The Reasons Cursive Handwriting is Still Worth Teaching in School

 

You Should Teach Cursive Handwriting in Your Classroom

Is cursive handwriting still worth it? Do you remember the days when cursive handwriting was a part of the school curriculum? Well, whether you are that “old” or not, cursive handwriting seems to have disappeared from the classroom, and some of us are asking if that was a good idea. Why?

My reason for asking this question is because I am seeing more and more students who can’t sign their names in cursive. I am seeing more and more students entering middle and even high school who can’t write in cursive. Is this a crime?

It could be argued that cursive handwriting is irrelevant. However, our students need to know how to sign their name in cursive. And, there are many more reasons that cursive handwriting is worth teaching. Are you curious about what those reasons are? Let’s discuss it.

What is Cursive Handwriting?

Cursive handwriting is like a secret code that connects all your letters together. Instead of lifting your pencil after every letter, you keep it flowing across the paper. This creates a smooth and elegant script that can be pretty impressive once you master it.

Why Should Students Learn Cursive?

Cognitive Development:

Research shows that learning cursive handwriting has cognitive benefits. It stimulates the brain in ways that typing doesn't. It enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and memory retention, ultimately contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.

Unique Signature:

When your students grow up and leave school, you'll need to sign your name on important documents. Having a stylish cursive signature adds a touch of personality and uniqueness to your identity.

Faster Note-Taking:

In various academic and professional settings, the ability to take quick, efficient notes by hand is invaluable. Cursive handwriting can enable students to jot down information more swiftly, aiding in lectures, meetings, and brainstorming sessions.

I am one of the first people to admit that I write much faster in cursive than I do in print. So, I think being able to take notes in cursive is a plus for our students.

Examples of Cursive Handwriting's Importance

Personal Letters:

Imagine receiving a handwritten letter from a friend. It feels special, right? Cursive adds a personal and heartfelt touch that can't be matched by typing.

Art and Creativity:

Have you seen those fancy calligraphy pieces? They're created using cursive techniques. Learning cursive can unlock your students’ artistic side and help them create beautiful handwritten cards, invitations, and more.

I have a former co-worker who used to get paid good money for calligraphic pieces. So, cursive writing can be profitable.

Reading Historical Documents:

Another important reason that learning cursive writing is still worth it is because many important documents, like the Declaration of Independence, were written in cursive. Learning cursive helps your students learn how to read and appreciate these treasures.

Individuality and Identity:

Our signatures are a reflection of our identity. Teaching cursive gives students the opportunity to craft unique signatures that convey their personality. In a digital age, a handwritten, cursive signature stands out and carries a personal touch.

Addressing the Doubts

Some people might say that cursive isn't important anymore. They might argue that we have computers and devices for writing. While it's true that technology has changed the way we communicate, cursive has its own charm and benefits.

Technology can be awesome, but it's also nice to have a connection to the past. Just like we still learn about history even though we have the internet, learning cursive gives us a link to our ancestors' ways of writing.

I know. Learning cursive handwriting might seem like a blast from the past, but it's actually an important skill to have. From connecting with history to giving your students’ brain a workout, cursive offers benefits that go beyond just writing.

Teaching cursive handwriting isn't about resisting change. It's about equipping students with a versatile set of tools that transcend the boundaries of time and technology. By embracing cursive, you're fostering cognitive development, historical understanding, and personal growth. As you stand in front of your classrooms, remember that the lessons you impart extend far beyond the classroom walls. They shape generations and uphold traditions that enrich our collective knowledge.

Creating Student Authors

Creating Student Authors in Your Classroom

As the school year draws to a close, I am pleased to say “I did it again”. What did I do? Simple. I inspired my students to write and love it. I am a writer. I have published several books on Amazon, and my students know this. I have talked about writing, and my love writing. I had my students write, but I didn’t turn it into a chore. And, guess what? This year, I have 4 girls who have started working on their own books. I have 2 that are actively working on writing poems. Hooray! Last year, I also turned several of my students into writers.

So, don’t give up hope. You can get your students to write and to love it. How? Model writing. Let your students see you writing. Talk about how much fun it is. Start a classroom blog. Work on a book together as a class. Praise what they write. Offer a little advice on their writing. I never criticize what they have written. I offer pointers, and let them go from there. Of course, if they are writing an essay for class, I grade it. But, if they are writing things on their own, I don’t grade. I only encourage.

Another important thing that I do with my students is introduce them to new vocabulary words. I use word walls. I play vocabulary games and vocabulary drills. I use the new vocabulary words often in class. I substitute common words for the new vocabulary words. I give away extra points to the students I catch using the new vocabulary words. These words eventually began to show up in their everyday conversations and in their writing.

To get my students excited about writing, I provide them with opportunities to have their work published. I send some of their best work to the local newspaper for publication. I submit their papers to writing contests. I even provide them with the submission pages and guidelines for teen magazines.

So, as I close this year out, I want to shout “Hooray!” My students are writing and loving it.

You can check out some of my writing journals at my Tpt store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/2cute-Classrooms