Interestingly, surprisingly cursive is deleted from some school curriculum even before Common Core. Although, CC does not require it, obviously. Actually, CC has no authority to require anything, but back specifically to cursive which is still taught at some schools – to my mind it should be taught at every elementary school from third (it used to be second) grade through fifth or sixth. Why?
Let me count the ways/reasons: Handwriting flows, encouraging thoughts to reach from pen to paper without interruption. So superior to stopping at each printed letter and word. Writing in cursive creativity continues with far more ease. Ideal not only for students, but all who wish to thoughtfully and clearly communicate: For taking notes during future high school and college classes. We best remember what we write, so we best learn, too.
Once the up and down lines and repetitive oval practicing is accomplished, cursive is easier and faster. Some teachers claim it is too time consuming to teach. Seriously? Oh, it might be they don’t recall the idea of assigning the practice as homework. Even on the surface it’s a silly reason. Isn’t it their job to teach?
All manner of high tech word processing, even teaching, is surely here to stay which is beneficial and expeditious – all good. That doesn’t mean we ought to toss tradition. And with it style, charm and, importantly the ability to read our founding documents. These are the basis of our Republic and if they cannot be read and understood what happens to our Republic? It’s rhetorical. If our children, our future, cannot write cursive neither can they read it. I mean really.
How do today’s students one day read, learn from and enjoy Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech? Or, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address? Or other more personal primary sources like their grandmother’s diary about her trip here from another country and how she met their grandfather. (My grandparents met on a ship from Glasgow Scotland). They don’t. How do they develop their signature? Do they sign agreements, marriage licenses and other contracts, e.g., leases with an ‘X’ and pay to have these notarized?
Cursive is an important and significant component of a classic basic academic education. The type of education that has facilitated the construction and continuation of America. School Boards are responsible for approving – or not – curriculum. Which parts of any of this do their members not understand? My guess is they haven’t thought it through – but that’s just a guess. Parents, get this to your district’s Board Table. Our students will thank you. It’s true.