In homeschooling my grandson, I taught him penmanship early on (writing in cursive – also called “script” or “longhand”). Penmanship, or cursive as it is known today, is a style of writing in which letters are joined together in a flowing manner, and the pen doesn’t leave the paper while writing each word. It makes for a much faster method of getting words on the page, but there are many other benefits to using this skill as well. There are excellent handwriting books on the market that teach this much-needed skill.
Teaching cursive to children will allow them to read it, as well – to be literate in their own language. Many of the old historical documents are written in this style of English; and unless one can read the handwriting, there is no way to verify that what is being currently taught or said in true. It’s always best to go to the “source” to verify the truth in any situation or issue. It links us to history, which is vital. “Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it” (Edmund Burke).
There are many other reasons to learn this important skill, not the least of which is that it helps the brain in so many ways. Typing, or even block writing (printing) does require the same motor skills and doesn’t have the same effect on the brain. According to The Optometry Center for Vision Therapy (OCVT): “When learning, forming letters by hand creates a connection with the movement of the hand to the visual response of seeing the letter on the page. There are multiple processes coexisting simultaneously: the movement of the hand, the thought of the letter, and the visual cue of the letter. This is reading and writing concurrently, which is a necessary skill.”
One result of learning cursive is that it helps with spelling skills. When the child writes out the word in cursive, it connects the word to motor memory, enabling the ability to recognize words when they see them later. Typing doesn’t have the same effect on the brain, says OCVT, as it doesn’t require the same fine motor skills and simultaneous activity. Like learning to play a musical instrument, the fingers “memorize” the movements, and it positively affects the brain in memory. In fact, says OCVT, “For those struggling with dyslexia, cursive can a part of a treatment plan to help hand-eye coordination, memory, vision-related difficulties, and other brain activities. Instead of letting handwriting die in schools, reading cursive and practice writing in cursive is an important part of a curriculum that improves children’s cognitive and visual skills.”
Writing in cursive holds another benefit. In taking notes this way, it helps to process the content and reframe it, leading to a better understanding and retention. Try this yourself and see what a difference it makes. It helps to remember information better when writing in cursive than printing or using a keyboard.
And, writing in cursive allows you to sign your name!
Many public schools, under the Common Core State Standards, have dropped teaching cursive writing from their curricula. It should be brought back, and taught vigorously! Talk to your school board members to encourage them to teach it.
For all the benefits it brings, including the art of cursive writing in your homeschool curriculum is a must!