WORKSHOPS on the benefits of handwriting have been delivered in Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne this month by learning facilitator and educational researcher Helen Walls.

About 30 teachers from Ōpōtiki schools attended Dr Walls’ workshop at Ōpōtiki Primary School. She also went to Whakatāne Intermediate School and Apanui School.

Ōpōtiki Primary School principal Tony Howe said student handwriting was important as it was assessed.

“She also spoke about the advantages of writing as opposed to typing on a keyboard,” Mr Howe said.

“She said you’re more likely to remember when writing and that it helps with spelling and grammar.”

Dr Walls spoke about her PhD work in writing and being on the task force for rewriting the English curriculum.

Attendees were given practical suggestions on how to teach writing andtyping and given access to her website.

“It was pretty inspiring,” Mr Howe said.

Ōpōtiki Primary School teacher Leigh Glaser said the workshop was “absolutely worth every second”.

“It was remotivating and it changed our ideas about how to teach writing,” she said.

Whakatāne Intermediate School principal Michael Webster said Dr Walls presented to teachers from four schools at the session.

“Our staff found her quite inspiring to listen to and took a lot from the day around the art of teaching writing,” he said.  

“A lot of what she discussed was very affirming for our staff in terms of what they currently do in their practice.”

Mr Webster said Whakatāne Intermediate was investing in more writing professional development for the 2025 school year, “which the school is very excited about”.  

“The day with Helen has helped set our staff up for success to get the most out of next year’s programme as it links well with what they will be continuing to learn next year.”

Whakatāne Intermediate School teacher Nicola Laurent said she enjoyed the workshop on writing.

“It focused on building strong foundations to help students achieve greater success in their writing,” she said.

“The session resonated with my observations, particularly regarding the gaps faced by our lower-level learners.”

Mrs Laurent said the workshop provided valuable tools “and ideas to revisit the basics and strengthen foundational skills, ensuring students are set up for long-term success”.

“Helen Walls’ passion for education and deep understanding of the realities of teaching students with diverse needs made the workshop both inspiring and practical,” she said.