- so that our work is neater
- so we know how to write out letters
- to make our hands stronger
One child suggested it was so they could learn to write letters. That was the only answer that came close to addressing the real purpose of writing - communication! It reminded me of another time when I asked some year 5s why we learned maths (apparently so that they could teach the times tables to their children!)
Experiences like these have reinforced for me the importance of making sure that students know the "why" and not just the "what".