling values & character building:
- Instill values: Understanding differences between right or wrong, is discussed in its many facets often. As also discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum, with its emphasis on global citizenship and community service, fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your own food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW we are a uniform school), up-cycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rain water harvesting, recycling, etc
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher helps build self-esteem. By setting and achieving goals, students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence
THE SIXTH ELEMENT School’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory, where children learn experimentally about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning, nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become not only successful individuals, but equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes by lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low density, impactful format
Reason why we choose Cambridge International curriculum is because the blend of teacher directed as well as learner self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – weather based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see for yourself why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 20 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon ‘activities enriched’ daycare centres are unique, exclusive compact neighborhood green campuses – where a lot of outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) takes place with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only 2 sections per each class grade – and very limited children on campus, allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high quality, committed teachers – the very backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the right methods and practices. As an example – our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with xfit kids, our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches – give a great foundational fitness and start to our school kids.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of Gurugram, our great nation and our planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYZING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULUM IS BENCH-MARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY, WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLL OUT IN INDIA NOW.
So in line with some of India’s top and globally the very best: we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
the Sixth Element School
the school children love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
Limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
