Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association

08/28/2026

✍️ Another state is putting pen to paper.

Beginning this school year, Florida public schools will once again require cursive instruction for students in grades 3–5, recognizing that handwriting is about so much more than putting words on a page. Students will not only learn cursive—they'll also demonstrate proficiency before moving on.

Handwriting strengthens fine motor skills, supports literacy, and helps students connect with history by giving them the ability to read original handwritten documents—from family letters to our nation's founding records.

Read the full story below 👇

A new Florida law will require cursive writing to be taught between grades 3 to 5 starting the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

08/21/2026

💙✍️ This National Senior Citizens Day, celebrate the power of a handwritten letter.

A simple note of appreciation, a favorite memory, or even a few words of encouragement can brighten someone's day and remind them they're valued. For many older adults, receiving a handwritten letter is more than just mail—it's a meaningful connection that can bring comfort, spark cherished memories, and create lasting joy.

This August 21, grab a pen, write a letter, and share a little kindness with a senior in your community. Sometimes the smallest handwritten gesture can make the biggest impact. 📝

National Senior Citizens Day, observed every August 21, honors the invaluable contributions of older adults to our communities. Discover ways to show appreciation and support for seniors.

08/15/2026

On July 22nd, the Senate Commerce Committee reported out favorably, by a 15-13 party line vote, the nominations of Brien Lorenze and Karen Sessions (both Republicans) to be Commissioners on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Senate Democrats on the Committee voiced their concern that no Democrat candidates were nominated.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced seven measures and six nominations.   The following actions were taken during today’s Executive Session: Nominations advanced by a roll call vote:  Nomination of Thomas B. Cha...

08/09/2026

📚✍️ This National Book Lovers Day, we're celebrating a remarkable reminder that reading and handwriting have always gone hand in hand.

For more than 60 years, Dan Pelzer carefully kept a handwritten record of every book he read—3,599 in all. After his passing, his family shared his journals online, inspiring readers around the world with a legacy written one title at a time.

His story is a beautiful reminder that handwriting isn't just about taking notes—it's about preserving memories, documenting our passions, and creating something that can inspire future generations.

Whether it's a reading journal, a favorite quote, or a list of books you've loved, pick up a pen this National Book Lovers Day and start writing your own literary story.

See the list here 👇

Dan Pelzer died earlier this year at the age of 92, leaving behind a handwritten list of all the books he'd read since 1962. His family had it digitized, put it online, and now it's gone viral, somewhat to the surprise of those of us who'd never heard of him before.

08/03/2026

📚✏️ Back-to-school season is about more than stocking up on notebooks and pencils—it's also the perfect time to strengthen the skills that help students succeed all year long.

A new University of Pittsburgh program, Hope for Handwriting, is helping children improve their handwriting through one-on-one occupational therapy. The results go far beyond neater penmanship. As students build stronger handwriting skills, they're also developing fine motor coordination, focus, confidence, and other abilities that support success in the classroom.

As backpacks are packed and classrooms fill up, let's remember that handwriting is more than putting words on paper—it's a foundational skill that helps children learn, communicate, and gain confidence every time they pick up a pencil.

The innovative program offers individualized handwriting support to children through one-on-one sessions with occupational therapy students.

07/30/2026

Two New Commissioners at the CPSC 👏🏻

On June 28th, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on the nominations of Republican nominees Brien Lorenze and Karen Diebel Sessions to be Commissioners of the CPSC.

Brien Lorenze | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brien-lorenze-05829b1

Karen Diebel Sessions | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdiebel

Currently, the CPSC has one Commissioner, Acting Chair Peter Feldman, also a Republican. And his term ends in October 2027, but under the CPSC statute, he can stay on for one additional year.

WIMA looks forward to having a full complement of Commissioners on the CPSC

07/25/2026

✍️ Sometimes, handwriting can unlock history.

A curator at France's National Library recognized a familiar handwriting style in a 248-year-old notebook—and that keen eye led to the discovery of a previously unknown Mozart manuscript. The handwritten pages, hidden in the library's collection for centuries, reveal the composer's work as both a musician and a teacher.
It's a powerful reminder that handwriting isn't just ink on a page—it can preserve history, tell forgotten stories, and even lead to extraordinary discoveries centuries later. 🎼📜

Read the fascinating story 👇

While working as a tutor in 1778, the composer created seven short pieces for flute and harp with his student's help. This month, audiences heard the works performed for the very first time

07/18/2026

There's something so special about handwriting. ❤️ Whether it's a birthday card from Grandma, a note from Mom, or a holiday card signed by someone you miss, those handwritten words carry memories that no text message ever could.

If you've been holding onto sentimental cards but don't have a lot of storage space, this clever DIY idea is the perfect solution. It transforms treasured handwritten messages into meaningful wall art, so you can enjoy them every day instead of keeping them tucked away in a box. It's a beautiful way to preserve the people and moments that matter most. ✨

Read more:

I'll definitely be trying this.

07/02/2026

Sometimes, a few handwritten words can make all the difference. ✍️❤️
One teacher wrote 146 personal notes of encouragement—one for every student—and the impact was unforgettable. In a world filled with texts and emails, handwritten messages still have the power to make people feel seen, valued, and inspired.
Whether it’s a note to a student, friend, or loved one, taking the time to write by hand creates a personal connection that lasts far beyond the page.

Read more below

146 students in my classes means 146 individuals with unique strengths, needs, and dreams. So I wrote 146 personal notes of encouragement for their end of year test.

06/25/2026

In honor of beloved author and illustrator Eric Carle, we’re celebrating the creativity, curiosity, and imagination he inspired in generations of young readers. 🐛📚

His advice for aspiring writers and artists was simple but powerful: “DO IT.” Create, imagine, learn from others, and keep going—even through creative blocks. 👏

Eric Carle’s legacy reminds us that stories begin with a single idea and the courage to bring it to life. ✨

Eric’s answers to frequently asked questions about writing and publishing. If you have a similar question, it may be answered here!