The Pros and Cons of Teaching Cursive in School

I remember in second grade we spent weeks learning cursive handwriting.  Bumping lines on the lined paper, writing and rewriting letters and spelling worlds.  I was surprised when my oldest son got to third grade and couldn’t read cursive.  I asked him about if they had learned any cursive in school.  He said “My teacher said, if they have time they’ll teach some”  To me, that was kind of sad.  I mean I know why, with all this standardized testing being pushed and common core crap there’s no time for extras.  I think it’s sad though that one day my son may find a letter or note I wrote in cursive and maybe won’t be able to read it.  So I decided to take matter into my own hands.  Granted I’m no teacher but I wanted my kids to at least have a basic understanding of how to write cursive.  At least sign there name for goodness sakes.
I looked for resources to help me.  I found dry erase lined boards and things of that nature.

Pros and cons of cursive - Educents Blog

The Argument to Teach Cursive

Some parents and educators want cursive handwriting to be included in students’ lessons. Here’s what they said about that:

  • How will they ever be able to read historical documents such as the constitution, etc if they don’t learn to read and write in cursive? -Sara J.
  • I don’t think it has been taught in our school for at least the last 10 to 15 years. Cursive writing will become a lost art in America. I think it should still be taught. -Claudia A.
  • Yes! It’s part of my children’s 2nd grade homeschool curriculum. They just started doing it, and they are so excited about it. 🙂 -Angela M.

Cursive - Educents Blog

Download FREE cursive handwriting worksheets on Educents!

The Argument Not to Teach Cursive

Some say cursive is no longer an essential lesson to teach kids, here’s their reasonings for that:

  • No, it’s not relevant anymore. Learn typing instead. -Robert C.
  • Honestly, it’s no longer important. Teach them to sign their name; then teach them to convey their thoughts, and be persuasive, via oral and written communications.
  • Learn to Mod with Minecraft – Did you know kids can learn how to code by modifying (or “modding”) Minecraft®? Kids learn how to code in Java® and apply it to Minecraft® themed problems!
  • The WriteWell App – A simple and intuitive web-based tool that makes writing fun and effective. With its unique visual and tactile interface and library of interactive essay templates, WriteWell is a convenient tool for teachers and students at home or in the classroom.
  • Handwriting Worksheet Wizard – StartWrite helps teachers, homeschoolers, and parents create handwriting lessons quickly and easily. This program saves hours in lesson preparation time, yet allows you to easily create fun, meaningful worksheet to teach handwriting.

What are your feelings on teaching cursive writing?

QuickenLoans Hole-In-One Sweepstakes Win 1 Yr’s Worth of Mortgage Payments

This post does contain an affiliate link.  Regardless I only post legitimate offers from trusted sites.

Now this is a sweepstakes I’m exicted about. QuickenLoans Hole-In-One Sweepstakes gives you the chance to win 1 yr’s worth of mortgage payments every time time there is a hole-in-one at a participating PGA tournament.  My husband and I are in the process of buying a new house so this would be an awesome win for us.  Oh heck, it would be an awesome win for anyone.  So hurry over and enter to win.  No purchase necessary!  Just click the banner below and fill out the form.

I Found the Perfect Toddler Pillow!


I received the below mentioned product at no cost in order to complete an honest review.  Any opinions expressed are my own.

My daughter is 2 1/2 years old.  Up until now she hasn’t had a pillow at all.  I tried to keep her bed clear of any extra items for nap time and overnight.  I noticed the last few months though she’d want to climb in bed with my husband and I. She’d lay her head on a pillow and eventually fall asleep.  That’s was ok while I was able to watch her.  I didn’t feel comfortable putting a full size pillow in her bed.  I mean, the pillow is almost as big as she is! So I started searching for a toddler pillow.  I thought it might be incentive for her to stay in her own bed and make it more comfortable for her.

While looking for a toddler pillow I wanted something that:

1.  Was easily washable, because…toddlers

2.  I wanted something that was safe, flame retardant, no potentially harmful materials used

3.  I was hoping to finds something with natural materials like cotton that would be soft.

4.  I was also hoping for something organic so I knew it wasn’t treated with chemicals of any kind.

5.  Of course, it had to be just the right size for my daughter’s little coconut head.

I had been looking for a little while now. When CallaPillow approached me about doing a review, how could I say  now.  I mean, look at the package insert.

calla pillow stock

 

This toddler pillow ended up being all that and then some.  It uses a filling called “Callafill” that’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t clump up when you wash it.  It also doesn’t go flat. A bonus, it’s made right here in the USA! It also has a 3 year out grow it guarantee to make sure it will last through all the washes, upset tummies, and more.  If for any reason you’re not happy with it, they’ll make it right.

My daughter loves her CallaPillow. We’ve had it for a little over  week and she’s slept with it each night.  I put it through the wash too just to see if it really was “no clump” and it truly is!  Here’s a pic of my daughter snuggling up with her CallaPillow.  (Yes I know we need to lose the patsy, we’re working on it!)

callapillow watermarked

You can now find CallaPillow on Amazon:

Save 20% at Staples When You Buy $25 or More in iTunes Gift Cards #iTunesStaples20

This is a sponsored post. Regardless I only post legitimate offers from trusted sites.

Here in my area of Pennsylvania, the kids will be heading back to school in about 2 weeks.  Some of the older kids will be getting ready to start college, maybe moving into dorm rooms or apartments.  For us, it will be craziness because we’re also getting ready to move. Our closing date is scheduled for August 28 (just 2 days after school starts!) Well anyway, we’re still finishing up school shopping and needing to buy some things for our new house.  We’ve visited Staples a few times already.  I needed a new desk chair, we needed  book shelf for my daughter’s new room, we needed a new pencil sharpener, just lots of stuff.

If you still need school supplies, dorm room needs, cleaning supplies, whatever you can save 20% off at Staples when you spend $25 or more on iTunes gift cards.  I mean what college kid wouldn’t appreciate an iTunes gift card?  It could be used for apps for their phone or MAC to help with school.  And I guess they might like it for music for their iPod right?  I know I need music when I clean and work.  Would be great for when I’m unpacking all those boxes and the 20% discount will help with things we need for the house.  (I’m gonna need a boatload of command strips I think).

iTunes gift card

 

You can mix and match amounts to reach the $25 or more.  For instance, you can buy a $10 iTunes gift card and a $15 iTunes gift card if you wanted.   This offer is valid 8/16-8/22/15 see your local Staples store for more details.  This deal is online too: http://bit.ly/1W4AarH  Don’t forget, it you’re a Staples Rewards customers you can earn cash back too!

Oh and if you happen to have Chase Ink Business credit card, you can double dip and get an additional 4x points or 5% cash back when you buy iTunes gift cards.  Would be good incentive gifts for employees!

GIVEAWAY

1 person will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card 

(this is a multi-blog giveaway one winner will be drawn from all entries)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LAST DAY! 2 for $25 Reebok Graphic Tees!

This post does contain affiliate links. Regardless I only post legitimate offers from trusted sites.

Trying to finish up my school clothes shopping for my 4 kids.  I have one child that is very particular about his clothes.  I want to get him what he likes so he’ll actually wear it but I will NOT spend a lot of money.  This Reebok sale is perfect but today is the last day.  Get 2 Reebok graphic tees for just $25. Available for both men and women.  They have a pretty big selection too! Just click the link below and it will take your right to the selection.  The shirts are anywhere from $17 to $27 a piece regularly but you get TWO for $25! That’s $12.50 for a Reebok shirt!

Reebok 2 For $25 Graphic Tees  use code TEE25

Reebok graphic tees saleReebok graphic tees men