Please Share
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.
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- How will they ever be able to read historical documents such as the constitution, etc if they don’t learn to read and write in cursive?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.
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?
My son is a sophomore in high school and when he was in second grade he learned cursive but after the second grade it wasn’t mandatory that they use it so needless to say he can’t read or write in cursive all that well. I think it is something that should still be taught though because like you said, what if our kids stumbled on something we wrote in cursive and can’t read it. That would be sad.