La Semaine de l'écriture, an annual event supported by the UFIPA (Pulp Industry Union) and its members, is promoting handwriting as a key learning tool for students in the early years of elementary school, from CP (the first year of primary school) to 3rd grade. The 2027 edition focuses on the theme of respect, encouraging teachers to organize classroom activities where students write about this topic using free educational resources. Participants can also take part in a national handwriting competition, which aims to highlight the importance of writing in developing cognitive and social skills. Handwriting is emphasized as a crucial part of early education, helping students express their thoughts, explain ideas, and organize their thinking. A 2024 study found that handwriting activates more areas of the brain in young adults than typing on a keyboard, suggesting it plays a unique role in learning and memory. The initiative seeks to incorporate handwriting into daily classroom routines without adding extra pressure to the existing curriculum, helping students find new meaning in their writing when they know their work might be read by others. For the 2026 edition, nearly 12,000 writings were collected across France. This year’s theme, respect, provides a natural starting point for discussions on psychosocial skills like empathy, active listening, and critical thinking. The competition is free and open to students from CP to 3rd grade, with different writing formats depending on their grade level. For example, students in CP, CE1, and CE2 will write a single sentence, while those in 5th, 4th, and 3rd grade will write a letter. There is also a special category for students in ULIS (Individualized Support for Learning) and SEGPA (General and Professional Education for Adults), allowing for more flexible formats. Teachers, parents, educators, animators, or librarians can register students for the competition. All writings must be entirely handwritten and submitted by January 30, 2027, either online or by mail. Online entries will be displayed on an interactive map of France, where the public can view and vote for their favorite texts. In each of the four categories, the top ten entries will be recognized, with the three highest places receiving gift cards worth 150 €, 100 €, and 50 €, along with writing, coloring, and school supplies. A Public Prize will also be awarded. This initiative, which has been around since 1901 as a law association, aims to give students the chance to reflect, pick up a pen, and discover the value of their own written expressions.