Yoshihiro Itaguchi et al, “Writing in the Air: Contributions of Finger Movement to Cognitive Processing”, Journal of Public Library of Science - PLoS One, June 2015 [Online] http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0128419&representation=PDF
Above was the only research I found with experimental results on Air Writing benefits. Following are some useful facts about air writing for primary education that can be found in websphere.
"The physical act of air-writing the letters as well as saying and spelling the words creates a big cognitive impression and helps cement the word in the child’s memory. The exercise also gives the child some valuable practice in writing that will be useful later on in their education." [1]
"Have the child hold their writing arm straight and stiff as they air-write the word. This helps with the kinesthetic reinforcement of the writing exercise. It also makes it easier for the adult to see whether the student is really writing the word or just waving their arm around!" [1]
"Air-writing the letters in a (slightly) different location means the child has to intentionally form the letters, rather than mindlessly tracing lines. Also, tracing the printed letters can obscure the child’s view of the flash card word." [1]
“Ideally, the first materials used are not markers and pencils but materials that allow children to strengthen the muscles in their hands needed to properly hold writing implements..... Young children learn best when they are taught using a multisensory approach, involving as many senses as possible." [2]
"Air Writing : Have your child write letters in the air first. These large muscle movements will help your child process what she is writing and make it more likely to stick. As she writes the letter, have her say the letter name or the directions for writing the letter. For example, for the letter T, she might say, “Start at the top, go straight down. Pick up your pencil and cross it." [2]
Tips for improving your handwriting
Air Writing Fun Ways
[1] http://www.sightwords.com/sight-words/lessons/air-writing/
[2] http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-letter-writing/
"The physical act of air-writing the letters as well as saying and spelling the words creates a big cognitive impression and helps cement the word in the child’s memory. The exercise also gives the child some valuable practice in writing that will be useful later on in their education." [1]
"Have the child hold their writing arm straight and stiff as they air-write the word. This helps with the kinesthetic reinforcement of the writing exercise. It also makes it easier for the adult to see whether the student is really writing the word or just waving their arm around!" [1]
"Air-writing the letters in a (slightly) different location means the child has to intentionally form the letters, rather than mindlessly tracing lines. Also, tracing the printed letters can obscure the child’s view of the flash card word." [1]
“Ideally, the first materials used are not markers and pencils but materials that allow children to strengthen the muscles in their hands needed to properly hold writing implements..... Young children learn best when they are taught using a multisensory approach, involving as many senses as possible." [2]
"To get a feel for the proper muscles (and start training them correctly), hold your arm out in front of you, elbow bent, and write in the air. Write big. Use your arm and shoulder to shape letters; hold your forearm, wrist and fingers stationary and in writing position. You’ll feel your shoulder, arm, chest and some back muscles doing most of the work. That’s good. That’s what they’re supposed to do........ Write in the air until it becomes as natural as breathing.... As you become comfortable, reduce the size of the air-letters you make." [3]
Air Writing Fun Ways
Write letters in the air with the pointer finger and large arm movements. Try it with eyes closed, then eyes open.
Air writing consists of making shapes with the index finger, as if writing on paper. Begin with large circles—moving to small circles. Continue with geometric shapes and move into letters and numbers. As you introduce each letter of the alphabet or number, ask children to “air write” the figure.
Begin by tracing the letter in the air with the finger, then a large stick, move to damp sand and end with finger paint.Air writing consists of making shapes with the index finger, as if writing on paper. Begin with large circles—moving to small circles. Continue with geometric shapes and move into letters and numbers. As you introduce each letter of the alphabet or number, ask children to “air write” the figure.
[1] http://www.sightwords.com/sight-words/lessons/air-writing/
[2] http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-letter-writing/
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