Why Handwriting Still Matters for Creative Thinking

Is handwriting still relevant in a world of screens, tablets, and AI? What role does writing by hand play in creativity, learning, and thinking? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cindy Burnett welcome handwriting instruction specialist Holly Britton, M.Ed to explore why handwriting still matters — especially for developing minds. Holly brings over 26 years of experience in education, from classroom teacher to curriculum director, kindergarten coach, and founder of Squiggle Squad Handwriting. Her work focuses on helping children, teachers, and parents understand handwriting not as “pretty penmanship,” but as a meaningful tool for learning and self-expression. Listen in as the conversation explores how handwriting supports thinking, language development, and creativity — particularly in young learners. Holly shares why writing by hand helps children make sense of letters, sounds, and ideas, and what can happen when students are expected to write without ever being properly taught how. Together, the trio discusses: How handwriting has slowly faded from classrooms Why writing by hand supports learning in ways typing cannot fully replace The connection between movement, memory, and understanding Why handwriting should be seen as a tool, not just a finished product How teachers can support handwriting without adding pressure or stress Holly also offers practical insights for educators who feel overwhelmed by packed curriculums but still want to honor handwriting as part of meaningful learning. If you’ve ever wondered whether handwriting still has a place in today’s digital classrooms — or worried about what students might be losing as screens take over — this episode will give you plenty to think about.   About the Guest Holly Britton, M.Ed is a handwriting instruction specialist with more than 26 years of experience in education. She has worked as a classroom teacher, curriculum director, and kindergarten coach, and is the founder of Squiggle Squad Handwriting, a unique approach to teaching letter and number formation for early writers. Holly works with diverse learners who experience a wide range of learning challenges and speaks nationally about handwriting as a kinesthetic connection to language — one that supports creativity, learning, and self-expression.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at [email protected].