Discover 3 Ways Handwriting Benefits Early Learning!

Have you ever wondered if handwriting benefits early learning in PreK and Kindergarten?  I used to believe that this couldn’t possibly be true. As a matter of fact, I often wondered whether the published workbooks I was expected to use were truly developmentally appropriate. But over the years, I discovered two important things: handwriting instruction doesn’t have to be drill—it can be engaging and joyful—and handwriting is so much more than putting pencil to paper. It’s a powerful tool that supports memory, critical thinking, building literacy skills, and strengthening communication. Read on to explore how pre-writing and handwriting benefits early learning and supports young children!

Boost Memory and Deeper Thinking

Did you know that writing by hand strengthens memory? Writing by hand strengthens brain connections, making it easier for children to absorb, remember, and deeply understand new information.

As for young children, I especially love inviting young children to draw or write their responses when they’re learning about books, authors, or facts—it makes their learning stick! Even simple activities like drawing a favorite part of a story or labeling a picture boosts their understanding and helps children express what they’ve learned. It’s definitely one of the many ways that handwriting benefits early learning.

Bolster Literacy Skills – Handwriting Benefits Early Learning

Handwriting doesn’t just build motor skills—it also boosts reading fluency. When children learn to form letters correctly, they begin to recognize them more easily, which directly supports their reading development. Plus, the physical act of writing strengthens the brain pathways essential for reading and spelling success. When children write by hand, they activate areas of the brain that link movement, memory, and language. This multisensory experience builds neural connections that support letter recognition, sound-symbol correspondence, and word recall. These same pathways are activated when children decode words, spell, and make sense of written language!

From Beginning Strokes to Letter Formation – Handwriting Benefits Early Learning

For our youngest learners—especially in PreK–first grade—handwriting is a foundational skill. It is also developmental. As children move from beginning strokes to practicing letter formation, they build the fine motor strength and hand-eye coordination needed for writing, drawing, and more. The pre-writing strokes of handwriting benefits early learning by helping children make meaningful connections between language and written communication. Young learners begin to understand that writing is a way to share their thoughts and connect spoken language with letters.

Writing their name is often the place where young children first see the magic of letters and meaning. A pre-writing stroke outline is helpful when children show an interest in writing their names. It outlines the developmental progression of pre-writing strokes and supports what children might need before writing their names. Some children need more time practicing pre-writing strokes before formal name instruction. Download the printable Developmental Progression of Pre-writing Strokes it’s free!

Pre-writing and Handwriting – Make It Engaging and Fun!

Teaching handwriting to young children doesn’t have to be boring! It can be playful and engaging with activities like finger painting, tracing letters, writing in salt, using playdough to build letters, or sorting letters in graphic organizers. You can also bring handwriting practice into morning tubs, small groups, or center time to make it part of your daily routine. When handwriting is joyful and purposeful, children build confidence and feel proud of their progress. These hands-on experiences not only strengthen fine motor skills—they also help young writers develop a positive attitude toward writing and learning. Over time, these experiences support automaticity, fluency, and the ability to focus on ideas—rather than just the mechanics of forming letters.

Free PreK-1 Handwriting Continuum

Want a clear picture of how fine motor and handwriting skills develop between ages 1–6? This handwriting continuum outlines the small steps children take as they grow from scribbles to strong letter formation. I used it most with children who were struggling—it helped me show families where their child was on the continuum and how they could support progress at home. But it’s also great for confident writers, offering just-right practice to strengthen growing skills.
Grab the printable Handwriting Continuum!

More Posts to Explore

Learn more about pre-writing, and formal handwriting instruction in:

Pre-writing Activities for Early Learners: 8 Powerful, Teacher-Approved Ideas That Work 

Explicit Handwriting Instruction for Early Learners: 7 Proven Sequential Skills and Strategies