29. November 2019
Adoption of scientific advisory committee member Karl Söhl
For the Schreibmotorik Institut, an era comes to an end. We thank our longtime advisory commitee member Karl Söhl for his expert advice in matters of didactics and pedagogy. He has accompanied the institute since its foundation. His depth, his perseverance and passion concerning our cause have always distinguished him. We wish him all the best for the future.
9 April 2019
Press conference: The VBE Verband Bildung und Erziehung and the Schreibmotorik Institut present the results of the STEP 2019 study
There is still a clear problem with handwriting. One in two boys and one in three girls have difficulties with writing.A press conference on the STEP 2019 study on development, problems and interventions in handwriting took place in Berlin on 9 April. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer and the National Chairman of the VBE Verband Bildung und Erziehung, Udo Beckmann, announced the results of the nationwide survey of primary and secondary school teachers.
April 2019
Media response to the results of the STEP 2019 study: more time for handwriting!
The serious problems that German schoolchildren have with handwriting are also an important topic in the media. Numerous reports published the results of the STEP study carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut in cooperation with the Verband Bildung und Erziehung VBE and its 16 national associations.
Read more: Media response to the results of the STEP 2019 study: more time for handwriting!
9 April 2019
Anja Karliczek commented on the STEP 2019 study on Twitter
The Federal Minister of Education and Research, Anja Karliczek, tweeted in a video what she had to say – or write – about the results of the STEP study: “Writing by hand is and remains a cultural and work technique for me. It is an expression of one’s personality. It promotes mental development in children. And it is also well known that you remember a lot more if you write something down by hand.”
Tweet on the STEP 2019 study by the Social Media Team of the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research
(Published with the kind permission of the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research)
Photo: © Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
23 March 2019
WDR 4 Mittendrin: interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt
The radio programme “Mittendrin” discussed handwriting and the hand lettering trend. Dr. Christian Marquardt talked about the enormous impact of writing by hand on cognitive processes: “Handwriting benefits spelling and one’s ability to remember words. What is interesting is that although fewer adults write by hand in their everyday lives, hand lettering courses are experiencing a boom in demand.” For Dr. Christian Marquardt, this is a sign that people are now noticing that they are missing something. “One can indirectly recognise a person by their handwriting.”
Wiederentdeckt: ein Herz für Handgeschriebenes! (i.e. Redescovered: a heart for handwriting!)
1 February 2019
Media Response to Handwriting Day
Even in the age of smartphones, tablets and computer keyboards, handwriting is still an important skill. Numerous media outlets use Handwriting Day to draw attention to this.
January 2019
KirchenZeitung Diözese Linz: an interview with Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer about Handwriting Day
The Austrian church magazine KirchenZeitung Diözese Linz has dedicated two pages to an interview with institute director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer on the importance of handwriting. An overview of the most important points.
23 January 2019
TV Interviews about Handwriting Day
In interviews for the ZDF Mittagsmagazin, SAT1 Bayern and Donau TV on German television, Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer explains why writing by hand is so important: it activates the brain in a particular way, which promotes cognitive ability and creativity. The TV channels were guests at a project day at Rinchnach Primary and Middle School in Lower Bavaria in celebration of Handwriting Day.
18 January 2019
News4teachers: TheSchreibmotorik Institut launches project for schools
Handwriting Day is on 23 January. To mark this occasion, the non-profit Schreibmotorik Institut is inviting secondary schools to take part in a special project. The project is entitled “Educational Opportunity Handwriting – better written than forgotten” and aims to get students to recognise the value of their personal handwriting.
Tag der Handschrift: Das Schreibmotorik Institut startet ein Projekt für Schulen
11 January 2019
SURVEY FOR TEACHERS ON HANDWRITING IS ONLY OPEN FOR ANOTHER WEEK
WHow well can students write by hand? The Verband Bildung und Erziehung (VBE) has worked with the Schreibmotorik Institut to create a survey among teachers that should provide up-to-date answers to these questions. Those still wanting to take part should make a start now: the survey only runs for another week.
News4teachers: Umfrage zum Handschreiben unter Lehrkräften läuft nur noch eine Woche lang
21 December 2018
Interview on STEP-Study: “Handwriting is a holistic learniing process”
The VBE Verband Bildung und Erziehung and the Schreibmotorik Institut are currently surveying teachers in Germany on the extent to which pupils can write by hand. In an interview with News4teachers, VBE Federal Chairman Udo Beckmann and Managing Director of the Schreibmotorik Institut Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer talk about their reasons for starting the survey. Study title: STEP 2019 (“Studie über die Entwicklung, Probleme und Interventionen zum Thema Handschreiben” [Study of Development, Problems and Interventions concerning handwriting]).
Handschreiben ist ein ganzheitlicher Lernprozess“ – an interview on STEP-Study
17 November 2018
WAZ: Writing your way to success
On a page dedicated to the topic of handwriting, the German newspaper Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung made reference to the STEP 2019 study. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer and Udo Beckmann, Chairman of the VBE Verband Bildung und Erziehung – with which the Schreibmotorik Institut is conducting the teachers’ survey – stress the importance of handwriting in the era of tablets and smartphones.
