| While technology takes over some of the heavy | | | | for all kinds. As technology helps us communicate |
| lifting, handwriting remains an important part of who | | | | more quickly and easily with e-mail and text |
| we are. | | | | messaging, there will forever remain a place for the |
| Handwriting has long been a skill that identifies us | | | | personal and intimate touch that only handwriting can |
| from each other. Like a fingerprint, our handwriting is | | | | give. |
| unique from everyone else on the planet. Although | | | | How do we encourage our children to write more? |
| teachers did their best to get all students to form | | | | And ourselves! |
| each cursive letter exactly the same, students | | | | Give them personalized stationery that reflects their |
| always showed their individual cursive style. There | | | | interests. Children love to be told they are special and |
| was the left-hander's back slant, the cursive-print | | | | a personalized gift is a sincere way to express that |
| combination style, the tiny letters, and some illegible | | | | sentiment. It also encourages children of all ages to |
| examples that only the author himself could discern. | | | | practice writing. They do not have to write a long |
| Today the idea of a handwritten composition is | | | | letter; just a personal quick note is better than a |
| nothing more than a fable told to disbelieving | | | | note never written. |
| students- "You wrote the words? With a pen?" | | | | RUVAcards offers fun and funky artwork to reflect |
| However, according to a article, the loss of | | | | younger and older kids' interests and style, ranging |
| handwriting also may be a cognitive opportunity | | | | from sports and CD headsets to flip-flops and frogs. |
| missed. The article explains, "Studies show that the | | | | RUVAcards owner Cindy Coughlin knows the designs |
| neurological process that directs thought, through | | | | hit home with those difficult-to-buy-"tweeners" |
| fingers, into written symbols is a highly sophisticated | | | | because she tested them on her own kids. Let's fact |
| one. Several academic studies have found that good | | | | it ~ this age group wants to send something cool. |
| handwriting skills at a young age can help children | | | | Let them express it with a more urban appeal. |
| express their thoughts better - a lifelong benefit." | | | | "I started looking for cards and stationery to fit my |
| While technology has given the gift of efficiency and | | | | children's interests during a pen pals project," Coughlin |
| accuracy to our writing, it cannot provide a truly | | | | explains. "There just really wasn't anything out there |
| personal touch. It is the handwritten messages that | | | | for older kids. Now my daughter will take these cards |
| we remember most -the stack of love letters, the | | | | and use them for all sorts of things, like scrapbooking |
| yearbooks filled with the wisdom of 18 year-old high | | | | or decorating gifts. They use them to write notes to |
| school graduates, cherished letters of encouragement | | | | their friends and to their grandparents." She always |
| received during the uncertainty of college, notes of | | | | has a supply in her backpack. |
| gratitude for kindness shown, and the offer of | | | | Keep a variety of fun note cards and some stamps |
| sympathy and hope to others in times of loss. These | | | | in your tote for all that 'free' time when you're just |
| are the moments when e-mail just won't do. | | | | waiting at the doctor's office, child's piano lessons! |
| The beauty of communication is that there is room | | | | |