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Discover why handwriting instruction is disappearing from classrooms and how this impacts your child's literacy development. In this research-backed episode, handwriting specialist Holly Britton reveals the neuroscience behind why forming letters by hand activates crucial brain pathways that typing cannot replicate.

What You'll Learn:

• Why explicit handwriting instruction is missing from most schools and its impact on reading comprehension
• The kinesthetic connection between hand movement and language acquisition in the brain
• Evidence-based strategies for teaching proper letter formation and pencil grip
• How to support children struggling with handwriting difficulties and learning differences
• Whether cursive writing still matters in digital education
• Practical tools and techniques that make handwriting easier for young learners
• What happens when handwriting instruction is delayed or skipped entirely

Key Research Discussed: Studies from Indiana University, University of Washington, and Frontiers in Psychology demonstrate that students who practice handwriting show stronger neural activation for reading and language, write more words, express more ideas, and develop better fine motor skills than those who rely solely on keyboards.

Guest Expert: Holly Britton, M.Ed., is founder of the Squiggle Squad Method, a research-based handwriting program used in schools across the United States. With 25+ years in education, Holly bridges the gap between educational neuroscience and practical classroom application.

Perfect for: Elementary teachers, parents of young children, homeschoolers, special education professionals, and anyone interested in literacy development and brain-based learning strategies.

Resources Mentioned:

• SquiggleSquad.com - Free name worksheet generator
• Contact: [email protected]
• Research by Karin James (Indiana University)
• Virginia Berninger's handwriting studies (University of Washington)

💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800143 to check in and download your certificate

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.
The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.