Tips from the authors
to start improving your handwriting today
Relax your grip. Here are two ways:
Hold your pen, pencil or edged pen with your thumb and index finger, resting it on your middle finger. Rest the shaft of the writing instrument near the large knuckle. Try tapping your index finger on your pencil every few minutes to keep your hand loose.
Alternatively, place your writing tool between the index finger and the middle finger, resting it by the large knuckles. Hold in the standard way at the tips of the fingers. If you want to relieve pressure caused by tightly gripping your pen, try this alternative hold to instantly relax your hand.
Drop the loops.
Why avoid loops? Because we recognize letters by reading the tops of letters rather than the bottom of letters.
As you can see in the word "believe" below, loops complicate the part of the letter that contains the most information. The italic version is more legible than the looped cursive.
Close the tops of letters and numerals.
The top of the letter is so important for comprehension. Save your reader's time by taking time to connect at the top.
Be patient and positive.
Every improvement in your handwriting counts.
Assess your handwriting as you go.
Look. Plan. Practice. Look for your best letters and those that need the most improvement, plan how to improve the letters that need the most attention, then practice only those letters.
Consider your writing as visible speech.
It's good to be understood, so don't mumble on paper.
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