The pen still matters in a digital age
With more technology integration in schools, is handwriting really necessary in this age of digitization? Research says yes! Handwriting should remain a key component in fostering cognitive development and improving literacy outcomes, especially given literacy concerns in South Africa, where too many children struggle to read for meaning.
Unlocking the brain’s potential
“The brain is like a supercomputer; every time you write by hand, you’re firing up all its circuits,” says Lillian Henderson, Marketing Director for Southern and East Africa at BIC.
“A recent developmental neuroscience study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology showed that when children write by hand, they engage multiple areas of their brain. This is especially important for children who are just learning to recognize letters and their shapes.”
While South Africa has made some great strides in improving literacy rates, there’s still a long way to go. According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), many Grade 4 students in South Africa struggle to read for meaning. Henderson believes handwriting could be a game-changer in this situation.
“A study in the International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies found that there’s a strong link between handwriting and academic success. Writing by hand isn’t just about getting words on a page; it helps children develop crucial fine motor skills, improves their ability to focus, and even helps with self-control – all of which are key to better reading and writing. Children who learn to write by hand are also often better at recognizing and remembering letters, which boosts their reading skills. Plus, writing by hand also helps with memory and spelling,” adds Henderson.
The link between handwriting and literacy
A study from 2021 found that children who rely on handwriting are better at recalling information than those who stick to typing. That’s because when you write by hand, you’re using more of your brain, which reinforces what you’re learning in a way that typing just can’t match.
Occupational therapists agree – handwriting lights up different parts of the brain that are crucial for learning and memory. So, while digital tools are great, there’s something truly special about the traditional method of writing by hand.
Why The Right Tools Matter
Let’s be honest: handwriting is more fun when you’ve got the right tools. That’s where BIC’s range of products comes in.
Henderson points out that BIC’s products aren’t just practical – they’re also perfect for sparking creativity. Whether it’s a smooth-writing pen or a colourful set of markers, the right stationery can make the experience of writing by hand more enjoyable and effective.
BIC is passionate about keeping handwriting alive and well, not just because it’s a skill, but because it’s a way to express yourself and develop your mind. That’s why the business has run Buy a Pen, Donate a Pen initiative since 2012 and donated over 15 million writing tools to students across South Africa. It’s all about giving children the tools they need to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond.
The story of BIC’s ballpoint pen is testament to the power of access in furthering learning. Pens were considered luxury items in the 1950s but the launch of the BIC Cristal Pen at a tenth of the price made it easy for millions of people across the globe to own pens. No doubt it has been a contributing factor in helping to achieve global literacy rates of over 90% today.
A balanced approach
In a world that’s becoming more digital by the day, it’s easy to think that handwriting might be a thing of the past. But as we’ve seen, there’s so much more to it than meets the eye.
Handwriting isn’t just about putting words on paper; it’s about engaging your brain in a way that typing simply can’t. For children, especially in places like South Africa where educational resources might be limited, handwriting could be the key to unlocking better literacy skills and a brighter future.
