Mrs M
yoda76SHOULD I PERPETUATE THE MYTH?
September 24th 2008 02:44
Here’s the myth. If you have bad handwriting then you’re not smart.
My 5 year old son Alex has shocking handwriting. And he doesn’t really care. He doesn’t write his letters the proper way; the letters get larger or smaller; and his words go up on a diagonal.
Alex is only in kindy so we don’t need to really worry about it just yet and it is not uncommon for boys to have messier handwriting than girls.
But my 7 year old daughter Jordan keeps telling him that he needs to start trying to write neater, with proper letter formation.
“I just write the way I want to do it”, he says.
“But you can’t Alex. If you have messy handwriting then people won’t think you’re smart”.
“Really?” he asks, sounding worried.
“Yes, Alex”, Jordan says in her ‘I’m older and know more than you’ voice.
I wasn’t involved in this conversation but I was certainly within earshot. I was wondering whether I should step in and dispel this myth of handwriting style linked to intelligence. Mr M is case in point.
To be honest, Alex does need to at least try to write neatly with proper letter formation; eventually he will need to learn running writing so getting into bad habits now serves no purpose. But is holding Alex’s stature as an intelligent being amongst his peers to ransom fair? Just? Called for?
Am I guilty for perpetuating this myth because I didn’t dispel it when I had the chance?
Mr M says if this provides enough motivation for Alex to start writing with proper letter formation then it is fine. He feels that it is okay for Alex to think that people THINK he's dumb because his handwriting is messy; he can change the public perception of himself....or perceived public perception by just writing neater.
It would not be okay for him to think he IS dumb because his handwriting is messy. That would be a little harder to fix.
Is Mr M right?
My 5 year old son Alex has shocking handwriting. And he doesn’t really care. He doesn’t write his letters the proper way; the letters get larger or smaller; and his words go up on a diagonal.
Alex is only in kindy so we don’t need to really worry about it just yet and it is not uncommon for boys to have messier handwriting than girls.
But my 7 year old daughter Jordan keeps telling him that he needs to start trying to write neater, with proper letter formation.
“I just write the way I want to do it”, he says.
“But you can’t Alex. If you have messy handwriting then people won’t think you’re smart”.
“Really?” he asks, sounding worried.
“Yes, Alex”, Jordan says in her ‘I’m older and know more than you’ voice.
I wasn’t involved in this conversation but I was certainly within earshot. I was wondering whether I should step in and dispel this myth of handwriting style linked to intelligence. Mr M is case in point.
To be honest, Alex does need to at least try to write neatly with proper letter formation; eventually he will need to learn running writing so getting into bad habits now serves no purpose. But is holding Alex’s stature as an intelligent being amongst his peers to ransom fair? Just? Called for?
Am I guilty for perpetuating this myth because I didn’t dispel it when I had the chance?
Mr M says if this provides enough motivation for Alex to start writing with proper letter formation then it is fine. He feels that it is okay for Alex to think that people THINK he's dumb because his handwriting is messy; he can change the public perception of himself....or perceived public perception by just writing neater.
It would not be okay for him to think he IS dumb because his handwriting is messy. That would be a little harder to fix.
Is Mr M right?
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Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Mr M is always right.
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
Maybe it would be better phrased with "People can't understand what you're trying to say if they can't read what you write" ?
I have atrocious handwriting, but was forced to improve it when I became an air traffic controller-part of the job. That might be anachronistic now, though--do any jobs rely on neat handwriting anymore?
Comment by alt_ed
Pop Culturer
Alted Opinion
ArtCombat
Doctors are renowned for their poor penmanship- maybe Alex is on the road to becoming a cardiovascular surgeon, or some other highly skilled rare medical professional.
Another common reason for messy hand writing is excess thought's or emotions... trying to get things from your head to paper as quickly as possible- anything I write ends up like gibberish lol
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Stay well
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
That means all doctors are stupid.
Or maybe it is an inverted relationship.
Worse handwriting means that you are smarter.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
mmm, messy handwriting hey? I'm guessing Doctor, or Lawyer?
It amazes me how many people mistake sophistication for intelligence. However, my husband is a case in point too Mrs M, and it turns out his handwriting was naf, because he was dyslexic... (now considered amongst the higher intelligences) ..?
Recommended reading: Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardiner.
Cant say I fully agree with Mr M on this one; as nuturing mother steriotype I would be compelled to say something ...um... my version would probably be something along the lines of telling him that only special people (liek doctors) can write messily, but can only reach the potential by taking the time to try and write legibly (whilst having him checked out on the side for any special needs) ..
Good luck in making your decision.
Lilla ...
Comment by Jayne Kearney
Writers In Writing (and other writing)
This is such a pet topic of mine! I have hideous handwriting, just like a nine-year-old boy's! I was made to stand up in front of the class in Year 6 while the teacher told me I would never make anything of myself - all because of my handwriting! It has been a constant source of shame for me over the years.