October 2018
Evangelischer Pressedienst agency report: The war on scrawl
Even in the digital age, handwriting remains an important educational issue. The majority of pupils have problems with it. Here, expert Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer suggests possible causes.
Read more: Evangelischer Pressedienst agency report: The war on scrawl
5 November 2018
The SZ online newspaper reports on the STEP 2019 teachers’ survey
Teachers can make direct comparisons and are therefore best able to assess the state of their pupils’ handwriting. The online survey among teachers from all types of schools will help find possible solutions for motor-skills-related difficulties with handwriting, which have been encountered for many years.
18 September 2018
ERASMUS+: Launch event for the “HS Tutorials” EU project
Along with five project partners from Germany, Austria and Italy, the Schreibmotorik Institut will conduct a European research project within the framework of ERASMUS+. In the next two years, concrete didactic approaches and teaching aids will be developed and tested for the promotion of writing skills in schools.
Read more: ERASMUS+: Launch event for the “HS Tutorials” EU project
August 2018
Kinder!: tips on learning to write for school starters
With the support of Institute director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, the magazine Kinder! explains in an article about starting school why handwriting is important and how to ensure a successful start in the world of letters.
Read more: Kinder!: tips on learning to write for school starters
August 2018
Praxis der Psychomotorik: specialist article from the Schreibmotorik Institut on the SMI CompetenceWeb
Measuring children’s writing ability to provide them with early support – movement as the key to better writing: the SMI CompetenceWeb is a practical analytical tool for teachers in pre-school and primary school.
June 2018
HausArzt patient magazine: start writing again!
Even though typing on keyboards and touchscreens is omnipresent, writing by hand has many advantages: it supports memory function, promotes creativity and emphasises your personality. In this interview, Dr. Christian Marquardt stresses the importance of good writing tuition in developing efficient handwriting: ”while typing on a keyboard always involves the same movement, when I write by hand I am composing a motor pattern, developing a rhythm in bringing thought processes to paper.”
June 2018
“Schule” magazine: how handwriting helps when thinking
In Issue No. 3/2018, Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer explains why handwriting is so important. Learning to write is a complex process that – with the right support – is nevertheless worth it.
Read more: “Schule” magazine: how handwriting helps when thinking
March 2018
Süddeutsche Zeitung Online: The Schreibmotorik Institut as an expert on the subject of handwriting and digitalisation
If people gradually stop writing by hand due to digitalisation, it could have far-reaching consequences. The principal of a boarding school near Rosenheim, Germany favours digital ink. Students in the ninth year and above can choose to do away entirely with the usual pen and paper. The article by Katrin Blawat describes the consequences of this development in great detail: it cites several studies and gives numerous experts, including Dr Christian Marquardt, the scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, the chance to have their say.
18 April 2018
Presentation by Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer at the “Modern Teacher Conference” in Budapest
321 teachers and educators attended the second Modern Teacher Conference in Budapest on 18 April to learn about innovative teaching methods and new concepts and exchange ideas. The institute director, Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, spoke on the significance of handwriting in the digital age. The future is digital. Media is constantly developing, but writing by hand is one of the most user-friendly forms of human-machine interaction. It is direct, intuitive, versatile and creative.
28 February 2018
Scribble mentors at the Walburgisheim Feucht kindergarten
Scribbling, drawing and writing are the focus of activities when Olivia Skatulla, Karin Krieg and Thiemo Kühner visit the pre-schoolers at the Walburgisheim kindergarten. The three Schwan Stabilo employees are a part of the “Scribble Mentor”– a project of the “Handwriting 2020” campaign. The visit by the Stabilo employees was even reported by the Nürnberger Nachrichten newspaper.
14 April 2018
Zeit Online: We are forgetting how to write by hand
Writing by hand has many positive effects and is one of the biggest cultural achievements of mankind. However, this is increasingly becoming a lost art because people now prefer to type on computers and smartphones. What does this mean for children’s development? Dr. Christian Marquardt, the scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, believes that “when we write by hand, we listen more attentively.” This is also beneficial for learning.
Schreiben: Wir verlernen die Handschrift (i.e. Writing: we are forgetting how to write by hand)
March 2018
Die Grundschulzeitschrift: article by the Schreibmotorik Institut on the topic of “handwriting”
The March issue of the Friedrich Verlag’s Grundschulzeitschrift deals with the subject of handwriting. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, Dr. Christian Marquardt and Karl Söhl present the SMI CompetenceWeb in this issue. In practice, this has proved to be a suitable instrument for evaluating the writing skills of children between the ages of four and seven. This simple but reliable instrument allows teachers and educators to recognise the children’s potential for development and help them develop efficient, fluid, legible and fatigue-free handwriting.
March 2018
The Schweizer Papeterien und Spielwarendetaillisten’s magazine, Haptik, reports on the SMI CompetenceWeb
Handwriting is important, especially in the digital age. This was also emphasised at didacta 2018 by the Schreibmotorik Institut, who presented a new instrument for easily assessing children’s handwriting skills: the SMI CompetenceWeb. This helps develop children’s writing motor skills at an early age. Because: “Writing by hand is much more than processing information. There are many individual, personal aspects to it and it promotes cognitive development,” says scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, Dr. Christian Marquardt.
