In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and increasingly digital learning environments, handwriting may appear to be a fading art. Yet research across neuroscience, education, psychology, and child development continues to affirm that handwriting plays a vital role in how children think, learn, and communicate.

Today, 23 January 2016, is John Hancock's 279th birthday. Remember him? Smuggler, merchant, Massachusetts governor, president of the Continental Congress? Guy whose ginormous signature on the United States Declaration of Independence is his major claim to fame today?

John Hancock's writing panache has inspired a day that is dedicated to remembering something he did. 23 January is National Handwriting Day.