How to teach children a better Handwriting!

Our handwriting is very personal, for some it is purely an art form and neatness while for others it needs to be a functional tool which allows them to put ideas to paper. Handwriting is our self-image and an expression of our personality, some call it ‘Language by Hand’.

Catherine Elsey, National Handwriting association committee member, shares her hints and tips for teaching children how to write in Creative Times.

‘’Handwriting is a complex task requiring co-ordination of muscles in the upper arm, wrist, hand and fingers plus a stable posture. It is essential to first check that small children are developmentally ready to tackle handwriting; an easy check is asking them to copy an oblique cross. It’s also important to ensure they have established hand dominance for writing.

The ‘set up’ to start writing is essential to make learning comfortable. The chair and table should b at the right height with feet flat on the floor and wrist and forearm on the table. The paper should be angled slightly down to the right for a left hander and up for a right hander, directly in front of the child.

Getting grip right at an early age is much easier than correcting later, so check that the pen is held in a tripod grip between the thumb and first two-fingers and that the pen is angled towards the shoulder. Handwriting can only be mastered properly when letter sizing, spacing and keeping to the writing line is automatic, typically at around 8 years old.

Handwriting should be a joy to learn and practice, not a painful, frustrating chore so ensuring the correct checks are done early greatly improves the legibility, speed and content of writing. Adaptive handwriting pens, pencils and grips can be used to help learning as well as writing slopes to encourage correct sitting posture. ‘’

We stock ranges of handwriting pens and pencils that have been designed to make writing easy and enjoyable:

Berol  by Papermate has more than 40 years’ experience in school materials, with great range of handwriting, colouring and craft products. The Berol Handwriting range includes a Berol HB pencil, Berol handwriting pen and Berol cartridge pen.

Stabilo has developed a range of ergonomic products, Stabilo EASY range, for left and right hander’s, which consists of the following:  Stabilo EASYergo pencils, Stabilo EASYoriginal rollerball pens, Stabilo EASYcolours and Stabilo EASYgraph pencils, Stabilo EASYgel rollerball pens and new addition is Stabilo EASYball pens.

Staedtler has a number of products developed in closed association with the teaching profession and designed specially to encouraged handwriting practice, such as the Staedtler 309 Handwriting pen, Staedtler 119 Triplus triangular learner pencils, Staedtler 121 Noris school pencils.

Faber-Castell has developed products that tailored to different stages of child development. Their Play & Learn range includes ergonomic handwriting pens & pencils for left and right hander’s, which consists of the following: Faber-Castell School Pencil, Faber-Castell School fountain and rollerball pens, Faber-Castell Grip zone pencils, etc.

PenAgain pens and pencils have a unique alternative to traditional pen designs and certainly looks different. It is primary focus on comfort and with an ergonomic design, just let your hand to relax.

More handwriting tips help and useful contacts are available via the National Handwriting Association website, www.nha-handwriting.org.uk/

Berol Cartridge Fountain pen has a new shape!

We’re come a long way since the first quill pen using a goose feather, and we’d like to introduce you to new Berol cartridge fountain pen for 2012.

The Berol cartridge pen is great for children learning pen control, enabling them to write quickly and smoothly, boosting their confidence and consistency.  It features a soft grip underneath the pen which rests on the middle finger to help reduce calluses, and gives comfort to the thumb and third fingers where bumps usually appear. Not only is it comfortable, the finger stop also reduces learning frustration by stopping fingers from slipping.

The nib of other fountain pens consists of a slit which can separate and wear out, which can result in scratchy handwriting. The Berol fountain pen features a high performance stainless steel nib with a ball pellet at the top to ensure smooth writing and a long life.

The pen has been designed using a unique, stylish shape with a larger middle, giving it an effortless, modern look to appeal to children aged 7 to 9 years. It doesn’t just look great; it is quick and easy to refill using cartridges to prevent messy fingers.

Special Offer – Get up to 40% Off all Zebra Expandz Pens!

Take advantage this spring to get your favourite Zebra Expandz ballpoint pens at our special discount at up to 40% Off RRP.