14 March 2018
Introducing pre-school children to writing in a playful way – 450 scribble hours passed as part of the “scribble mentor” project
Employees from various companies visit kindergartens to volunteer as scribble mentors and join preschool children in experimenting with pen and paper. Pre-school children are already benefiting from individual support in the form of more than 450 scribble hours nationwide. They are therefore well prepared to embark on the adventure of learning to write. Further kindergarten visits are planned.
20 TO 24 February 2018
The Schreibmotorik Institut presented the SMI CompetenceWeb at “didacta” 2018
At this year’s “didacta” education trade fair, the Schreibmotorik Institut team showed educators and teachers how to assess handwriting ability easily, reliably and based upon skill using the SMI CompetenceWeb. The Schreibmotorik Institut advisory service was very well received by visitors.
Read more: The Schreibmotorik Institut presented the SMI CompetenceWeb at “didacta” 2018
6 January 2018
Echo Online: Movement – and not the system – is the key to better writing
“Many teachers believe that motor skills are developed through as much repetition as possible – but this approach is incorrect. It is not about accuracy and perfection. It is about developing a certain movement rhythm – just like riding a bike: I don’t start out by moving in a straight line in slow motion, but rather try to keep my balance first”, says Dr. Christian Marquardt. The Schreibmotorik Institut advocates the early promotion of dexterity.
23 January 2018
Handwriting Day: scientist demonstrates effective early promotion of writing motor skills
On 23 January is Handwriting Day. More and more children are having problems with handwriting – a preventative approach to promoting motor skills can counteract this. Four- and five-year-olds at two pre-schools in Cologne and Ingolstadt demonstrate just how effortless this is in practice under the guidance of Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer.
Read more: Handwriting Day: scientist demonstrates effective early promotion of writing motor skills
1 January 2018
Welt Online: Why handwriting is important
Together with Heinz-Peter Meidinger, President of the German Union of Teachers [Deutscher Lehrerverband, DL] and Simone Fleischmann, President of the Bavarian Union of Teachers [ Bayerischer Lehrer- und Lehrerinnenverbandes, BLLV], Institute Director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer explains why handwriting continues to be important in the digital age.
21 January 2018
“didacta” 2018: interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt
The importance of handwriting in the era of digitalisation was communicated by the Schreibmotorik Institut at this year’s “didacta”. In a “didacta” interview, Dr. Christian Marquardt advocated modernisation of handwriting lessons: “The increasing use of digital devices such as smartphones and PCs leads to a reduction in the complexity of using one’s hands. The important creativity of using one’s hands is in particular decline in children.
“More than a tip: the learning of handwriting remains important!”
23 January 2018
Handwriting Day: Media reports on the importance of handwriting
23 January is Handwriting Day. The handwritten signature of John Hancock (1737 –1793) on the American Declaration of Independence is particularly striking because of its size. The birthday of the first signatory of this document is celebrated every year in the USA as National Handwriting Day to commemorate the importance of handwriting.
Read more: Handwriting Day: Media reports on the importance of handwriting
24 November 2017
Salzburger Nachrichten: On the significance of handwriting
The Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper conducted an interview on the significance of handwriting with Institute Director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer and Executive Director Karin Krieg at the Interpädagogica trade fair. The experts’ most important findings:
Read more: Salzburger Nachrichten: On the significance of handwriting
November 2017
2nd International Symposium on Handwriting Skills in Darmstadt
“The media are changing, but handwriting remains.” And, “Education needs handwriting in a sensible digital context.” These were two working theses that scientists, teacher trainers, representatives of culture ministries as well as teachers and occupational therapists discussed at an international symposium held by the Schreibmotorik Institut in cooperation with the TU Darmstadt’s Institute for Ergonomics in one of the university’s guest houses.
Read more: 2. International Symposium on Handwriting Skills in Darmstadt
10 November 2017
WDR 5 Leonardo: Dr. Christian Marquardt as an expert on the programme
Science in conversation: Why do we still need handwriting? In addition to other topics, the November edition of scientific magazine Leonardo looked at this question in depth. Dr. Christian Marquardt was a guest on the live show once again.
Oktober 2017
The training of writing motor skills helps: research results of the Schreibmotorik Institut in Didaktik Deutsch.
The writing motor skills of school beginners are disparate. A special programme of writing motor skills exercises is useful in ensuring all children learn to write well and fluidly. It has been proven to improve the handwriting speed and pressure of first-year pupils.
October 2017
Parents and teachers are worried: Schreibmotorik Institut article in the journal “Ergotherapie und Rehabilitation”
The article written by Institute Director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, scientific advisor Dr. Christian Marquardt and occupational therapist Anne Klimen is the first in a series of articles devoted to the role of writing motor skills in the process of learning to write. The article begins by focusing on presenting the extent and the causes of emerging handwriting problems.
October 2017
Research results of the Schreibmotorik Institut: Most children start writing their name at the age of four
Pre-school children are usually highly motivated to learn to write. Through a survey of mothers, the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg, has now investigated children’s first attempts at writing. After all, even in the digital age, handwriting is still of vital importance.
September 2017
It’s all about motor skills: article by Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in the journal “Die Grundschule”
Legible handwriting and a pleasant writing experience are based on coordinated hand and finger movements. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer’s article addresses the issue of the motor problems identified by teachers in a nationwide teachers’ survey in 2015 and the need for urgent action to support children as early as at pre-school age in motor learning. .
