Handwriting is a complex skill involving a wide range of cognitive, linguistic, perceptual and motor abilities. It is a skill that children rarely acquire spontaneously. Even with expert tuition, it usually takes some time to perfect. As the child progresses through school, the requirement to write legibly and fluently increases considerably and the cost of being unable to do so also increases. Children need to be encouraged to adapt the correct pencil grip and writing posture from the start of their school life. They also need regular and constant opportunities to learn, practice and apply specific handwriting skills.