Below is a post that I wrote in 2018. I am posting it again because now, more than ever, allowing children to write is imperative for brain development. During the pandemic, most students spent at least some of the time online. Learning, development, and socialization have suffered greatly; and writing with paper and pencil has become almost obsolete. This might be okay at some point in the future, but right now, this type of writing is essential for learning, and retaining information.
Retrieved May 18, 2022 from https://languageacquisitionpsyc220.weebly.com/written-language.html.
Most students have spent school time online (off and on) for the past year and a half. As a result, writing using paper and pencil has become or is becoming obsolete.
Learning to read, and to write, are not a part of the human natural development. These things have to be taught – whether one teaches oneself, or is taught by another person(s). Being able to experience the paper and the writing utensil is a part of language development. Writing with paper and pencil has been a part of human development for thousands of years, and is a piece of our evolution. The picture on the right shows the stages of writing development. Every single person works through these levels at a pace needed by the individual. This development does not happen on the computer. If we want to continue working toward a literate society, we need to offer the tools so all can write and consequently, become better readers.
Here is the post from 2018:
There is nothing I like more than a newly sharpened pencil and a blank page. It allows for the most open-ended type of writing. I also enjoy watching young children with the same tools. It is amazing to see what they will write. Yes, even if it mimics drawing, it can still be considered writing.
Writing with a pencil and a paper is very important for brain development. It is different than typing on the computer. It engages the brain in different ways, slows down the thinking, allows time for more reflection, and makes room for more creativity.
I know it is fun to see what a toddler can do on a computer and we all sort of chuckle to see how much they really know. But remember that writing originated a long time ago (first know writing is from 2600 BC) and is part of human development, and our desire to communicate. Allow time to develop computer skills but also, and most importantly, develop those paper and pencils skills. It will help with overall brain development in the long run.
