Improve Handwriting in a Tech-Driven World While Boosting Engagement and Creativity

Presented by Raegan Marriott, Fourth-Grade Student, John McCandless STEM Charter School (CA); and Courtney Berolzheimer, Program Director, Blackwing Foundation

Sponsored by Blackwing Foundation

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In an increasingly digital world, students are spending more time on devices and less time engaging in the tactile act of handwriting. This shift impacts more than just legibility; it affects fine motor development, cognitive focus, and the personal pride students take in their work. When we move away from the keyboard and back to the page, we unlock a unique avenue for creative expression and mindfulness.

This edWebinar explores how to bridge this gap using Pathways to Creativity: The Lettering Series, a free program with ready-to-use resources designed to make implementation simple for educators. We will discuss why tactile skills like functional cursive and hand lettering are vital for building student confidence and visual literacy. You will hear a firsthand testimonial from an elementary student who has completed the program and will share how lettering helped her build confidence and discover a new outlet for creative expression.

We will walk through a comprehensive, “grab-and-go” curriculum developed with professional artist Heather Martinez. Attendees will learn how to integrate the program into their existing schedules to provide students with a lifelong creative skill. By the end of this session, you will have a clear roadmap to help your students slow down, connect pencil to paper, and rediscover the joy of creating something by hand.

This edWebinar will be of interest to elementary through high school teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.

Raegan Marriott is a fourth-grade student at John McCandless STEM Charter School in Stockton, CA. She is a motivated and curious student who enjoys challenging herself academically, especially in reading and math, where she takes pride in doing her best and growing her skills. She is also very active and athletic, playing All-Star soccer and swimming recreationally during the summer. Outside of school and sports, Raegan loves creative activities like making bracelets, crafting, and playing games with her friends. She has a fun and adventurous side when it comes to food, too—her favorites include sushi and cucumbers with lime and salt. Raegan is excited to participate in the Blackwing Foundation’s lettering series and looks forward to expressing her creativity while learning new skills.

Courtney Berolzheimer is a Program Director for Blackwing Foundation. With a master’s in STEM, she brings a decade of classroom experience to her role. Courtney taught a variety of grade levels and subjects with a strong emphasis on math. She always looked for creative ways to bring art into her math lessons, which opened the door for student creative thinking. She also spent multiple years teaching at an arts magnet school, where she saw