As a parent who values neat handwriting, I consistently encourage my children to refine their written work, ensuring it’s legible and visually appealing. I often have to correct my 7-year-old when her “a” resembles a “u” due to her rushing. I sit with her as she practices both print and her own version of cursive writing.
Despite her enthusiasm, my first grader hasn’t been formally introduced to standard cursive, and according to the latest Common Core Standards for writing and language, she may never have to. This raises a valid concern: if cursive isn’t part of the curriculum, how will children read original historical documents like the Constitution? How will my daughters interpret my personal journal entries on motherhood and marriage after I’m gone if they can’t decode my flowing handwriting?
Education experts argue that in this digital age, cursive is no longer essential. Sue Johnson, a prominent contributor to the Common Core standards, stated, “The focus is on using technology for communication, as that’s what’s most crucial for students today.” While I acknowledge that perfecting cursive may not seem necessary now, it feels strange to think my kids might grow up without this skill.
I fondly remember the time I spent practicing cursive as a child, filling my notebooks with elegant loops and swoops. My classmates might have dreaded handwriting lessons, but I relished the tranquility of those moments. I loved seeing how beautiful the word “dog” looked after repeated attempts, each iteration improving upon the last.
Watching my daughter carefully copy my cursive example to write her name is inspiring. This is a child who struggles to stay still for more than a few minutes, yet here she is, pencil in hand, completely absorbed in creating the perfect “L.” Her focus is commendable; she practices her name repeatedly, aiming for her version of perfection, and finds joy in her progress. It’s incredible to see her transformation from a child who often feels challenged to one who feels accomplished. For her, it’s about the journey, not just the end result. In a fast-paced world, it’s refreshing for kids to slow down and engage in a rewarding activity.
If that isn’t enough to convince you to advocate for cursive in schools, consider the research. Studies show that different brain areas activate while writing in print, cursive, or typing. Dr. Emily Collins, an educational psychologist at Stanford University, has discovered that handwriting activates parts of the brain associated with memory, language, and critical thinking. Interestingly, some students who find print challenging perform better when writing in cursive.
Learning cursive also enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, promoting a more thoughtful approach to writing. A 2014 article in The New York Times suggested that cursive might even assist in treating dyslexia. Moreover, certain standardized tests, like the SAT, require handwritten essays, and data indicates that students who wrote in cursive performed slightly better than their print-writing peers. In response to these findings, fourteen states have reintroduced cursive into their educational programs.
For my family, learning cursive transcends preparing for exams or writing aesthetically pleasing thank-you notes. It’s an avenue for my daughter to take pride in her accomplishments. She even developed her unique signature, complete with whimsical loops and a heart dotting the “i.” When I compliment her on its beauty, she beams and replies, “Thanks, Mom! I’m still practicing.”
In conclusion, cursive writing is more than just a relic of the past; it’s a valuable skill that fosters creativity, concentration, and personal expression in children.
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