18 September 2017
Five years of the Schreibmotorik Institut: we work to improve the promotion of handwriting
The non-profit research institute has already achieved a great deal in the past five years: numerous research projects have led to a better understanding of the process of learning to write, the 2015 nationwide teachers’ survey conducted in cooperation with the German Union of Teachers [Deutsche Lehrerverband] met with a great response in the media and the “Handwriting 2020” campaign launched in 2016 for the promotion of handwriting has received support in educational policy. In 2017, the Schreibmotorik Institut is tackling the issue of handwriting in the context of digitalisation.
21 August 2017
“Handwriting 2020” campaign: State Secretary Stefan Müller pledges political support
The “Handwriting 2020” campaign for the promotion of writing motor skills gets political backing: “We want to do everything we can to support this important initiative”, said Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Education and Research Stefan Müller during his visit to the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg, one of the founders of the Handwriting campaign.
Read more: “Handwriting 2020” campaign: State Secretary Stefan Müller pledges political support
8 August 2017
Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in an interview with the newspaper “Augsburger Allgemeine”
Nearly 40 percent of six-to-nine-year-olds in Germany have a smartphone. The same percentage of primary school teachers participating in the nationwide teachers’ survey conducted by Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Union on Teachers [Deutscher Lehrerverband] found fault with their pupils’ writing performance: poor fine motor skills and slow, illegible and cramped writing. For many of them, this is associated with digitalisation. Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer stresses the following point: “Writing is indispensable for the learning effect and for children’s retentiveness and cognitive development.”
Children and Media study: For children, the pen is becoming a foreign body
20 August 2017
Praxis der Psychomotorik: journal presents the “scribble mentors” project
The aim of the “scribble mentors” project is to introduce preschool children to writing by means of movement games. Employees from local companies visit nursery schools and train the children’s motor skills through play. The Schreibmotorik Institut launched this project as part of the “Handwriting 2020” campaign and provides the exercise materials developed for it.
Issue number 3/2017 of the journal “Praxis der Psychomotorik”
1 August 2017
Passauer Neue Presse: The importance of handwriting
This article presents the views of Dr. Christian Marquardt and other experts, the findings of the nationwide teachers’ and parents’ surveys and the “Handwriting 2020” campaign.
11 July 2017
Münchner Merkur: Handwriting – all well and good?
Calligraphy is making a comeback. Some people find it so fascinating that they are consciously turning back to pen and paper. Handlettering, designing artistic lettering, is in. But not in schools. Primary school children are finding it increasingly difficult to write fluidly and legibly by hand. About 80 percent of primary school teachers in the nationwide teacher survey conducted by the Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Union of Teachers [Deutsche Lehrerverband, DL] in 2015 say that children do not have adequate motor skills to learn neat handwriting.
Competition from phones: Calligraphy is becoming popular again – or is it?
June 2017
Herzo.TV: Scribble Mentors at Puma generate fun with pen and paper.
The local television channel from Herzogenaurach reports on the Scribble Mentors project: in May, sporting goods manufacturer PUMA invited pre-school children from various kindergartens in the area to visit.
Read more: Herzo.TV: Scribble Mentors at Puma generate fun with pen and paper.
May 2017
Goethe-Institut: “A lot of positive transfer effects” – Interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt
Dr. Christian Marquardt, scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, speaks in an interview about the significance of handwriting in classrooms and in everyday life, the roll of motor skills and the need to reform how we learn to write.
24 May 2017
PUMA employees are getting involved as Scribble Mentors
It’s loud, but that’s hardly a surprise: 50 pre-school children in high spirits are colouring in templates, scrunching up paper and taking active part in finger games. It could be a scene from a kindergarten, yet they are actually playing in the company headquarter of the sporting goods company “Puma” in Herzogenaurach, Germany. It’s the start of the “Scribble Mentor” project, launched by the Heroldsberg-based Schreibmotorik Institut and the Didacta Association.
6 May 2017
Hannoversche Allgemeine newspaper: Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer on the Handwriting 2020 campaign in the article “Die Schönschreiber” [the calligraphers]
While many adults rarely write by hand, others find it so fascinating that they are consciously turning back to pen and paper. Handlettering, designing artistic lettering, is in. The article about calligraphers also considers the problems that children have when learning to write. The “Handwriting 2020” campaign, briefly introduced by Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, promotes handwriting. “The aim is to utilise the potential to learn handwriting in kindergartens and schools, as well as at home.” The focus here is not on calligraphy and protecting a cultural technique, but on educational opportunities.
4 March 2017
Nürnberger Nachrichten: Handlettering as a trend to counter computer fonts
Even children are more and more often typing on keyboards or mobile phones, adults rarely write by hand anymore and Finland is abolishing cursive writing: the media often pose the question of whether handwriting is still at all appropriate. As a writing motor skills expert and popular interview partner, Dr. Christian Marquardt emphasises again and again that handwriting activates important areas of the brain. Studies confirm that notes written by hand are easier to remember.
