Cursive handwriting has lost its appeal among many schools. It is respected, but an older method of communicating in a written format. As a result, cursive handwriting has lost ground over the last few years. Recent years have seen the writing format be replaced with other ideas that is stirring debate about the method of writing itself and its future.
Cursive handwriting has taken a back seat to STEM. Should cursive writing be taught?
Cursive has come back in full-force after a dip in the curriculum.
Nine states have actually mandated the instruction of cursive handwriting that includes populous states like Texas and Florida in the country. Many southern states have followed suit as students show progress. Proponents mention that cursive is used for signatures and official paperwork. However, it is possible that computers will replace the outdated cursive handwriting.
To clarify, handwriting is defined as any writing or printing by hand with pen, pencil, or other implement. It’s cursive handwriting—in which the letters within each word are joined in a continuous flow—that is most likely to be lost.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Cursive handwriting has long been losing ground in schools as teachers focus on the basics, and now only 9 states require that cursive be taught at all.
- Pro-cursive arguments include speed, ability to read old documents, and the ability to create a signature, while anti-cursive arguments include its growing obsoleteness in a technological age.
- A child can still be taught to read cursive, even if they can’t use it in writing.
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