Published: April 13, 2026
The Re-emergence of Writing in Education
The ability to write and form a sentence is an art that will always be authentic to an individual. According to the Merriam- Webster dictionary, writing is defined as the act or process of forming visible letters or characters and the act or process of literary or musical composition. For students today, the act of writing is essential, as its mastery is needed to think critically and communicate effectively. Writing promotes independent thinking and gives us the confidence to express our ideas and organize our thoughts, as well as to enhance our conceptual understanding.
As early as Pre-K, students learn the foundations of writing when they learn letter recognition and the formation of letters. As students advance in grades these print concepts are taught in conjunction with reading, and reading comprehension becomes evident through constructed responses. Over the past few years, advancements in technology have shifted the learning process and requirements have moved from handwriting to typing with computer-based learning and testing. Some even argue that the emergence of AI will replace writing skills that are necessary to achieve success not only in academics but in career advancement. However, many studies still assert that handwriting is a critical skill that is needed for academia and beyond.
The Benefits of Handwriting
Recent studies have shown that when compared to typing, handwriting enhances cognitive development by engaging more areas of the brain that promote memory retention, comprehension, critical thinking and creativity. Typing, on the other hand, may be swift and seem more effective, but it doesn’t trigger the neural connections that are needed for cognition and advanced memory retention. Writing is multisensory. It involves moving the pen to form the shape of the letter, applying pressure when needed, and navigating through the space of the lines and page while coordinating thought, vision and action.
Handwriting Lights up our Brain
Neuroimaging studies have shown more parts of the brain are active during handwriting and only smaller parts of the brain are active during typing. The alpha and theta oscillations in the parietal and central regions of the brain that are responsible for learning and memory exhibit activation during handwriting. When learning letters and sounds, students who practiced handwriting had better reading comprehension and fluency compared to those who practiced typing. This is due to the attention to detail needed to memorize the movement of the shape of the letter which ultimately improves reading.
Another study found that students were able to take better notes when typing, but were lacking conceptual understanding when tested on the content compared to students who took notes by hand. Van de Meer suggests, “They were typing without thinking.” Students who wrote by hand outperformed those students who used a typewriter when tested, further confirming the cognitive benefits of handwriting on learning.
Cursive Writing Makes a Comeback
A 2020 study examined the importance of cursive writing over typewriting in the classroom. The results were similar as neuropsychologist, Dr. Audrey van de Meer states,“The whole area of the brain is involved when you write or draw, but it is not the case when you use a typewriter.”
Research has shown the positive impact that cursive handwriting has had on learning. Fine motor skills from the “fluid motion and smooth transition” required in cursive writing stimulates the motor cortex and cerebellum which heightens memory retention and conceptual understanding. The cognitive benefits of handwriting on learning as well as the vast history of cursive writing have played a major role in the resurgence of cursive writing. Its origins date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Historical documents, including those of our founding fathers are written in cursive. The ability to read and write cursive will enable our students to preserve history as well as be successful in the future.
As of March 2026, twenty seven US States have officially mandated and passed into law, that cursive writing return to the classroom. Pennsylvania recently passed the Watro’s Cursive Bill into Law and recognizes the benefits of cursive writing. The bill noted studies that have shown how cursive writing activates certain regions of the brain that enhance memory, language and critical thinking while improving coordination and dexterity. NY Senator Jessica Scarletta Spanton introduced Senate Bill 77S43A which “Clarifies that the writing requirement that is part of compulsory education includes cursive writing.” This bill is currently being reviewed by the Senate Education Committee.
Prep Academy Tutors knows the positive benefits that handwriting has on learning. Our tutors are here to help your child practice the art of handwriting using both print and cursive styles.
Written by our staff author and teacher, Maryann Moriarty. Maryann has 18 years of teaching experience in New York City and was a contributing author at the Educator’s Room.