How to Improve Your Printed Handwriting

Good penmanship is a skill that improves with practice.

Even though we live in a modern world filled with computers and word processors, neat and tidy "manuscript" or print handwriting is an important skill to learn. Handwriting involves various mental functions and it is often linked to reading, spelling and comprehension success in younger students. Neat, legible handwriting is equally important for adults, and there are several tips you can follow to improve your handwriting skills.

Things You'll Need

• Lined paper
• Printing templates

Instructions

1. Hold your pen or pencil in a gentle way. Don't grip it in a tight, strained manner because printing should be a natural, unforced experience.

2. Find printing templates online or create penmanship practice sheets for yourself. Practice printing the letters of the alphabet first. Then proceed to entire words when you're ready, and then go ahead and carry out full sentences and paragraphs. However, don't rush this process. Continued practice is vital to improving your penmanship skills.

3. Buy and use lined paper so you have even, regular lines to guide you when you practice. Don't worry about improving your cursive handwriting at this point. Focus on practicing manuscript letters and let the lines on the pages steer you into an orderly way of writing.

4. Write slowly and carefully on a regular basis because this will inevitably lead to tidier handwriting. In the beginning stages, slow down so that you can pay close attention to the way you write insofar as which parts of your hand are used and stressed when you write. Don't print with your fingers alone. Try to use your forearm to lead you down each page.

5. Use the templates you chose to help you visualize each letter, and then print in the air with your hand. According to Paperpenalia's website, practicing in the air will "give you a feel for the muscles you need to use and writing on a vertical surface makes it virtually impossible to finger-write."

6. Continue to practice on a daily basis for a minimum of 30 days. Keep practicing and don't give up because good penmanship develops over time. Eventually, you'll find that writing is an unstrained, graceful experience and the result will be legible handwriting that you'll enjoy for the rest of your life.

References

• Paperpenalia.com: Tips for Improving Your Handwriting
• LD Online: The Importance of Teaching Handwriting