Whenever I get to a log jam, getting out a notepad and writing with actual pen and paper breaks whatever writer’s block I have, be it at work or for my own personal journaling etc.

Yes, and I fully believe that handwriting should be taught in school…a LOT of what I deal with on a day to day basis in field management is done by hand, not computer, not iPad, not laptop, by hand. And we have two particular gents who I have to have come in to the office to translate their chickenscratch…because its THAT bad!

I have, on several occasions, gotten handwritten notes from my grandkids, ages 5 and 8, which I love. The last one I answered by e-mail. I don’t think I should have done that. Hand written is so much more personal and meaningful. I’ll have to remember that.

I actually find if I write something down, it helps me to remember it. I don’t get the same effect with typing. I also find that if I can’t remember how to spell a word, I can remember by writing it. I’m not sure why the act of writing helps me access my brain more efficiently, but it does.

Handwriting is also really good for fine motor control and dexterity. Plus, there’s just something satisfying about it.
Also, if my kid’s school ever questioned the value of spelling, I’d yank her out of that school as fast as possible and put her in a real school. That’s a huge disservice.

my son has dysgraphia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysgraphia)

despite numerous attempts at an early age by getting his handwriting past the 3rd grade stage (he’s now 21 and to this day, could make any doctor proud who took their handwriting classes in med school; but i digress…)

my son’s thoughts are faster than he can write and he frequently failed written assignments because he constantly lost his train of thought which derailed every time his handwriting couldn’t keep up. he also had a hard time keeping up with notetaking and getting his homework assignments written down before he was late to his next class.

i finally, after several visits to a child psychologist, the school psychologist and my son’s “team” of teachers. got permission for him to take notes on a laptop. he can type 120 wpm! his grades significantly improved and on his SATs, he was given more time for the writing part. (770 out of 800! – only to learn that most colleges were not equipped 4 years ago when we were college shopping, to factor that grade in; they still used the 1600 perfect score and only counted verbal and math scores! yeesh.