Learning proper letter formation is important to writing fluently. Since writing is used in all subjects and all grades, this is a vital skill to learn! Students may have beautiful handwriting, however they could be constructing the letter formation wrong, by starting letters at the bottom, forming letters from right to left, or even going back and filling in parts of missing letters after the fact. Unfortunately, this forms bad writing habits that are hard to break, and while they might be able to get by in the earlier years of school, it usually doesn't last. As kids move into first grade, and beyond, the expectations get more and more intense. When kids have poor letter formation habits, they simply can't keep up. There is a reason we teach kids to form their letters from the top down and there is a specific approach to making each letter...because it's faster! Poor letter formation, equals slow, inefficient writing in the long run. Take a look at the link above to help your child with proper letter formation, correct pencil grip tips, and fine motor activities you can do at home.