ABERDEEN, MF -- Barchowsky Fluent Handwriting celebrates National Handwriting Day on January 23rd, John Hancock's day of birth in 1737. Pen a letter to an old friend, enter personal feelings in a journal, or compile a to-do list. The effect of a handwritten letter is significant, as in: a note of congratulations or sympathy, a "thank-you" for an interview with a potential (and hoped-for!) employer, or even a letter of complaint.

Now is an appropriate time to consider the value of legible writing that is sufficiently rapid to suit our needs. Handwriting ease may go back to school days where a well-prepared student excels in writing essays and poems, note-taking and presentation of decipherable math problems. Sadly, not all students are so prepared. Many have great ideas that never get to paper because of unsatisfactory writing. And no, keyboards are not the solution, and some teachers and schools rely heavily on handwritten papers. The belief that we think differently, and communicate differently when writing by hand is gaining ground. Certainly there is a huge difference between e-mail and the penned letter.

Instruction, as presented in most schools in the United States, needs evaluation. Many students are confused, even handicapped, by the common practice of teaching two separate handwriting methods: first print-script, then conventional cursive. As with all curricula, logical progression should prevail. The Barchowsky method starts with an alphabet that can be taught to beginners letter-by-letter, then those same letters will join up for true cursive. Please see www.bfhhandwriting.com for samples and further information.

Barchowsky Fluent Handwriting is economical in cost as well as in teaching time. There are no consumable workbooks to be replaced every year, for every grade. One instructional package is all that is needed for each teacher, a manual with a CD-ROM from which to print lessons. The CD has movies to illustrate instruction. Most lessons can be edited. The program also provides the capability to compose custom exemplars.

Children should enjoy learning to write. The text with which students practice should adapt to their interests and studies. The CD allows this flexibility.

With early, sound and fun instruction children love to write, and it stays with students into adulthood. "Many former students thank me, and tell me that their handwriting serves them well," says author of the Barchowsky Fluent Handwriting method, Nan Jay Barchowsky.

Pre-writing activities and a logical approach give first graders everything they need to know about handwriting before second grade. (There is the time-saving element.) Of course, some continued instruction and monitoring are needed as children grow and develop.

What about older students and adults who are hesitant, even embarrassed, to put pen to paper? Obviously, habits learned early work best, but all is not lost. Middle and high school students are motivated by the better grades they get with some extra practice and understanding of where their writing went astray. Adults can do the same. Give it a try! Impress your friends and associates.

A sample of Barchowsky printed text.

A sample of Barchowsky cursive text.