UAE Educators Stress the Importance of Handwriting Amid Digital Shift in Schools
Despite rising use of digital tools, UAE educators emphasize handwriting's role in children's cognitive and literacy development.
As digital devices and artificial intelligence become more prevalent in education, concerns are growing about a decline in children's handwriting skills. Educators in the UAE are highlighting the continued importance of handwriting for memory, concentration, and literacy development, even as schools increasingly adopt digital learning methods.
A recent survey from the UK’s National Literacy Trust revealed a significant drop in children’s enjoyment of writing during their free time, with only 26.6% of children aged 8 to 18 expressing interest in writing outside school. Although these findings are UK-based, they resonate with educators and parents in the UAE, where technology use in classrooms is expanding.
Leah Atkins, Deputy Head of Primary at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, emphasized that schools must actively ensure children develop handwriting skills alongside digital literacy. She noted that handwriting requires coordination, muscle control, concentration, and perseverance, skills that need to be nurtured progressively through primary education.
At Nord Anglia, handwriting instruction begins in early years with activities designed to strengthen fine and gross motor skills. The school continues explicit handwriting teaching throughout primary years, focusing on fluency, presentation, and writing stamina across various subjects.
Ola Laniyan, also Deputy Head of Primary at the same school, explained that laptops are introduced only from Year 5 to allow children to build foundational skills first. English lessons primarily remain pen-and-paper based, encouraging students to plan, draft, and refine their writing by hand. Laniyan highlighted that these skills are crucial in an era where AI can assist with writing, stressing that children must first learn to think and express ideas independently before using digital tools.
Research supports the role of handwriting in early literacy, showing that as children become more fluent, less attention is needed for letter formation, allowing focus on vocabulary and creativity. Kathryn Kelly, PYP coordinator at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, reported observing declines in handwriting fluency and stamina, particularly as digital engagement rises.
Kelly stressed the need for strong fine motor foundations, explicit handwriting instruction, and regular writing practice. She advocates for handwriting and technology to complement each other, noting handwriting's support for cognitive functions related to memory and concentration.
Overall, UAE educators advocate for a balanced approach that preserves handwriting skills while embracing technological advancements in education.
What this means for you
- Children should continue practicing handwriting to develop memory and concentration skills.
- Schools in the UAE are maintaining handwriting instruction alongside digital learning.
- Parents and educators are encouraged to provide children with opportunities to write by hand regularly.
- Digital tools are introduced gradually, with foundational writing skills prioritized in early education.