Read more: Nürnberger Nachrichten: Handlettering as a trend to counter computer fonts
22 February 2017
BR Frankenschau: fun motor skill exercises with scribble mentors
Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, Institute Director, and the scribble mentor Marcel Drießlein from the Markus Slany Tennis School visit the St. Marien Catholic Kindergarten in Eckenhaid and introduce preschool children to writing in a fun way. Dr. Christian Marquardt stresses the importance of fluid handwriting for later school success.
Read more: BR Frankenschau: fun motor skill exercises with scribble mentors
14 to 18 February 2017
The Schreibmotorik Institut at didacta 2017
To find new ways for exchanging ideas and future education – that was what motivated 85,000 visitors and 860 exhibitors from 47 countries at didacta. The Schreibmotorik Institut presented the Handwriting 2020 campaign, a joint project together with the Didacta Association for the promotion of handwriting.
23 January 2017
Deutschlandfunk Nova: Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in a radio interview about Handwriting Day
For Handwriting day, an article from the Deutschlandfunk Nova editorial conference critically examined the topic of handwriting.
Read more: Deutschlandfunk Nova: Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in a radio interview about Handwriting Day
25 November 2016
heute+ on ZDF: television interview with Schreibmotorik Institut executive director Karin Krieg
In the segment “Keyboard vs. ink – does handwriting have a future?”, Karin Krieg explains that, in contrast to typing on a keyboard, handwriting demonstrably improves memory retention. The most important thing in the future will be creating a reasonable symbiosis between handwriting and digital processing. Modern education and modern work require both.
10 November 2016
“If you write, you’ll be bright” – Dr Christian Marquardt in an interview with cantaloup.fm
In a joint contribution to the Tübingen University radio station with Prof. Dr Ingrid Barkow from the University of Ludwigsburg, Dr Christian Marquardt explained why handwriting increases memory retention and why a “scrawl” isn’t so bad.
Cantaloup.fm: „Wer schreibt, wird g'scheit“ (i.e. "If you write, you'll be bright")
1 OCtober 2016
Interview with Dr Christian Marquardt in volume 142 of a series of books published by the German Primary School Association [Grundschulverband]
A detailed discussion between Erika Brinkmann, vice chair of the German Primary School Association [Grundschulverband], and Dr Christian Marquardt about the problems children have in developing handwriting. Title of the interview: Research findings: Dissatisfaction with children’s handwriting – causes and remedies [“Aus der Forschung: Unzufrieden mit der Handschrift der Kinder – Ursachen und Abhilfen”.]
Order volume 142 „Grundschrift – Kinder entwickeln ihre Handschrift“
30 September 2016
“You should be able to write without cramping” – Dr. Christian Marquardt on profil.at
The article “Schreibkrämpfe” (writer’s cramp) on profil.at broaches the issue of the supposed competition between the keyboard and pen on paper. Experts are warning against the consequences of handwriting disappearing from everyday life. Dr. Christian Marquardt, the scientific advisor for the Schreibmotorik Institut, pleads for an impartial approach to the topic: “It is not expedient to demonise technology or play computers off against handwriting. It is much more important to help each child develop flowing, legible handwriting. “You should be able to write without cramping.”
18 September 2016
FOUR YEARS OF SCHREIBMOTORIK INSTITUT
It’s all about motor skills! For 4 years, the independent Schreibmotorik Institut, founded in September 2012, has promoted this principle. The aim: legible, flowing and efficient handwriting without tiring. The institute has therefore pooled the special knowledge of leading experts in the motor skills, ergonomics and education fields..
31 August 2016
“More movement needed for handwriting” – Dr Christian Marquardt in an interview with the Tiroler Tageszeitung
In a discussion with Phillipp Schwartze, Dr Christian Marquardt talked about problems with handwriting, the causes of these and the best way to tackle them. Here are a few quotes from the interview:
24 October 2016
“Reading between the lines” – Dr. Christian Marquardt in the Kleine Zeitung, Austria
Writing is much more than just the script on the paper. School beginners know this all too well. They constantly practice correctly imitating a predefined letter shape. While some of them are enthusiastic, for others it’s a very difficult process. And not particularly useful, according to Dr. Christian Marquardt: “Struggling to copy neat letters impairs children’s writing.”
Read more: “Reading between the lines” – Dr. Christian Marquardt in the Kleine Zeitung, Austria
August 2016
Legible, fluid, efficient? The Schreibmotorik Institut contribution to the Deutscher Kinderschutzbund (child protection agency) magazine
A person’s handwriting is as unique as their fingerprints. Their writing style has its own individual character from the very first time they try to write. Institute Director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer, scientific advisor Dr. Christian Marquardt and scientific assistant Manuela Schneider report on the acquisition of good handwriting. The KSA magazine is published four times a year with different areas of focus.
19 August 2016
Training HANDWRITING skills instead of copying: a recommendation from Dr Christian Marquardt in an interview with Austria Presse Agentur
For many children starting school, learning to write means struggling to “copy” accurately shaped letters. However, it is far more important to focus on handwriting skills from the very beginning. The majority of problems children have with handwriting are associated with underdeveloped handwriting skills.
1 April 2016
“Not so cautious!” – An article on the “Handwriting 2020 campaign” in “Grundschule” magazine
The Schreibmotorik Institut and Didacta Association “Handwriting 2020” campaign calls for improved promotion of handwriting in kindergartens and schools. Laura Millmann’s article in the April edition of the “Grundschule” magazine provides concrete information about the “Handwriting 2020” campaign and describes its practical application in a childcare centre in Cologne.
