Handwriting and learning math
Hey yall! I'm a mathnasium instructor and general tutoring - I focus mostly on like Algebra I and Pre algebra - and I would love to discuss how handwriting affects math understanding on like an insane level. Its so funny - and insanely frustratiing - when kids really dont seem to understand why I pester them to write neatly on lined paper when they are first learning a subject. Its literlaly magic if I start writing down the equations for them the content becomes 10x more intutitive. Im currently teaching my brother algebra and Ive straight up decided to spend an hour tutoring instead of 30 minutes so we can improve his handwriting in math. Just some observations I've had.
Its also not even like they're writing the numbers wrong. If they write neatly, their brains spend more time processing the problem rather than trying to read it and that's helpful.
On that note, if anyone has tips on how to make kids understand that Im not trying to be mean or insult their handwriting when I say that, that's be great.
Persoanlly, even as a kid, I liked making my work super neat so I couldn't mess up.
Edit: I want to make it clear I know it's a scientific thing, it's just interesting to see and disucss.