Hey Lykkers! So, here’s a fun question for you: Do you think kids today are better off typing on keyboards or writing with pens?

I mean, it’s kind of crazy when you think about it, right? We’re living in a digital world where kids are glued to screens, but there’s something magical about the simple act of writing with a pen that seems to be disappearing.

So, I wanted to dive into this topic and see why writing with a pen might actually be better for kids than typing on a keyboard. Let’s explore the science behind it and why this old-school method is making a comeback.

The Brain Loves Handwriting

Did you know that writing with a pen actually helps your brain work better? Sounds wild, right? But it’s true! When kids write by hand, their brains are doing some serious work.

A 2014 study in Psychological Science found that children who handwrote their notes actually remembered and understood information better than those who typed it. Writing by hand helps with memory retention and comprehension, because it activates different parts of the brain that help organize and process information.

When you write by hand, you have to slow down and think about each word, which engages the brain more than just typing out something as fast as you can. It’s like a little workout for your brain!

Building Fine Motor Skills

Now, let’s talk about those tiny little muscles in your hands. Did you know that writing with a pen helps develop fine motor skills? These are the skills that help us with everyday activities like tying shoes or picking up small objects. Handwriting requires children to use their hand muscles in a coordinated way to form letters and words. It’s a skill that typing just doesn’t provide.

Research published in Trends in Neuroscience and Education (2016) shows that kids who practice handwriting have better hand-eye coordination and stronger finger dexterity. Those little muscles grow and strengthen over time, which makes handwriting an important part of a child’s physical and cognitive development.

The Creativity Boost

When kids write by hand, they often have more freedom to express themselves. There’s something about the act of writing with a pen that sparks creativity. Kids can doodle, add personal touches to their notes, and connect with their thoughts in a way that feels more natural.

A Stanford University study (2017) found that students who wrote by hand were able to think more creatively and engage more deeply with the material. It’s because handwriting gives the brain time to process and organize ideas, allowing for more innovative thinking.

Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

We’ve all been there: typing away on a keyboard, and suddenly you’re distracted by a notification, an app, or a website. Writing by hand, on the other hand, requires more focus.

According to research from the American Psychological Association, handwriting forces kids to stay engaged because it takes more time and mental energy. When they write by hand, they’re less likely to get distracted. This deeper focus leads to better understanding and memory retention—especially when it comes to schoolwork.

A 2014 study in Learning and Instruction found that students who took handwritten notes were more likely to absorb and retain information compared to those typing their notes.

The Power of the Pen

So, Lykkers, next time you see a kid scribbling away with a pen or pencil, know that they’re not just doing it the “old-school” way—they’re engaging in a process that benefits their brain, body, and creativity. Sure, keyboards and digital tools are super convenient, but the act of writing by hand is still one of the most valuable things we can do for learning and development.

What do you think? Are you team keyboard or team pen? Let’s talk about it!