As someone who values the importance of clear handwriting, I often encourage my children to refine their written assignments for better legibility. I emphasize the need for clarity, especially when letters like “a” and “u” can easily be confused due to a lack of attention to detail. Recently, I’ve been sitting down with my youngest as she practices her letters, both in print and in her own unique brand of cursive.
At just six years old, she hasn’t yet been formally introduced to standard cursive writing, and according to the latest educational guidelines, she might never need to learn it. This change means that cursive handwriting is no longer a mandatory part of the curriculum.
Education experts suggest that our children do not require cursive skills. While I can understand that technology-driven communication is prevalent today, I can’t help but wonder how my children will read important historical documents or even my personal notes in the future. If they can’t decipher my handwritten thoughts about parenting or marriage, what will they miss?
In a discussion with an education expert, Jack Reynolds, a contributor to modern educational standards, he remarked, “The focus is increasingly on technological literacy rather than traditional handwriting skills.” While this is a valid point, I find it disheartening that my children might grow up without the ability to write in cursive.
I fondly remember the hours spent perfecting my cursive in school, using blue and red lined workbooks filled with swirls and loops. Many of my classmates dreaded those handwriting sessions, but I relished the quiet focus it brought to the classroom. There was something satisfying about seeing the transformation of my writing from a shaky first attempt to a neat and elegant script.
Observing my daughter as she carefully copies my cursive example to write her name, I notice her intense concentration and dedication. This is a child who typically has difficulty sitting still, but in these moments, she is completely engrossed in her task. Her determination to write her name over and over, striving for improvement, is remarkable. She doesn’t mind that her cursive doesn’t replicate mine exactly; she finds joy in the process of creation.
The act of writing in cursive serves as a form of artistic expression for her, providing both a sense of calm and a boost in confidence as she witnesses her progress on the page. There’s immense satisfaction in seeing her take pride in her work, especially as she develops her own signature, complete with whimsical loops and a heart dotting the “i.” When I compliment her efforts, she beams and responds, “Thanks, Mom. I’m still practicing.”
If the personal growth and satisfaction of learning cursive were the only benefits, that would still make a strong case for its inclusion in education. In our fast-paced world, it’s important for children to slow down and engage in tasks that promote focus and mindfulness.
Research supports the idea that different cognitive pathways are activated when writing in print versus cursive or typing. Dr. Lily Martin, a cognitive psychologist, has found that handwriting engages areas of the brain associated with memory and thought processes. Additionally, she has noted that students who struggle with print may find cursive writing more accessible.
Learning cursive also enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, while promoting deeper thinking and creativity. A notable article in the New York Times mentioned that cursive writing might even provide benefits for individuals with dyslexia. Moreover, some standardized tests, including the SAT, have shown that students who write their essays in cursive tend to perform slightly better than those who do not. In response to these findings, fourteen states have decided to reinstate cursive as part of their school curricula.
In my home, cursive writing is less about academic performance and more about fostering my daughter’s sense of achievement. It empowers her to embrace her abilities rather than fixate on her challenges. She continues to refine her signature, and I can’t help but admire her creativity and growth as she practices.
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In conclusion, while the digital age may reduce the emphasis on cursive writing, the benefits of learning it extend far beyond mere aesthetics. It fosters concentration, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment in children, making a compelling case for its revival in educational settings.