5 March 2016
Speech held by Dr. Christian Marquardt at the annual meeting of the National Handwriting Association in London
At the invitation of the chair of the National Handwriting Association (NHA), Dr. Angela Webb, Dr. Christian Marquardt gave a speech on “Handwriting and Movement” at the general meeting.
7 March 2016
WDR 5 Leonardo: Dr Christian Marquardt as an expert on the future of handwriting
In addition to other topics, the March edition of scientific journal Leonardo tackled the subject of handwriting. Dr Christian Marquardt was a guest on the live show and answered questions from both the host and the audience. What are the concrete problems that children have when learning to write? What is the purpose of handwriting?
17 February 2016
Numerous media reports about the parent survey presented at Didacta and the “Handwriting 2020” campaign
The immense media response and coverage of the parent survey on problems with handwriting presented at the Didacta trade fair for education and training proves: handwriting is and will remain a very important educational issue.
17 FEBRUARY 2016
Press conference at Didacta, 17 February 2016 in cologne: The Schreibmotorik Institut and the Bundeselternrat [German Federal Parents Council] presented a nationwide parent survey – the “Handwriting 2020” campaign has begun
A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg, in cooperation with the Bundeselternrat, makes it clear that even in the digital age, handwriting is still an important educational issue – too many children are having problems with it. The Didacta Association and the Schreibmotorik Institut have now launched the “Handwriting 2020” campaign, which aims to improve the promotion of graphomotor skills.
16–20 February 2016
Keen interest in graphomotor skills at Didacta 2016: diverse workshops, graphomotor exercises and information at the Schreibmotorik stand
At the Schreibmotorik stand at the Didacta trade fair for education and training, (prospective) teachers, nursery-school teachers and parents learned how children’s handwriting can be promoted in a targeted and efficient way with a colourful programme of scientific workshops and playful exercises.
October 2015
Great Media Response to the International Symposium 2015
The International Symposium on Handwriting Skills, organised by the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg and the Bereich Innovation und Beratung Deutsches Bildungsressort Autonome Provinz Bozen was well received by the media in South Tyrol and Germany.
Read more: Great Media Response to the International Symposium 2015
8 October 2015
International Meeting of Authorised Trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut 2015
A meeting and exchange between the Authorised Trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut 2015 on the topic of “Strategies for promoting automated handwriting“ took place in Bolzano.
Read more: International Meeting of Authorised Trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut 2015
9 October 2015
First International Symposium: Researchers discuss handwriting
An international symposium, jointly organised by the Schreibmotorik Institut, Heroldsberg, and the Bereich Innovation und Beratung Deutsches Bildungsressort Autonome Provinz Bozen, at Schloss Rechtenthal in Tramin presented approaches on how to counteract children’s motor weaknesses.
Read more: First International Symposium: Researchers discuss handwriting
September 2015
Practical teaching ideas from the Schreibmotorik Institut in the magazine “Grundschule Deutsch”
Karl Söhl, Dr Christian Marquardt and Dr Ing. Marianela Diaz Meyer have composed a practice-based article for the magazine “Grundschule Deutsch”, with concrete teaching suggestions and worksheets for teaching handwriting in the first and second years of primary school.
September 2015
Results of the national teachers’ survey in “Grundschule” magazine
“Grundschule” magazine by Westermann Verlag has published the results of the national teachers’ survey conducted by the German Union of Teachers and the Schreibmotorik Institut in its September edition.
11 August 2015
Combating increasing problems with handwriting: teachers from North Rhine-Westphalia want pupils to train their motor skills more effectively
After the publication of the results of the national teacher survey carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut together with the German Union of Teachers (Deutscher Lehrerverband), the first qualitative analysis of answers to an open question is now available for North Rhine-Westpahlia.
4 August 2015
In an interview, Dr. Christian Marquardt advocates increased focus upon the training of motor skills.
In an interview with the “Kirchenbote”, motor skills expert Dr. Christian Marquardt expressed his opinion on the results of the national teachers’ survey. According to these results, many more school children are having problems with handwriting than previously thought. In order to counteract this, Marquardt wishes to place more concentration on the training of motor skills and more support towards achieving an individual handwriting style that derives from the learned printed and written styles, as well as for further handwriting lessons beyond the first two classes.
Motorikexperte im Interview: Probleme beim Schreibenlernen? (i.e. Motor skills expert interviewed: problems with learning to write?)
4 July 2015
Schreibmotorik Institut lecture at the 11th International Conference on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in Toulouse
At the International Conference on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in Toulouse, France, Dr. Christian Marquardt gave a lecture with the title “Kinematic movement analysis in handwriting: A diagnostic tool to enhance training in writers with and without DCD”. Dr.-Ing. Marianela Diaz Meyer was coauthor.
June 2015
Several Ministers of Culture and Education, as well as chairpersons of teachers Unions, have commented on the results of the national teacher survey
After the publication of the results of the survey of teachers on handwriting a whole range of Ministers of Culture and Education, as well as chairpersons of teachers unions in Germany pledged for promoting handwriting, which has positive influence on successful learning..
