I recently read an article about the furture of cursive in our school systems. The big question was should it still be taught, is it still necessary? WHAT?! My instant reaction was YES OF COURSE! It's cursive, it's handwriting, it's done on a daily basis right. Right?
I learned it in second grade, and remember most of my classmates being excited to learn it. Hey, we were in second grade now, we actually got to use pens for our assignments. We were big kids. Adults used cursive and so did all the older kids, it was cool that we finally got to learn it. Then I remember those endless lines of repeating the same letter over and over again. Where is the fun in that? If it's not something that's going to be fun, of course kids don't want to learn it.
But the question is: Is it still relevant?
I have read more than one article on this, and have seen every kind of answer. It improves fine motor skills, it's faster, more professional, and denotes an educated person. It's antiquated, technology makes it unnecessary, it's a waste of valuable education time.
My take:
I'm a throw back to the old days, but with a practical mind set. I think it is more important now than ever to teach kids the basics of cursive. And I mean the basics. Make it fun for kids and let them develop their own style. A handwritten note is something that is going to make you stand apart. It shows that you took the time to say hi to a friend, to wish grandma a happy birthday, or to thank a potential employer. It is a personal touch, a written fingerprint that is uniquely yours, in a world of processed fonts.
I agree. I think that cursive should still be taught in school. It is sort of sad but I can only write in cursive anymore. If I try regular writing I have to write in all caps. I use cursive everyday. I it so much faster for me and way more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI work at the Testing Center on campus. Those who are taking the Praxis (Teacher's test) or the GRE (Graduate Record Examination for grad school) test must fill out a confidentiality form - IN CURSIVE. It is a requirement of ETS (Educational Testing Services).
ReplyDeleteWe give out these tests daily. You would be surprised as to how many people (teachers included) do not know how to write in cursive. It blows my mind! I learned to write in cursive in the 2nd grade and continue to use it today. Some people, and I am not kidding, do not know how to sign their name. They have printed their whole life and therefore are not able to have a signature. So sad. :(
I too remember learning how to write cursive in 2nd grade. I however, have terrible handwriting and am glad that I can get away with sending and email or a text in many instances. For this very reason though I agree with you that a personal note means even more now than it used to. If I really want to take the time and effort I at least have the ability write a decent note that will really stand out for someone.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't realize that teachers are not wanting to teach cursive anymore. That makes me really sad. I just recently started writing in cursive again, and to be completely honest I forgot how to do a lot of the letters. I think cursive is beautiful if it's legible. Anything handwritten these days, print or cursive, is rare. Thanks for the share.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I never use cursive any more It should still be taught. It is just something romantic and actually worth saving in the english language or writing form that should be ever lasting. It is crazy to think that it could just be gone in one or two years and our children will never cursive. On a daily basis I cannot say I write cursive, which is hard because more and more I find myself thinking how do i do that letter in cursive again??? Maybe I need a refresher course.
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