Why the 'iPad generation' still needs to learn to write: Experts find forming letters is key to the cognitive process of reading

With laptops and hand-held devices slowly replacing pencils and paper, some educators question the importance of teaching handwriting in the classroom. Although some say it is a nonessential motor skill, researchers have found evidence that in fact it helps children pay attention to and understand the written language. Brain scans in children who did not yet know how to print revealed they are unable to distinguish letters and respond to them'the same as to a triangle'. Although some say it is a nonessential motor skill, researchers have found evidence this skill helps children pay attention to and understand the written language. Brain scans in children who did not yet know how to print yet revealed they are unable to distinguish letters and respond to them'the same as to a triangle' You have to see letters in'the mind's eye' in order to create them on a piece of paper she explained.