The Value of Teaching Cursive Writing

Buenos dias, Sunday Morning Coffee-ites! What a beautiful start to a new week (or close of one, if that’s how you view it). Per usual, it was a busy one for me. Work, family, and daily life-maintenance are guaranteed to fill your days. As you might recall, my kids, grandkids, and I all live in one big old rambling Victorian house that we love. It’s a busy (sometimes chaotic) existence, full of laughter, great conversations, music, and an occasional tantrum [and our three year old melts down occasionally too :)]. My daughter decided to home school the girls, which has been a lot of fun. Maryland has a great home-school system, so we do some teaching at home and much more out and about at various venues each day for various subjects. This week, our six year old asked to learn to write in cursive. That’s usually a third grade subject, and she’s a first grader, but she reads and writes like a boss, so my daughter started looking for a good curriculum.

I have a love/love relationship with cursive writing. In second grade, I got a lot of spankings by my teacher for sloppy handwriting. It’s only one of two spankings I can remember getting at home because I got a “needs improvement” on my report card for handwriting. Block printing seemed to be beyond my abilities at the age of 7. But in third grade, with the advent of learning cursive, a light came on and angels sang. Cursive was my jam. It was inherently a little messy, and you could write so much more so much faster! In retrospect, that was probably the whole problem with block printing: it was slow and exact and there’s not a lot to interest a kid who also got spanked by her teacher for “wiggling.” It was no doubt a problem of lack of focus and attention than it was laziness or unwillingness to comply. But cursive…oh yeah! Don’t misunderstand me…my cursive writing is pretty illegible on days when my ADD kicks into high gear, but somehow messy cursive reads more like genius than messy block printing. So when our little one asked to learn, my inner second grader whispered, “It will change your life!”

The older I get, the more surprised I am at grown folk who can’t read cursive (not mine, specifically, because I totally understand that, but cursive in general). Then someone told me they don’t teach cursive any more. I’m not sure who exactly “they” are or if that’s an everywhere thing (like when somehow ‘they’ decided to teach “new math” and then no one could do division any more) or just local, but not teaching cursive seems like a huge mistake. It shouldn’t be a lost art.

In today's digital age, where typing on keyboards and touchscreen devices has become the norm, you might wonder, "Is learning cursive writing still relevant?" The answer is a resounding "yes." Cursive writing, often considered a traditional skill, holds enduring value in modern education. This isn’t just my 2nd grade PTSD speaking, there are other reasons why students should embrace the art of cursive writing and why it remains an essential aspect of a well-rounded education.

Cognitive Benefits

Cursive writing is more than just putting pen to paper; it engages the brain in a unique way. Research suggests that the intricate and continuous movements involved in cursive writing can enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These skills are crucial for children's overall development and can have a positive impact on academic performance.

Historical and Cultural Connection

Cursive writing connects students to their cultural heritage and history. When students learn cursive, they gain the ability to read historical documents, letters, and manuscripts written in cursive. It's like unlocking a door to the past and understanding the thoughts and ideas of people who lived long ago.

Signature and Identity

Your signature is a personal mark that represents you on important documents and throughout your life. Learning cursive allows students to develop a unique and distinct signature, fostering a sense of identity and pride in their handwriting.

Improved Handwriting

Cursive writing encourages students to focus on neatness and legibility. It promotes an aesthetic and disciplined approach to handwriting, which can lead to overall improvement in their writing skills, including print handwriting. I’m living proof of this.

Enhanced Learning

Many educators believe that writing in cursive can enhance the learning process. When students take notes in cursive, they often process information more thoughtfully, improving retention and comprehension. It's a valuable tool for academic success.

Communication and Personal Expression

In an era of digital communication, a handwritten letter or note stands out as a personal and heartfelt gesture. Learning cursive allows students to express themselves in a more intimate and personalized way, strengthening their communication skills.

Future Academic and Professional Advantages

While technology dominates our daily lives, there are instances where cursive remains relevant. Standardized tests, legal documents, and some professional contexts still require handwritten responses or signatures. By learning cursive, students are prepared for these real-world situations.

Cursive writing may have evolved in the age of quills and inkwells, but its significance endures in the 21st century (although I feel compelled to add that if you hand someone a calligraphy pen, the satisfaction of rolling out cursive missives in elegance is somehow so satisfying). Embracing cursive isn’t about rejecting technology but about preserving a valuable tradition that enriches our lives and equips us with essential skills.

As educators and parents, let's encourage students to explore the art of cursive writing, recognizing its timeless value in shaping well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the modern world. And for goodness sake, quit traumatizing kids over messy handwriting (remember: GENIUS!)

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Tallyho world warriors!