By: Alison Black
In schools today, learning cursive writing is increasingly becoming an anomaly. Due to advancements in technology, computers are emerging as the primary source for writing. Many administrators and superintendents feel teaching cursive writing is not necessary and that teaching keyboard skills is more useful. Yet the benefits that students receive from learning cursive extend far beyond handwriting skills and many parents believe that teaching cursive writing is still very important and necessary.
Researchers have correlated many benefits to cursive writing, including advancements in motor skill development and reinforcement of learning. Unlike print writing, cursive requires using the hand muscles in a different way. Cursive writing activates a different part of the brain than regular writing does. At around seven or eight years old, these skills can be highly beneficial in furthering motor skill development. Some administrators argue that the time spent teaching cursive writing would be better spent teaching keyboard skills. In this case, students do not actually have to use their hands to create the letters, which will make retention rates lower and not improve motor skills at all.
When students are taught only how to write in print, they only get one chance to learn and memorize the letters. By learning cursive as well, students get another opportunity to fully comprehend the alphabet. Learning cursive also gives students a better understanding of how letters are formed, which help students improve their print handwriting as well.
Another consideration is that there are still venues in which cursive writing is necessary. Handwriting is far more effective for identification purposes than print. For example, on the ACT students are asked to complete a statement in cursive. Many students were stumped at this point, unable to form written letters. Teaching cursive does not take up a full period of class; 15 minutes of cursive three times a week would suffice. If cursive is eliminated from schools, students have a lot to lose. Though the world is becoming more and more technology dependent, there is something to said for retaining a part of classic writing skills in the curriculum.
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