June 2015
Article by Dr. Christian Marquardt in the book "Medienvielfalt in der Deutschdidaktik" (i.e. Media variety in German teaching methodology)
"It is all about motor skills! Diagnosing and promoting writing motor skills in written language acquisition" – together with the chair of teaching methodology German for primary education at Saarland University, the Scientific Advisory Committee Member at the Schreibmotorik Institut, Dr. Christian Marquardt, has published an extensive article.
Chair of teaching methodology German for primary education at Saarland University
11 June 2015
Even the ÄrzteZeitung (GErman Medical Journal) reports on the problems of German pupils with handwriting
The results of the nationwide survey of teachers carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Teacher's Union are also relevant for the readers of the daily newspaper on health topics: problems with handwriting can have far reaching consequences.
22 May 2015
Promoting handwriting: Schreibmotorik Institut article in the magazine „SchuleAktiv!“ (i.e. School active)
The Article by the Scientific Advisory Committee Members Dr. Christian Marquardt and Karl Söhl and institute director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer addresses writing motor skills in detail.
19 May 2015
Dr. Christian Marquardt as expert in an article of the scientific magazine Spektrum.de
Spektrum.de deals in its series “School and learning” with handwriting in a detailed article. For Dr. Christian Marquardt the question how children make it from painfully learned letters to a fluent individual handwriting is crucial: “We need to better research writing and motor skills in order to support children to develop a quick and legible but also ergonomic handwriting.”
30 April 2015
Dr. Christian Marquardt as An expert at a hearing at the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia
“Fluent or redundant?” was the title of the hearing at the school committee of North Rhine-Westpahlia on the topic of "handwriting". Dr. Christian Marquardt, scientific advisory committee member for motor skills at the Schreibmotorik Institut, presented the results of the nation wide survey of teachers and advised to use new methods in writing lessons. The Schreibmotorik Institut as research institution develops scientifically valid approaches to counteract an illegible and slow handwriting of children, because “children have big problems with accelerating the originally learned standard lettering and that's the reason for bad legibility”, says Marquardt.
April 2015
Huge media response to the results of the nationwide survey of teachers
The media reports on the results of the nationwide survey of teachers about problems with handwriting, carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Teacher's Association, reached more than 20 million people.
Read more: Huge media response to the results of the nationwide survey of teachers
1 April 2015
Federal Press Conference: The German Union of Teachers and the Schreibmotorik Institut present the results of a nationwide survey of teachers
A press conference on “Problems with handwriting – consequences also for school policy in Germany“ took place in the building of the Federal Press Conference in Berlin on April 1st. Josef Kraus, president of the German Union of Teachers (Deutscher Lehrerverband, DL) and Dr. Christian Marquardt, scientific advisory committee member of the Schreibmotorik Institut presented the results of the survey among teachers. It reveals: Problems with handwriting at school are increasing.
March 2015
“Via the hand into the brain” – The Schreibmotorik Institut in the magazine “didacta”
Handwriting helps with learning. But it seems that more and more pupils have problems with it. By means of a survey the Schreibmotorik Institut and the German Teacher's Association want to capture the extent of those problems and develop proposals for solution. A report in the magazine “didacta – the magazine for lifelong learning”, issue 1/2015 and an interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt.
March 2015
Articles by Schreibmotorik Institut experts in the magazine “Grundschule“ (i.e. Primary school)
The magazine “Grundschule“ published by Westermann editorial deals in its March issue with the topic “Handwriting – a phase-out model?”. The scientific advisory committee members Dr. Christian Marquardt and Karl Söhl each wrote an article on that. Institute director Dr.-Ing. Marianela Diaz Meyer speaks in an interview about the goals of the Schreibmotorik Institut. The Schreibmotorik Institut contributed in a decisive way to de development of the issue.
24-28 February 2015
Various Lectures at didacta – Trade Fair for Education and Training
The Schreibmotorik Institut team together with employees of the chair of teaching methodology German for primary education at Saarland University held various lectures on various topics around learning to write at STABILO International's fair stand.
Read more: Various Lectures at didacta – Trade Fair for Education and Training
10 February 2015
How handwriting affects our brain – Interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt in the Austrian Newspaper Wiener Zeitung
A detailed interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt on the importance of handwriting, motoric learning and experimenting with letters and script.
January 2015
Finland withdraws cursive handwriting from the curriculum: Dr. Christian Marquardt gave interviews for Spiegel Online and other media
As of 2016, Finnish primary school pupils should primarily learn how to type on a keyboard. Cursive handwriting will only be taught if the teacher wants to. German educational experts are critical of this. Among them Dr. Christian Marquardt, who speaks in interviews with Spiegel Online, Deutschlandradio Kultur (i.e. German culture radio) and other media about the advantages of handwriting.
Read more: Top theme: Finland withdraws cursive handwriting from the curriculum
January 2015
1st executive director Sebastian Schwanhäußer gives N24 an interview
Video by the news broadcaster N24: Many prefer phones, tablets or laptop keyboards instead of writing by hand. And yet studies show that a well developed handwriting is important for learning itself.
Read more: 1st executive director Sebastian Schwanhäußer gives N24 an interview
27-31 January 2015
The Schreibmotorik Institut at the Fair "NOT" in the Netherlands
The Schreibmotorik Institut was represented at the national fair for teaching material NOT in Utrecht, Netherlands by the authorised trainer Henk Schweitzer.
