A motor development in the reproduction of the 16 graphic components identified as prior to and basic for the cursive handwriting were analysed. 256 male and female children, among 3 and 7 years, from lower or upper middle to upper socio-economic backgrounds were studied. The children were divided into 8 groups, with intervals of 6 months between each one. In each group there was the same number of boys and girls and of each socio-economic group. Results showed that the reproduction of the form of graphic components is possible since 3 years old, but precision and firmness of reproduction will depend on exercises in the use of graphic instruments, such as a pencil. Suggestions are made to teachers to pay more attention to this skill, to better evaluate practice as a means of improving skills.
Cursive handwriting; Children development; Graphics components
