A survey of studies on handwriting is undertaken in this research review. Sources of information on the history of handwriting from its earliest beginnings to present attitudes toward it are indicated. Also discussed are research findings on the handwriting act (hand movement, handwriting instruments, and penmanship), the handwriting product (in…

The importance of tidy, legible handwriting which effectively communicates ideas may be made evident to students through the use of purposeful, realistic writing situations. The writing of letters, diaries, poems, and invitations may provide a beneficial use of time and motivate students to improve their handwriting. The teacher can develop in…

The many everyday needs for manuscript writing--signs, maps, graphs, and posters--and the fact that it retains its legibility better than does cursive writing suggest the need for the continued use of manuscript beyond grades 1 and 2. Also, manuscript writing is preferable to cursive writing for children with poor coordination or spelling…

An inservice project to review the functional handwriting being taught in the Williamsport, Pennsylvania, school district produced a handwriting manual that provides teachers and students with models of letter forms and instructional exercises leading to the development of an individualized style of handwriting. The manual describes student…

Children become frustrated in learning cursive writing, says the author, who offers some helpful suggestions. (Editor/RK)

Argues that the widespread use of print script in schools should be abandoned. (Editor)