Read more: The Schreibmotorik Institut at the Fair "NOT" in the Netherlands
23 January 2015
National Handwriting Day: „It is necessary to practise motor skills“
News4teachers focuses on the growing problems with learning to write on the National Handwriting Day: Motor skill expert Dr. Christian Marquardt gives an interview.
Read more: National Handwriting Day: „It is necessary to practise motor skills“
7 December 2014
“Is handwriting about to die out?” – The Schreibmotorik Institut in the newspaper Berliner Kurier
Dr. Christian Marquardt together with other experts explains in the newspaper Berliner Kurier from December 7th 2014 how the handwritten word is doing and why it mustn't die out.
18 November 2014
“About the value of handwriting”
Executive director Sebatian Schwanhäußer and institute director Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer in conversation with the Austrian newspaper “Die Presse” about the importance of handwriting and the most reasonable way of learning it.
3 November 2014
“I write, therefore I am!” – Dr. Marianela Diaz Meyer and Dr. Christian Marquardt gave an interview on the radio
13/14 October & 20/21 November 2014
Second training course for Writing Advisors (IHK = German Chamber of Industry and Commerce)
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Nuremberg for Middle Franconia together with the Schreibmotorik Institut trained nine Writing Advisors.
7 September 2014
“Handwriting: Writing with pen on paper promotes cleverness”
The Schreibmotorik Institut visits CJD_UPDATE, weblog and online magazine of the school CJD Jugenddorf-Christophorusschule Oberurff
Read more: “Handwriting: Writing with pen on paper promotes cleverness”
26/27 august 2014
Second education of authorised trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut
As of now there are two more independent authorised trainers on hand for the Schreibmotorik Institut. They were trained in a two-day seminar in Vienna.
Read more: Second education of authorised trainers of the Schreibmotorik Institut
23 August 2014
“Writing? With the hand!” – The Schreibmotorik Institut in the newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung
In his article for the business section of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, author Uwe Ritzer addresses the situation of the writing utensil manufacturers in times of smartphones and tablet computers. It seems as writing by hand is fading from the spotlight.
27 May 2014
Learning How to Write in the Digital Era: Interview with Dr. Christian Marquardt on Deutschlandradio
Dr. Christian Marquardt, expert for handwriting and scientific advisor for motor skills at the Schreibmotorik Institut explains in an interview on Deutschlandradio how children learn to write nowadays.
28 march 2014
The Schreibmotorik Institut gives a Lecture at didacta – Trade Fair for Education and Training: “Learning How to Write – It's all About Motor Skills.”
Learning how to write is first of all learning how to move the pen: If the motor skills are fine, the rest is easy. That's what a broad audience of experts learned from a joint lecture held by Daniela Westner, director of the Schreibmotorik Institut and Corinna Weis, research assistant at the Lehrstuhl Fachdidaktik Deutsch Primarstufe (chair of teaching methodology German for primary education) at Universität des Saarlandes (Saarland University) at didacta, the biggest trade fair for education and training in Europe.
20 march 2014
The Schreibmotorik Institut Holds a Workshop at the Second Deutschlehrertag (German Teacher's Day) in Saarbrücken
“Efficient handwriting. It's all about motor skills”: the workshop showed possibilities how educators can lead children to a flowing, efficient, legible and fatigue free handwriting.
17 February 2014
Expert Meeting at the Schreibmotorik Institut: What is Good Handwriting?
International dialogue with scientists and specialists from the fields of education, health care and sports
Read more: Expert Meeting at the Schreibmotorik Institut: What is Good Handwriting?
28/29 january 2014
First Course for Authorised Trainers for the Schreibmotorik Institut
Together with the Centre for Further Education and Knowledge Management at OTH Regensburg (Eastern Bavarian technical university of applied sciences) the Schreibmotorik Institut instructed four international trainers in a two day training event with a concluding examination.
Read more: First Course for Authorised Trainers for the Schreibmotorik Institut
20 november 2013
The Schreibmotorik Institut at the 8th Bad Rodach School Day
„Efficient Handwriting – it's all about motor skills!“ Technical lecture on the Writing Motor Skills System attracts interest of educators.
Read more: The Schreibmotorik Institut at the 8th Bad Rodach School Day
7 november 2013
The Schreibmotorik Institut holds a seminar at the Pädagogische Hochschule (pedagogical university of applied sciences – PH) Vienna
40 teachers from Vienna attended the seminar "EASY schreiben lernen ohne K(r)ampf“ (Learning to write the easy way and without struggle/cramps) and took the opportunity to do further studies in the area of graphomotor skills.
18 october 2013
Further Training by the Schreibmotorik Institut for Educators of the Kinderfreunde Wien (Friends of Children, Vienna)
The Schreibmotorik Institut visits STABILO Austria's new rooms.
16 July 2013
Schreibmotorik Institut conducts research project at Eckental-Eschenau primary school
Pupils at the Eckental-Eschenau primary school have made an important contribution to the research carried out by the Schreibmotorik Institut – by having their writing behaviour extensively analysed during lessons.
Read more: Schreibmotorik Institut conducts research project at Eckental-Eschenau primary school