It's As Much for Ourselves

A few days ago we discussed how studying material that is off-kilter in form and/or content stretches the brain. Reading handwritten letters can be discomfiting but it does stimulate learning.

Writing by hand can provide even more cognitive benefits. Neuroscience has confirmed what grade-school teachers have long known:

Writing by hand is more than just a way to communicate. The practice helps with learning letters and shapes, can improve idea composition and expression, and may aid fine motor-skill development….In children who had practiced printing by hand, the neural activity was far more enhanced and "adult-like" than in those who had simply looked at letters.

It’s my guess that brain-scan technology will confirm the theory of multiple forms of intelligence. When we challenge ourselves across a broad range--musically, physically, mathematically, artistically, socially—more neurons will fire and more screens will light up. Penning (versus keyboarding) a personal letter keeps our minds invigorated. We benefit ourselves as much as the object of our affection.