I was shocked when I learned that my daughter would not be learning cursive in school. I thought it was one of those skills that was, and always would be, a core part of elementary education. Despite my acceptance of technology all around me, I never thought the ability to learn to WRITE would ever fall by the wayside.
Though I understand that kids today might not need to write as often as people of my generation did. They can take notes on laptops and most of their written communcation will occur via e-mail and texts. Still, I can’t help but feel that the ability to write is a life skill that everyone should possess and thus, am happy to supplement this aspect of their education at home to ensure my own children learn it.
If you’re on the fence about this issue, you have good reason to be. There are several pros and cons to both sides.
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- How will they ever be able to read historical documents such as the constitution, etc if they don’t learn to read and write in cursive?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. Why would we want to spend valuable school time, beyond a day or two, teaching someone to sign their name in cursive? Why don’t we spend time teaching calculations via abacus or slide rules? -Gary F.
- I can read Shakespeare, Mark Twain and the Bible among other things all without ever needing cursive. Just don’t get the hype. -Mike E.
Handwriting Resources for Kids
Are you an educator or parent who wants to spend time teaching your kids how to write in cursive? If so, these resources from Educents will make it a lot more easy and FUN to learn cursive.
- FREE Super Hero Cursive Alphabet Writing Worksheets – Have you met the Educents Heroes? Your child can practice writing cursive with 53 pages of FREE CURSIVE alphabet worksheets! The Educents Heroes are prepared with both lowercase and uppercase letters.
- Wild Animal Print Cursive Alphabet Posters – A set of 26 cursive alphabet posters in a fun wild animal print for less than $5!
- Revolutionary War Copywork in Cursive Activities – Learn history while you learn how to write cursive! This eBook contains 20 quotes from America’s Founding Fathers for kids to write!
Web Learning Resources for Kids
Online learning is becoming even more important for the next generations. Educents also has affordable resources that helps children develop their typing and coding skills.
- 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 do you think?
Do you think cursive is a remnant of the past, a lost art, or a short-changed necessary skill overlooked in the modern tech-centric society? Please share your opinions in the comments.
This subject is going to basis of my PhD research as I am looking at the thoughts, beliefs and attitudes of teachers regarding the teaching of cursive writing.
Oh wow, that’s a great topic to research!
I thinks it should be taught, just not the way they are approching it, they are in a rush to teach it!
I think we should be taught cursive writing because in this real world wears gonna need it because when have to sign our pay check or give a check to someone we are gonna need it