How does handwriting instruction benefit beginning readers?

Handwriting instruction is beneficial for beginning readers primarily because it reinforces letter shape recognition. When children learn to write letters by hand, they engage in a multisensory experience that helps solidify their understanding of letter formation and structure. This kinesthetic aspect of writing—forming letters with a pencil or pen—complements visual recognition. As students practice writing each letter, they become more familiar with its shape and characteristics, which facilitates reading. This direct connection between handwriting and letter recognition helps in developing their reading skills, as they are better able to identify and differentiate between letters when they see them in print.

The process of writing also requires children to think about the sounds associated with letters, thus reinforcing their phonemic awareness. This is especially critical during the early stages of reading development, where recognizing letters and connecting them to sounds lays the groundwork for reading fluency.