Writing should be a doorway to creativity and learning for children, but for many with dyslexia, writing can be a challenge.
BIC, a world leader in stationery, hopes to change the experience of writing from a struggle into a more pleasurable one.
“Stemming from our vision to bring simplicity and joy to everyday life through our products, and as a leader in stationery, we are keen to help children enjoy writing, and those with dyslexia are not an exception. Through writing tools, we aim to make writing less of a battle for children with dyslexia, so they can enjoy the process and feel proud of what they create,” says Lillian Henderson, Marketing Director for Southern and Eastern Africa at BIC.
“By designing products that are comfortable and easy to grip, we hope to support them in overcoming barriers and achieving their full potential.”
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a lifelong learning disability that affects roughly 5% to 10% of the population worldwide, is more common in boys than in girls, and tends to run in families.
While dyslexia is rooted in difficulties with phonological processing – trouble identifying speech sounds and connecting them to letters and words, which makes reading a challenge – it can also disrupt a range of other skills, including writing, spelling, and even the ability to express ideas on paper.
Dyslexia and Fine Motor Skills
Because many children with dyslexia face challenges with fine motor skills, even holding a pencil can be a struggle.
If a pen feels too heavy, too thin, or awkward to grip, a child might press down too hard, clutch the pen tightly, or need frequent breaks because their hands get tired or sore.
This often creates a cycle of frustration: the more their hands hurt, the less they want to write, and the less they practice, the more difficult writing becomes. Over time, this can affect not just their handwriting but also their willingness to engage with written tasks.
Ergonomic pens and pencils designed with comfort in mind can help pupils who find holding a pen or pencil uncomfortable. As a result, it can be difficult to develop automatic flow that helps them to express themselves in writing.
Encouraging a Positive Writing Experience
Writing is not just about putting letters on paper – it’s a way for kids to express their creativity and boost their confidence.
Research indicates that many students who struggle with dyslexia also battle low self-esteem, and negative experiences with schoolwork can only worsen confidence. When kids see their words take shape without sore hands or smudged lines, it gives them a genuine sense of pride and accomplishment. This can be just what they need to keep trying, even when writing feels difficult.
A Brighter Future with the Right Tools
The right stationery can make a world of difference for kids, and especially those with dyslexia. By providing tools that reduce discomfort, brands like BIC are helping kids where it counts – making writing less of a physical struggle so they can put their energy into learning, growing, and expressing their thoughts.
