When we think about helping children improve their handwriting, we often picture lined paper, pencil grips, and letter formation practice. But what if the key to neater, more confident handwriting lay in something far more joyful and rhythmic—music?

At first glance, music and handwriting are two completely separate skills. But they’re more closely connected than you might expect—especially for children aged six and up.

 Music and the Brain: Building Pathways for Learning

Music activates several areas of the brain at once, particularly those involved in:

• Language development 
• Memory 
• Physical coordination 
• Pattern recognition 

These are the very same skills that support strong handwriting.

Children develop important cognitive and motor skills, such as clapping, singing, and moving to a beat, that lay the foundation for fluent writing.

 Rhythm and Writing: Timing Is Everything

Writing isn’t just about the mechanics of forming letters—it’s about rhythm, pace, and flow.

Using rhythm-based activities, like clapping syllables or tapping out beats while forming letters, helps children:

• Slow down and focus 
• Improve spacing and sizing. 
• Develop a consistent handwriting habit.s 

Fine Motor Fun: Strength Through Sound

Handwriting requires strong fine motor skills, and musical activities are a fun way to build them!

Instruments like:

• Drums 
• Tambourines 
• Maracas 

…help strengthen the small muscles in the hands and fingers.

Even classic action songs like Incy Wincy Spider or If You’re Happy and You Know It support cross-lateral movement and motor planning, which are key to handwriting development.

 Practical Ways to Blend Music and Handwriting

Here are some simple, effective ways to combine music and handwriting at home or in the classroom:

•  Clap a rhythm to warm up before writing
• Sing letter-formation songs (like Scribble’s Song on Spotify!)
• Play calming instrumental music to support focus
• Use movement breaks between writing tasks
•  Encourage creative flow by “dancing” the pencil across the page

 The Scribble Squirrel Way

 Scribble the Squirrel and  I think handwriting should be joyful, creative, and multi-sensory. From colourful start dots to large-format paper and rhythm-based activities—we make writing something to look forward to!

Don’t forget to check out Scribble’s Song on Spotify—it’s perfect for singing and scribbling along.

 

 Let’s Make Learning Sing!

Blending music and handwriting isn’t just fun—it’s backed by brain science. Next time your child practises writing, add a tune or a beat. You may find that music is the missing note in their handwriting journey.