Hand Writing

About Us

The International Handwriting Rating Agency (IHRA) is a soon-to-be global organization dedicated to evaluating and promoting the art of handwriting.

Established to address the declining emphasis on penmanship in the digital age, IHRA aims to preserve and celebrate the cultural and personal significance of handwriting. The agency offers a range of services including handwriting analysis, certification, and educational programs.

IHRA collaborates with experts in graphology, education, and design to develop standards and guidelines for handwriting excellence. We organize international competitions, workshops, and seminars to encourage individuals of all ages to improve their handwriting skills. Additionally, the agency conducts research on the cognitive and psychological benefits of handwriting, advocating for its inclusion in educational curricula worldwide.

By providing resources and support, the International Handwriting Rating Agency strives to keep the tradition of handwriting alive and relevant in the technologically evolving contemporary society.

International Handwriting Rating Agency (IHRA) is also a handwriting certification body for certifying, recognizing and providing accreditation to individual’s handwriting and educational institutions by assessing and rating the aesthetic handwriting of individuals belonging to the respective institutes thereof. There is Standard & Poor’s for credit rating, there is World Hotel Rating for star hotel rating, there is National Assessment and Accreditation Council for rating higher education institutions and then there is International Handwriting Rating Agency for rating handwriting.

IHRA is a brand that promotes handwriting standards of individuals and educational institutions worldwide through its various handwriting initiatives like International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) promotes worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial standards. International Handwriting Rating Agency, founded in 2012, is the brainchild of handwriting evangelist RAJESH SHIVASHANKARMURTHY HIREMATH who is the founder and head of the agency.

Our Approach:

What does it mean if a kid has haphazard inconsistent handwriting in graphology and how International Handwriting Rating Agency intervenes to redress this issue in kids with the help of its HRG report?

In graphology, haphazard or inconsistent handwriting, especially in a child's writing, can indicate various aspects of their personality or emotional state. Here are some possible interpretations:

Emotional Instability or Stress: Inconsistent handwriting can sometimes suggest that the child may be experiencing emotional turbulence, stress, or anxiety. The irregularity in the writing could reflect inner turmoil or fluctuating emotions.
Lack of Focus or Concentration: Handwriting that varies in size, slant, or pressure may indicate difficulties in maintaining focus or concentration. The child might struggle to stay attentive or have a wandering mind.
Creativity and Spontaneity: On a more positive note, inconsistent handwriting can also reflect a creative and spontaneous personality. The child might be imaginative and enjoy thinking outside the box, leading to variations in how they express themselves through writing.
Developmental Stage: For younger children, inconsistent handwriting might simply reflect their developmental stage. As they are still learning and refining their motor skills, their handwriting may naturally be less consistent.
Low Self-Esteem or Insecurity: Variability in handwriting can sometimes suggest that the child lacks confidence or feels insecure, particularly if the inconsistency appears in the formation of letters or the pressure applied while writing.

In cases like these, we consider that graphology is not a definitive science and rely on HRG report and congruently take into account and assess many factors that influence a child's handwriting including environmental, educational, familial and emotional contexts.

Our Vision

International Handwriting Rating Agency’s vision is to uphold the value of handwriting by giving an identity and a recognition to individual’s unique handwriting through the agency’s HRG (Handwritoratingraphy) program and also award Handwriting Accreditation to recognize institutions on participating in our flagship handwriting programs.

Handwriting is important for school children for several reasons:

Cognitive Development: Writing by hand engages fine motor skills and coordination, which are crucial for cognitive development. It helps children with the mental process of organizing and expressing their thoughts.
Memory Retention: Studies have shown that writing by hand can improve memory retention and understanding. The act of forming letters and words can enhance learning and recall of information.
Academic Performance: Good handwriting skills can positively impact a child's performance in school. Clear and legible writing helps teachers better assess students' understanding and can lead to more effective feedback.
Creativity and Expression: Handwriting allows for personal expression and creativity. It can help children develop their unique voice and style in writing.
Attention and Focus: Handwriting requires concentration and attention to detail, which can improve a child's ability to focus and complete tasks.
Future Skills: Although technology is prevalent, handwriting remains a valuable skill in various contexts, from note-taking to personal communication.

Overall, while digital skills are increasingly important, handwriting continues to play a crucial role in a child's overall development and learning process.

Here's how to find out certain problems in children by examining their handwriting:

Analyzing a child's handwriting can provide insights into their cognitive, emotional, and developmental state. Here are some ways to identify potential problems by examining their handwriting:

1. Letter Formation

Inconsistent Size: If the size of letters varies significantly, it may indicate a lack of fine motor skills or attention issues.
Irregular Spacing: Uneven spacing between letters or words might suggest difficulties with spatial awareness or coordination.
Poor Line Adherence: If letters frequently go above or below the lines, it may reflect poor motor control or issues with focus.

2. Pressure Applied

Heavy Pressure: Writing that is too dark or indents the paper could be a sign of tension, anxiety, or stress.
Light Pressure: Faint writing might indicate low energy levels, lack of confidence, or even potential physical weakness.

3. Letter and Word Spacing

Crowded Letters: When letters are too close together, it might point to impulsiveness or anxiety.
Wide Spacing: If the letters or words are spaced too far apart, it could suggest that the child is hesitant or overly cautious.

4. Writing Speed

Slow Writing: Taking too much time to write could indicate a lack of confidence, processing issues, or a reluctance to complete tasks.
Fast and Messy Writing: Rushing through writing, leading to a sloppy result, might be linked to impulsivity or ADHD.

5. Reversed or Inverted Letters

Letter Reversals: Common in younger children, but if it persists beyond age 7, it might indicate a learning disability like dyslexia.
Inverted Letters: Writing letters upside down or in the wrong direction could suggest visual-spatial difficulties or a developmental delay.

6. Baseline Adherence

Slanting Lines: If lines of writing slant upwards or downwards, it could point to emotional instability or mood swings.
Erratic Baselines: Words that don’t follow a straight line may suggest difficulty in maintaining focus or organizing thoughts.

7. Legibility

Illegible Writing: If writing is difficult to read, it could signal issues with fine motor skills, cognitive delays, or a lack of interest.
Inconsistent Letter Shapes: Letters that vary in shape and form could indicate a lack of focus or difficulties in following instructions.

8. Crossing of T's and Dotting of I's

High Crosses on T’s: This might reflect high self-esteem or a tendency to be assertive or even aggressive.
Low Crosses on T’s: This could indicate low self-esteem or a lack of confidence.
Missing Dots on I’s: This may suggest carelessness or inattentiveness.

9. Overly Decorative Writing

Excessive Flourishes: If a child adds a lot of decorations to their letters, it could be a sign of creativity but also might indicate a tendency to overcompensate or a need for attention.

10. Consistency

Inconsistent Style: Frequent changes in writing style within the same document may suggest indecisiveness or difficulty in maintaining focus.

While handwriting analysis can offer clues, it's important to consider these signs in conjunction with other observations and assessments. If concerns arise, consulting a pediatrician, psychologist, or occupational therapist for a comprehensive evaluation is recommended.