One of Sark's books (can't remember which one) references another book called Change Your Handwriting, Change Your Life by Vimala Rodgers - the idea was so appealing to me that I almost bought it. However, I then realised that handwriting is individual and mine is a part of me so I decided to embrace it and wear it proudly. I'm not quite there yet but hopefully one day I will be.
Although I must admit that I was a little thrilled when my daughter's handwriting showed signs of being lovely (already better than mine and she's 7). I do also look on in despair at my 6 year old son's work - but I figure we can commiserate together in later years!!
And yes, I always use the doctor's handwriting defence when the topic comes up!!
Great post
Jayne
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
if i was you i wouldnt lie i would just expand on your explanation
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Comment by Lady Henrietta Muddling
Potter in a Harry
You can tell a lot about a person through handwriting analysis, but as to it referring to intelligence levels? That's not the point. It's more to do with the person's character.
Tell a rebellious child [is there any other sort?] his or her handwriting is a reflection of his or her lack of intelligence? You can almost guarantee the child will make it worse. It's called human nature.
I spent a couple of hours with a handwriting expert once, and found it two of the most fascinating hours of my life.
My uncle [who spent many more hours with one than I did] found that by making his handwriting better, he made his life better. He acquired things like patience, order and discipline that he never had before. But, how do you go about using handwriting for that purpose with the modern generation of computer literate people who no longer hand-write? Tough task. Futile task?
But imagine if your pc spat out writing as illegible and disorderly as some people's handwriting? What would you think about the pc itself?
Just a few thoughts on the post. Nothing more, nothing less. I like posts like this. They engage my mind. Not many do.
Chow. [sorry, my Italian is a bit rusty]. Too many take away Asian meals I guess.
Comment by Louie
Climate Forum
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
Comment by Danceswithwords
Poetic Sedition
Inspiration
I have the neatest handwriting and yet I'm as thick as a post. Teach a kid to read and writing will make its way out of their little bodies in its own beautiful way.
My father had atrocious writing though one could make more anagrams out of the letters after his name, than his name itself... The reason was because he was LEFT handed and this was considered EVIL ( I jest but its sometimes good to frighten children of any age) and had his left hand tied behind his back at school to TEACH him to write properly. The words made it out of him (eventually) and either Granny was a spider or my Father was working on a new code for the Germans. Only he could read it which mattered most of all he said.
In years to come we won't need to write the traditional way. Handwriting will frowned upon or be a forgotten art. We will be born with a keyboard instead of hands.
And how do I know? Look how I have to reply to you?
Dances
Comment by Timothy Powell
subjective determinist
Bad men
meditations while in genetics lectures
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
But now I am an ar-TIST and I can scribble illegibly or write perfect calligraphy....It just depends on my mood. Maybe you should just tell him the truth - When your handwriting is messy, people cant read it, so they call you stupid to make themselves feel better.
Comment by Janet Collins
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
My father once said to me "what's the point of writing it if no-one can read it?". Nothing truer said. It seemed to become fashionable at one stage to write like a doctor - so no-one could read it.
I have to admit though, the more I tap away on a computer, the less readable my handwriting is and I have to say it's a lost art. Nice handwriting used to be something you could be proud of. Scribble just isn't the same.
Janet
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Anonymous
L
Comment by colocountry
As a teacher of English who has been in the game for 36 years, you seem to me to be on the right track in holding off on the reality check for your young son. The art of good teaching and certainly (as much as we can be certain about anything in this chaotic world), good parenting, is to value the learner's insights and applaud good ideas. The drudgery of parsing and analysis often revered by devotees who were probably absolute guns at spotting gerunds and dangling participles, made learning an intolerable ordeal for free thinkers. While teachers were drilling their eclectic set of minds towards an upcoming test, they were stifling the awe that only children can have when confronted by something new. We need to listen to their expression of wonder and tease out the insights, initially in their own expression but gradually prompting the child to explore ftheir own ideas further. Someone famous once said 'To make a spelling error is not a crime but to publish a text with an error in it is.' I'm a great believer in valuing mistakes by learners because in so doing they are exposed to the most intense learning of all. All we have to do is correctly balance the appreciation for the idea against any corrective measure deemed necessary to expedite correct application of the mechanics.
Col
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
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Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Ha ha.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
What a fantastic response. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply and visit you all...but I will!
yoda,
Yes dear!
Hi D,
Very interesting thought. Do job rely on neat handwriting? Doubtful, although grammar and correct spelling would still be nice
Hi alt_ed,
I definitely suffer from messy handwriting when I have too many thoughts to get out.
Alex has just always been the kind of kid that if he doesn't find it important then he doesn't do it. He doesn't care for rules much. Another sign of brilliance?
Hi MNG,
Brilliant. I love it. You're a seasoned professional parent.
Hi Damo,
The neater your handwriting the dumber you are?
Hi Lilla,
Alex sees letter as images as opposed to series of strokes if you know what I mean.
The other day my daughter was writing 'CAKE BOX' and Alex was sitting opposite her trying to copy what she wrote. Well he wrote cake box as he saw it so his was written upside and backwards.
He taught himself to write letters before he reached school by recognising the letters and then proceeding to draw them...as opposed to writing them.
