Giveaway open to Canadians.
Sure, we know computers have their benefits, but a recent study by BIC shows that when Canadians write down notes in class, a meeting, etc., they tend to remember the information better if the notes are handwritten. The study also showed that 62% of Canadians actually prefer to handwrite with pen and paper when studying for school, preparing notes for a presentation at work, or just jotting down notes and making lists.
Handwriting is also good for the brain. “Writing by hand engages the brain and is a building block to learning that can actually help improve idea composition, expression and aids fine motor-skill development,” says Dr. Steve Graham. “Keyboards are not the most logical tools for memory-oriented communication, whereas handwriting is the second way we learn to communicate at a young age after we learn how to talk. From helping children to learn letters and shapes to baby boomers working to keep their minds sharp as they age, handwriting is food for the brain.”
Another interesting point from the survey: 65% of Canadians feel that people judge the quality of a note or ideas based on the handwriting. Handwriting should be smooth and polished and a good quality writing instrument is key!
Although I am a technophile, you can’t tear me away from my old-fashioned datebook, and I definitely still make my lists with paper and pen. As a teacher, I know that parents, while aware of the importance of computer skills for their children, still want them to master getting their written word on paper as well.
One lucky This Mom Loves reader will win a BIC prize pack valued at over $100, filled with the Velocity Bold Pen, featuring the easy-glide ink system, a patented BIC technology providing up to 35% smoother ink (I received some samples and they live up to the promise), along with other pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, liners, and Wite Out. The promotional materials mentioned “back-to-s****”, but I refuse to use that phrase on my blog until at least the middle of August!
All you have to do for your chance to win is fill out the form below (making sure to tell me one thing you like to write by hand) and click “submit”. The contest will run until 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Friday, August 12th, after which time a winner will be chosen by random number generation. Good luck, and happy handwriting!
Disclosure: I got a free pack of pens for review purposes. Just thought this was a worthwhile giveaway…and an interesting study!
I like these statistics. It makes me feels a little saner when I pull out my project book and start writing the text of my next big design before I go and type it out. I need to have lots of space to write and get things straight in my head before I commit them to the computer. I feel I can see things better in my own handwriting and can add arrows, drawings, sketches, whatever to help me learn and really know whatever it is I'm supposed to be selling next. 🙂
I guess I'm a bit old school, since I handwrite a lot, including several lists a day!
thanks for the giveaway! Would love to win this prize pack for grad school is September 🙂