Learning proper letter formation is really important. First, when a child practices and knows the proper way to print the letter, their writing speed will naturally increase because they won't need to use valuable cognitive resources thinking about how to form the letter instead of the other mechanics of writing like: working memory, how to spell the word, word choice, grammar etc. Secondly, if proper letter formation is taught, the transition to handwriting (cursive) comes quite easily and naturally as many of the letters are formed the same way both in printing and in handwriting. Most importantly, when a child is starting the letter in the proper place, it can eliminate the "guess work" of where to put the stick or which direction the letter goes in.