Is cursive worth teaching and learning today?
My county just bought a new reading curriculum and there is a part that incorporates cursive handwriting for 4th graders. However, we haven't been encouraged to use it or make time withthat part of the program. My students cannot read cursive let alone write in cursive. After a discussion with some friends this weekend- a friend of mine said it was unneccessary to know how to read cursive because everyone types and texts when they communicate. What does the tech community think- should we spend time teaching how to write and read cursive or is it more valuable to teach typing skills?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kate Mason on
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I agree, I think cursive should still have importance in today's curriculum. Two years ago my school decided to integrate cursive back into lessons, 10 minutes each day. But then it was not continued. Some of my students have pretty interesting handwriting and cursive instruction might help improve it. At the very least students should be able to sign their name.
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Permalink Reply by Patty Lewis on
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They at least need to know how to sign their name. But honestly, when is the last time you wrote or received an actual letter as oppsed to an email or text? I can't remember the last time I sent someone a letter, it's one of those things that been lost over the last few years due to the integration of massive amounts of technology in our daily lives.
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Permalink Reply by Clarita Thomas on
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In my opinion, I think that they should learn to write and read in cursive. It is agreed that the world is becoming technological but there are some persons who are totally against technology on a whole. Since we don't know where in the world the children may end up or for whom they may work, we need to make them well rounded by exposing them to the skill of reading and writing cursive.
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Permalink Reply by Wesley Emlet on
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I believe cursive is a lost art that will resurface... never. Sorry, but I never really understood the purpose for cursive anyway. I was required to learn it when I was in elementary school but never held accountable for using it since then. Even in middle school I was given the option to print rather than using cursive and I always choose to print. I agree with Patty when she states that they (students) need to know how to sign their name but other than that, I'm fine without it.
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Permalink Reply by Leah Noreiga on
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As you know Kate, I teach middle school in the same district and I truly believe that cursive is not worth teaching. I have a hard time reading their printed words. Maybe just practicing writing would be worthwhile. Some students do try cursive. Some are legible, but others, I don't know how we do it, but we find a way to discipher the writing.
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Permalink Reply by Stacey Bell on
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I may be outnumbered here but I feel they still need to learn how to read and write cursive. How are they supposed to sign their name if they can't write in cursive. I understand that the world is moving forward and more people are typing instead of writing. However I don't feel like we should stop teaching kids the basics. It's still a valuable skill to have, in my opinion.
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Permalink Reply by Michelle M on
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I agree with Stacey wholeheartedly. I think it is important for students to continue to learn cursive but also practice it throughout their education.
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While the nostalgic part of me would like to see cursive remaining in the schools, I don't think it's practical. There are already so few hours in the day, and I think that instead of worry about writing our language in a different style, we should be worrying that our students are not spending enough time in art, music, recess, etc.
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Permalink Reply by Thomas Nixon on
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I think learning how to read cursive is important and learning how to sign ones name is important. There are plenty of times I have to read cursive, but I rarely write in it other than to sign my name.
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I think keyboading is more important, but I do think they should be able to read cursive. All legal documents require you to print only...no cursive needed. Your signature could even be an X, so no cursive needed for anything. I teach 4th grade and they still do not print well or even hold their pencils correctly. I have been working on printing all year.
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I encourage my students to write in cursive. They know how to because they have been taught in elementary school. Many of them are not used to using it. So in English class I give incentives if they write their compositions or notes in cursive. I tell them that it is part of their being cultured individuals and that their handwriting leaves a mark on others who see it. I do not give negative reinforcements though if they use print. I just encourage them.
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Permalink Reply by Joycelyn G. D. Henry on
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I am so happy to see this discussion on cursive writing. I am so sad to see that good handwriting seems to be a thing of the past. Long ago, they used to call doing cursive writing, penmanship and it was a skill that all children sought to master. Today, however, it seems to have no significance in the school curriculum and so children cannot read or write cursive writing. Sometimes when I go to a class, I will write in cursive on the chalkboard and immediately, the children will tell me, teacher, I cannot read that kind of writing. The sad thing too is that some teachers cannot write cursive either. I feel that every child should learn how to write well and we can help them while they are in school by teaching them cursive writing skills.
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