The Complexity of Letter Formation
Letter formation is the foundation for literacy development. This is because practicing letter formation helps students with shapes and sounds of letters, which is important for foundational reading skills.
Students also need fine motor skills in order to accomplish appropriate letter formation. Good letter formation needs good fine motor skills.
Writing by hand engages the parts of the brain that enhance memory and learning. When students are writing the letter and saying the sound, we're helping them make the sounds stick.
One study found a significant correlation between letter recognition and handwriting fluency in students who were practicing their letter formation and had handwriting fluency. This proves that children who practice writing letters become more familiar with their shapes and sounds.
Another study showed that explicit instruction in letter formation is effective. As educators, we need to guide students through the correct strokes, use correct visual aids, and even teach students chants so they can understand how to write each letter.
