Looked at your child ’s handwriting lately (or your own) and thought it could use some improvement? Then did you wonder: Does it even matter in this age of digital correspondence?

最近在你看到你的孩子（或者是你自己的）写的字的时候你有没有想过要改进你们的字呢？接下来，你是不是想过这样一个问题：在如今这个数字时代，字写得好坏还有关系吗？

Turns out, it may. Far more than just a tool for communication, the act of writing by hand appears to be an important building block for learning. In today’s story, we talk about new research showing how handwriting helps with learning letters and shapes, can improve idea composition and expression and may even aid fine motor skill development.

答案是可能有。书写不仅仅只是一种交流的手段，它是学习的重要基石。在今天的这篇报导当中，我们要说的是，新研究业已证明，书写行为可以帮助孩子识字辨形，可以帮助孩子整理和表达思想，甚至还可以帮助孩子改进运动技能。

Even adults can benefit from the practice when studying new graphically¹ different languages-such as Chinese-or symbols in sciences such as chemistry. Some physicians say it could help keep our minds sharp as we age.

即便是成年人，也可以从学习一种截然不同的语言──比如中文──或是化学符号之类的科学符号当中受益。还有些医生认为，书写行为可以帮助老人保持敏捷的思维。

Ironically, it may be modern technology that gives a boost to handwriting’s resurgence². For anyone whose kids balk³ at or have trouble with traditional handwriting instruction, the arrival of new educational games for the iPhone, iPod, iPad and other touch screen devices may come as a welcome teaching aid.

具有讽刺意味的是，书写的复兴也许得依靠现代的科技手段。如果你的孩子逃避传统的书法教育，或者是在这方面不长进，适用于iPhone、iPod,、iPad等触摸屏装置的各种新款教育游戏就会成为令你欣然接纳的教学帮手。

We checked out a few in the iTunes app store with names such as abc PocketPhonics, ABC Tracer and iWriteWords. Cheering pencils and encouraging animals give positive feedback for good performance. Parents who’ve downloaded them say their kids think learning to write on these devices is a game. There are also adult apps, such as the $3.99 WritePad, which convert your own handwriting to text. Some adults are setting out to fix their own handwriting through traditional means.

我们使用了iTunes 软件商店里的几款名叫abc PocketPhonics、ABC Tracer、iWriteWords 之类的教育软件。当孩子们在游戏中表现不俗时，游戏中就会出现铅笔欢呼、动物喝彩等画面，孩子们由此得到积极的反馈。下载了这类游戏的家长说，他们的孩子把在这些装置上书写当成了一种游戏。除此之外，也有成人适用的软件，比如售价3.99 美元的WritePad，这款软件可以把你的笔迹转换成文本。也有一些成人已经开始通过传统的方式来改进自己的笔迹。