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Showing posts with label note taking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label note taking. Show all posts

Did You Know...? Writing vs Typing

Did you know... there are big differences that happen in the brain while writing as opposed to typing on a keyboard?

Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.

There have been studies on what goes on in the brain while writing by hand as opposed to typing, and the differences are amazing!

Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.

Writing something down actually helps you remember it! Students who take notes by hand are more likely to remember what they're learning as opposed to typing notes. The actual formation of letters activates parts of the brain that typing just doesn't activate!

Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.

Writing becomes more holistic when writing by hand. It involves several different movements in the hands, touching different parts of the brain, rather than just pressing a button on a keyboard. 
 
Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.
 
Most people can type almost as fast as they can talk. That means if they're taking notes, they'll be typing pretty much everything they hear. If they're taking notes by hand, they can't write down everything, so they need to think about what the key information is, and how to quickly paraphrase what they're hearing. This causes more thinking, engaging the brain rather than just typing whatever they hear!

Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.
 
Seriously, the physical act of writing activates parts of the frontal lobe, which is responsible for expressive language and for managing higher level executive functions. It should be an active part of the students' day, shouldn't it?

Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.

Various studies have shown that children who learn to write by hand also learn to read faster and show more creativity. Writing by hand not only increases focus, but encourages writers to use more interesting vocabulary and write more adventurous stories.
 
Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.
 
This doesn't mean give up all the electronics! They clearly have their place in the classroom and in the workplace!
 
Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.

Despite the advantages of writing by hand, working on a keyboard is also a skill that needs to be developed and strengthened. They still need to be able to type efficiently and compose at the computer. It's not going away!
 
Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.

This skill won't go away either. Plus, the kiddos absolutely LOVE learning cursive writing! Even though many districts are phasing out instruction in cursive, they can learn it on their own using this self-directed collection:  

Here are links to a couple of articles for more information:
16 Powerful Benefits of Writing by Hand
12 Reasons Why Handwriting is Important 
Handwritten Notes or Laptop Notes: A Skeptic Converted?
 
Plus here's one of my own that might interest you!
7 Benefits of Teaching Handwriting 
Seven Benefits of Teaching Handwriting: Despite handwriting not being a "tested skill," here are seven reasons why students benefit from writing instruction. 
  The brain is a fascinating thing, isn't it?
Lots of research has been done investigating how writing by hand affects brain functions compared to typing on a keyboard.

 

Three Words About Your Weekend!

Every Monday, we have a special topic for our Morning Meeting Share. Every Monday we share 3 words about our weekend!

Three Words About Your Weekend: Here's a morning meeting ritual we do every Monday. The kids love it, and they're learning something about words and language!
 
Believe it or not, it's harder for my second graders than it seems! 


Some have trouble limiting it to 3 words. They try to sum up their weekend into phrases and sentences. (I wish they'd apply this skill in their writing and speaking!)

Some actually have trouble remembering their weekend! They really can't remember what they did for the last couple of days! I've had weekends like that where everything blended in together.

Then I have others who start planning their 3 words on Friday, and are all excited when it's sharing time!

Then there are others who are so interested in the 3 words others share they can't remember what they planned to say themselves.  I admit, I've done that more than once.

One of the best benefits: It helps the children when it comes to note taking. It gives them practice choosing the important words and distinguishing them from those "little middle" words that aren't essential.

Example: "I went to Applebee's with my family. I had chicken."  becomes "Applebees, family, chicken"

or 
"I played in the snow with my sisters. We built a fort."
becomes "Snow, sisters, fort"

As the year goes on, they're getting better at it, and just in time! We're starting our big library research project!

Another advantage to this sharing?

It gives me lots of information about my students, and what is important in their lives. Plus, it doesn't take up a whole lot of class time!

What are 3 words about your weekend?

Three Words About Your Weekend: Here's a morning meeting ritual we do every Monday. The kids love it, and they're learning something about words and language!

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