HayU Blog

Whenever I sit with a pen and paper to write a to-do list, update my calendar, or record weekly reflections in my journal, I feel such satisfaction at the end of the process. 

After making a list of some sort, I ask myself, Is this everything? Then, I backwards plan in my mind to ensure that I've included everything, whether I’m writing my grocery list or my daily task list. Later, I seem to only need to look back at the list once in a while. The process of writing helps me create a picture that sticks in my mind. 

At the conclusion of my weekly journaling, I reread the written account of my life and think: 

• Did I completely and accurately capture the events of the week? 
• Is there anything else I need to add? 
• Did I express how what happened made me feel? 
• What is my take away from the event? 

Sometimes I add the details to the page and other times I just make a mental note. And then there are times when I simply just look at my writing and admire the fact that the words on the page are mine…they are the physical representation of my thoughts. 

Is it just me? Am I the only one that does this? I can’t be! 

It turns out that when we write by hand, the areas of the brain associated with reading, language and memory are activated. Handwriting is a multi-sensory activity; we use our hands to form letters on the paper, our eyes to track the movement across the page, and we feel the sensation of the pen on the paper when writing each letter stroke. This multi-sensory input is linked to increased brain activation that leads to improved retention and comprehension. 

Quite often, when I pull out my list, someone will kindly inform me that I can just do it on my phone. The same goes for calendaring. And it’s true! I can use my phone and I do use my phone, sometimes. But there are certain things that I just have to write down! I’m not quite ready to throw away my pen, pens actually, or pencils for that matter. Brain research shows that there are benefits for us all, young and old, to keep up the practice of writing things down!

5 Advantages of Handwriting

1. Improves both long-term and short-term memory - handwriting activates the region of the brain associated with working memory.
2. Allows for deeper processing - slowing down when writing by hand allows you to think more deeply and make connections between ideas.
3. Aids in prioritizing information - note taking relies on us summarizing and paraphrasing important ideas and terms. You can’t write everything.
4. Improves focus - paper is a distraction-free zone, there are no pop-ups, no messages, no browsing. The act of handwriting itself requires focus to transform our thoughts and ideas to letters on the page. 
5. Builds foundational reading skills - writing reinforces phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, word reading, and spelling.

Not sure what to write or when to write? Here are a few ideas!

1. Take notes in class, after reading, or while learning something new.
2. Make a list. It can be a grocery list, materials list for a project, or a task-list to increase your daily productivity.
3. Journal to set intentions for the day or to unwind and relax at the end of the day.
4. Write a personal note to a friend, family member, or yourself. Handwritten letters are often our most precious keepsakes!
5. Jot down reminders for appointments, assignments to complete, or important dates.

~Jakell Bell, M.Ed 

Director, Hayutin Education

Resources:

• 10 Benefits of Writing Notes by Hand 
• Powerful Benefits of Writing by Hand 
• The Importance of Teaching Handwriting 
• The Benefits of Handwriting