Children's handwriting is a foundational skill for literacy, developing from early scribbling to formal letter formation, and is crucial for cognitive development, reading, and writing success. It helps children express ideas, and challenges with it can be due to motor skill issues or conditions like dysgraphia, requiring patience and appropriate support to build confidence.

Handwriting development and importance

Early stages: Toddlers and preschoolers begin with drawing and scribbling, gradually learning that marks represent meaning.
Formal instruction: In school, older children learn to hold pencils correctly, form letters, and use rules for size and spacing.
Skill reinforcement: Handwriting reinforces reading and spelling skills, and fluency in writing allows children to focus more on their ideas.
Lifelong value: It's an essential skill for everyday tasks like filling out forms, writing cards, and for academic success, such as test-taking.