As a parent, I have a strong appreciation for clear handwriting. I often encourage my children to revise their homework, aiming for greater legibility and consistency. I point out when letters, like “a” and “u,” get mixed up because my 6-year-old hasn’t fully closed the top. I sit beside her as she practices both printing and her own whimsical version of cursive.
Although she’s in first grade, she hasn’t officially been introduced to standard cursive writing. In fact, according to the Common Core Standards, it may never be a requirement for her education. This raises a concern: how will my children read significant historical documents like the Constitution? What about my personal journal entries filled with insights about motherhood that I hope they’ll cherish? It seems that understanding cursive isn’t deemed essential for today’s students.
In an interview with Education Week, a key figure behind the Common Core, Laura Thompson, noted, “With the rise of technology, we believe that students’ communication skills should focus on digital platforms.” While I acknowledge that mastering the elegant loops of cursive may not seem vital in this digital era, it feels odd to think my kids won’t learn this skill.
I distinctly remember the hours I spent perfecting my own cursive, filling lined workbooks with graceful letters. Many classmates dreaded this part of the curriculum, but I found joy in it. The classroom would hush as everyone focused on their papers, and I loved how the word “dog” transformed from my shaky first attempt to a polished version after multiple tries.
When I observe my 6-year-old diligently copying my cursive example to write her name, I’m amazed by her concentration. This is the same child who can barely stay still for two minutes, yet she immerses herself in writing, pencil in hand, brow furrowed in concentration while crafting the first loop of the letter “E.”
Even more impressive is her dedication. She practices her name repeatedly, striving for her own version of perfection, moving on only when she feels satisfied. Her excitement about writing in cursive is palpable, as it serves as a form of artistic expression. Each improvement she sees boosts her confidence and reinforces the importance of effort.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential for children to slow down and focus on a task that can be so fulfilling. If that’s not enough to inspire you to advocate for cursive writing in schools, consider the research: various brain areas activate when we write in print, cursive, or type. Dr. Lisa Green, an educational psychologist, discovered that brain scans of children engaged in handwriting show activity in areas linked to memory and language. Some studies suggest students struggling with print may excel with cursive.
Learning cursive also enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, encouraging deeper thinking. Furthermore, a 2014 article in the New York Times highlights that cursive may even assist in treating dyslexia. Notably, some standardized tests, including the SAT, show that students who write their essays in cursive tend to perform slightly better. As a result, fourteen states have reinstated cursive in their curriculum.
In my home, cursive isn’t simply about achieving high scores on tests or crafting lovely thank-you notes. It allows my daughter to take pride in her accomplishments, shifting focus from challenges to successes. She has even developed her unique signature, complete with artistic flourishes and a heart dotting the “i.” When I compliment her on its beauty, she proudly replies, “Thanks, Mom. I’m still practicing.”
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In summary, cursive writing holds significant value beyond mere aesthetics. It nurtures children’s creativity, concentration, and fine motor skills while fostering personal pride in their accomplishments. As we adapt to a digital future, let’s not forget the timeless benefits of cursive.
Keyphrase: Importance of cursive writing for kids
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