National Handwriting Day

National Handwriting Day
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Why does Handwriting Without Tears
use double line paper?

With so many different types of lined paper and so many styles, children need to learn printing and cursive on paper that will prepare them for it all. HWT double lines quickly teach children how to place letters properly. Small letters fit in the middle space, tall letters go in the top space, descending letters go in the bottom space. Learn more about why double lines work!

Two years ago, children in classrooms throughout the United States and around the world helped make history with Mail to the Chief, which delivered more than 35,000 handwritten letters of advice to the White House. That activity gave children a voice they didn't have in other media—because handwriting remains the primary way that elementary aged children communicate.

To celebrate National Handwriting Day 2011, we highlighted International Creativity Month, and invited students to explore - in their best handwriting of course – the arts of poetry, story, essay and other creative writing. Why? We know that children who master handwriting are better, more creative writers!

We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who celebrated National Handwriting Day with us this year! We were thrilled to have such enthusiastic response from children all over the country.

Check out the National Handwriting Day Gallery to see some of the terrific work sent in by students all around the country.

P.S. Be sure to visit The Learning Lounge for more activities to keep your children writing all year!

Why handwriting?

Quite simply, good handwriting leads to good outcomes in the classroom. It promotes an organized approach to communication, maximizes thinking time, and boosts creativity. In fact, studies show that students who write legibly and fluently do better on tests and in all subject areas including literacy and math.

Click here to access the list of suggested classroom activites.

Comments (6)

So when exactly is National Handwriting Day 2011?

— Joan Carr on December 17, 2010

I don't see an actual date either.

— Anne Jones on December 18, 2010

National Handwriting Day is Jan. 24, 2011.

— Noelle Pacer on December 19, 2010

"In that spirit, we are celebrating National Handwriting Day 2011 on January 23, 2011 by highlighting International Creativity Month."
"National Handwriting Day is celebrated on January 23 in honor of John Hancock's birthday."

— Sabrina Hansen on December 21, 2010

Poets don't draw. They unravel their handwriting and then tie it up again, but differently. --
Jean Cocteau

— Pinki Hablani on January 15, 2011

We submitted our work as a class, each work submitted individually. When will we hear something about this or see the slide show? My students ask be about it every day!

— Jessica Owens on January 28, 2011