The Zebra Expandz ballpoint pen has an unique expandable and retractable barrel by pulling to expand and pushing to collapse and retract. Designed to be convenient and compact for easy storage, allowing you to carry it in your pockets, handbags or dairy.

Zebra Expandz telescopic pen has a stylish design with executive style quality with a choice of 13 barrel colours – Zebra-pattern design in White or Pink colour, Gloss Black, Lipstick Red, Grey, Purple, Blue, Light Blue, Light Green, Baby Pink, Pearl White, Silver, Orange.

Zebra Mini Expands ballpoint pens are much smaller then original Zebra expandz, and available in 6 barrel colours – Black, Grey, Pink, Light Blue, Silver and White.

New Products: Filofax Petal, Filofax Swift, Metropol Kingfisher Blue personal organisers, Parker Esprit, Parker Executive, Parker Classic Pens and More!

New products are in at iLovePens!

The New Filofax Petal featuring bold floral prints featuring contrasting colours bring to life the Petal organiser. Break free from tradition with the enthusiastic and fun Petal, a design full of character and more than a hint of playfulness. A screen printed organiser with an elastic closure.

The Parker Esprit telescopic pens and pencils  have contemporary minimalism and cutting edge. Its smart telescopic mechanism and pure portable design will appeal to those who want technical precision and perfect functionality. With a range of vibrant colours and sleek technical modes, Esprit is compact business pen for fast-moving world.

The Filofax Malden added new purple colour to product range. A laid back personal organiser with rustic stitching and a soft, casual construction. The Filofax Malden features a glazed buffalo leather finish in a range of colours.

The Parker Executive is a sleek multi-pen with high technology of a Quattro multifunction system. The Executive is an all metal pen featuring pendulum/gravity mechanism with push button. Parker Executive multi –pen not only save space but also offers a simple, reliable mobile solution for active business people who demand instant results and expert performance, every time. Special offer – get up to 25% Off Parker executive range.

The  Filofax Swift has a beatiful design and brings a breath of fresh air with a charm reminiscent of spring. The graphic birdcage print in sage and white is effortlessly ladylike with unique appeal. A screen printed twill canvas organiser with an elastic closure and cute button.

The Parker Classic Stainless Steel pen & pencil set offers classic style and instant appeal. Writers looking for a high quality, functional pen can’t go wrong with a Classic.

Happy Holidays to all our customers – I Love Pens team!

The year end brings no greater pleasure then the opportunity to express to you season’s greetings and good wishes. May your holidays and new year be filled with JOY.

Merry Christmas from I Love Pens team.

I Love Pens Day Giveaway Winners

Thank you for making our I Love Pens Christmas giveaways a success! I know everyone is ready to see if they were lucky enough to take home one of the great prizes, so without further ado, here is the list of winners:

Giveaway #1: Kat

Giveaway #2: Flo Foxes

Giveaway #3: Katherine Aitken

Giveaway #4: Elsa

Giveaway #5: DIYSara

Giveaway #6: Sarah Morris

Giveaway #7: Azizah A. @GourmetPens

Giveaway #8: Kate paper (@katepaper

Giveaway #9: AmazonX

Giveaway #10: Nichola Gill

If you are one of the winners congratulations! Here is what I need you to do:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Email your shipping information to info@ilovepens.co.uk.

You have one week to claim your prize!

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and for making I Love Pens day so much fun!

 

I Love Pens Day Giveaway #10 is for the Zebra Expandz Ballpoint Pen White & Black Stripes with Zebra Cuddly Soft Toy.

I Love Pens Day Giveaway #10 is for the Zebra Expandz Ballpoint Pen White & Black Stripes with Zebra Cuddly Soft Toy.

Rules:
1. This contest is open to bloggers worldwide.
2. Entries will be accepted from now until 11 December 11.59pm UK time.
3. One winner will be selected at random from all entries on this post and announced on the blog on Monday, December 12th.

How to Enter:
1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter. This one isn’t required, but we would love you if you do!

That’s it – good luck!