The process of handwriting is a complicated one. Putting down on paper what you’re thinking involves effort from your hand, elbow, shoulder and eyes. Starting with crayon scribbles and moving all the way up to fountain pen essays perfects this coordination and enables you to develop your very own writing style. Try our 7 top tips for improving your handwriting:
1. Get a good grip
The way you hold a pen or pencil determines the control you have over it, so having a good grip is essential for controlled and neat writing. The best way to hold a pen or pencil is between your index and middle finger, with your thumb supporting it from the bottom, this technique is known as the tri-pod grip. This promotes the most comfort and control when writing.
2. Pressure point
Pressing down really hard on the paper is the best way to get cramp in your hand. Writing needs smooth fluid movement, especially cursive, so relaxing your hand will make writing more comfortable and gentler on the page.
3. Speed
When children first learn to write they are painfully slow, but this is a really good way of making sure they get the movement and control right. When you rush, your writing will be messy because you aren’t taking enough time to complete letter shapes. The faster you write the more mistakes you’ll make as well, so take your time.
4. Line it up
Lined paper helps create letters that are the right size and proportion. This is particularly helpful in distinguishing between upper case and lower case letters. Lines also ensure you write in a straight line so your writing looks neat and tidy on the page.
5. The right stationery
Find a pen that you like and stick with it. Writing with different pens produces different results, so try and use one that complements your writing style. Make sure the grip is comfortable, it is the right size for your hand, writes well on paper without friction and doesn’t smudge.
6. Fine motor control
Strengthening your hand will improve your handwriting as it aids your fine motor control. Playing games, think operation, is a fun way of using your hands in a similar way to writing, requiring a steady hand and picking up small pieces.
7. Practice makes perfect
Practising is the only way to improve your handwriting. Children can do this by tracing over letter shapes to help them learn the movement. For adults, incorporating handwriting into everyday life will improve your technique. Write letters, shopping lists, postcards, anything to help you practice.
Explore our wide selection of writing equipment, and find the perfect handwriting pens with YPO's large range of Stabilo products.
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