It's amazing to watch his mind work. He's already doing subtraction in his head. My daughter is in year 2 and he's on par with her...and she's no dummy either.
I don't think he has dyslexia or any other learning difficulty but his brain does work differently I can see that.
Thanks for the book recommendation.
Hi James,
I hear ya!
Lady Henrietta Muddling...Welcome!
I recently read an article that said that high school students' handwriting is getting worse because they spend so much time on a computer by the time it comes to do their end of year exams they write horrendously. They're hands just can't take 3 hour written exams.
There is something to be said for presentation because whether we like it or not, we do generally lean towards works that are neat and pleasing to the eye.
It's an interesting point you make about learning patience, order and discipline.
My youngest went to speech therapy and I was told the same thing. He needed to learn patience and extend his attention span in order to learn to speak.
I'm glad I make you think. It's quite the honour that I can do that.
Hi Louie,
My biggest gripe is when my best friend who is Gen X in her mid 30's writes her messages using 'ur' and 'gr8'. Aaaahhhhhh. I expect that from my teenage nephew.
Hi Dances,
My parents took the left handed out of me too. I still do a lot of things with my left hand but I an well and truly a right handed person.
My son's teacher told me that letter formation is important because eventually he will learn running writing..but even that is a lot art form too I think.
Hi Timothy,
Reading your comment kind of describes my Alex. He is very good with numbers. He kept pestering me to ring his friend's mum to organise a play date. I kept saying I needed to get his number and Alex just rattled it off. I asked him where he saw it and he said it's written on his bag.
His teacher has also noticed that he grasps concepts well. I don't think he's dyslexic, he's in the top reading group but he will question why "son" and "sun" sound the same when the vowels are different.
Fascinating comment. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kleo,
I can't remember when I graduated to a pen. I don't know when my kids will graduate to the pen either. Should find out about that. I suppose there probably is some sort of rule you don't get a pen until you can spell and don't make mistakes.
Hi Janet,
It is interesting to see where handwriting will be in the future...maybe some rebel kid will start writing letters as an act of defiance.
Hi Anonymous,
Hi L,
Nothing like throwing them in the deep end right?
Hi Col,
What a fantastic comment. I especially like the quote
It's something to remember that even mistakes don't make us dumb or stupid.
I cetainly didn't become a parent so I could be a task master. Watching their little brains make sense of the world is truly fascinating and I often look at my son and think that there is no way I am responsible for how this kid thinks....he's been here before.
It's good to hear from a teacher
Hi katyzzz,
Thanks everyone. That was great.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Anonymous
Well it won't kill him. And our old mate Mr Nietzsche had something to say about that (via Paul Alberts in our case).
But you did more drooling than listening in those lectures, huh?
(No offense, Mr M)
L
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Thank you, thank you, thank you. You won't believe the irony. I am at my most shallow when it comes to philosophy....at least my philosophy lecturer. I had forgotten his name and it's been bugging me for months. I called him Dr Buft for so long I completely forgot the man's name. Shocking.
As for Nietzsche, my hazy recollection of him was that the thought that only the ubermensch (the only one who was regarded as above and beyond the rest of us mere mortals) was to enjoy recurring reality....or something like that. If you were good, you got to come and and do it all over again.
If Alex got do do it all over again, does that mean I have to as well?.....
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I come from a long line of folks whose and writing looks like a serial killer. We laugh that we keep people guessing. We have all done well for ourselves and kid each other mercilessly. I have the best assistant ever because she can decipher most anything I write. When I attending the teaching university I was forced to learn to print legibly (for teaching primary and kindergarten) but my cursive is shocking.
Good luck. What a wonderful post I really enjoyed the comment! Give your sweet family a hug for me!
Mis
Comment by Ahmed
techy.Bytes
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Qwerk
Cinema Three
In any case handwriting is old, keyboards are the stuff of the future.
Comment by Candice
My theory is that bad handwriting is hereditary. My sister and I both have shocking handwriting and she still laments the fact that she never received her pen licence. Just last year we both sat down with her daughter and said how stupid pen licences were when she missed out on one. So, is it you or Mr M who passed on the bad handwriting gene?
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Teachers always have such nice handwriting. I love that you say you were forced to learn to print legibly. I have this image in my head of you sitting down with 5 year olds doing the activity sheets to write properly....elbows bumping he he
Hi Ahmed,
Well if keyboards are the stuff of the future then they should introduce them for the HSC because the lack of handwriting practice is having an affect in the Year 12 exams. Examiners don't know what they're reading.
I was just reminiscing with Mr M the other day that when we went to uni we used floppy disks....a big 1.44 Meg. Hard core stuff. Double sided, double density.
Hi Candice,
Mr M definitely wins the most shocking handwriting award here. You had pen licences too? I missed something here. I don't remember the pen licence.
But I can see how it is the talking point in the playground
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Ahmed
techy.Bytes
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Qwerk
Cinema Three
hmm, well I can safely attribute my poor result in the final English exam to this..
I was an A student in year 12 but for the exam, not so much.
Curse those pens.