Should Cursive Be Saved?
February 4, 2010 by Kathy McManus
Consider the case of cursive — the looping letters of flowing script also known as handwriting — disappearing from schools, lost from love letters, and now relegated most often simply to signatures.
Thanks to computers, email, texting, and tweeting, the writing’s been on the wall for cursive for years. According to Kentucky’s Lexington Herald Leader, a local high school teacher who recently tried to reinvigorate it by awarding fountain pens to students said, “Some of them didn’t know what a fountain pen was.”
Supporters of cursive say there is a societal responsibility to keep it alive, and that much more than penmanship is at stake. It’s “a gift” said one university professor, a lifelong skill, the demise of which creates cultural deficits, like an inability to read historical documents. Without learning handwriting — with its slower, contemplative pace — children’s brains will “develop in a different way that no one has really thought through,” said a neuroplasticity expert.
But others say there is zero need to save a communication form which fails to prepare students for a practical future. “Do people need to be able to write? Of course,” said one online commenter, who continued, “Is cursive the best method? Probably not, given how few people use it on a daily basis.” “Teach your kid to type accurately and quickly,” one insisted, while another suggested, “Kids should be taught how to print, because it’s all they’ll ever need if they find themselves without a cell phone to text on, or a keyboard to type with.” And then there was this: “I think HELP is easier to read from the air in big printed block letters!”
Tell us what you think: Does we have a responsibility to save cursive? If so, why?
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775 Comments
What do you think? Leave a comment
February 5, 2010 by Stephanie Kaye Ludena
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February 5, 2010 by Nicole
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April 27, 2010 by collin
i think this website is great.
May 3, 2010 by HOPE GEAR
THIS WEBSITE IS GREAT FOR PEOPLE WHO WONT TO KNOW CURSIVE WRITING
May 4, 2010 by exzilda
Good manners is NOT pointing out harmless mistakes in others. Let's concentrate on the subject discussed and let the spelling slide.
May 12, 2010 by safe
I think cursive is great but sometimes hard to learn for other people to learn in the world.
July 6, 2010 by Tom
Correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation...something most text messages never have.
July 8, 2010 by jim
I believe that cursive is vital skill for children to learn!!! Say all you want about there not being a need for it, and continue to come with reasons and justifications for it to be unnecessary and obsolete, but all those reasons do is justify LAZINESS!! Learing cursive helps children develope fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and lastly, something that children really need to develope in their early development, which is how to concentrate. With more children diagnosed with ADHD now then ever before, there is probably a correlation with "txtn' ", tweeting, and any other quick form of communication tied in with short attention span and lack of concentation. I think that learning cursive and neat hand writing skills would help kids learn how to concentrate on one thing for longer than fifteen or twenty seconds than showing them how to push buttons would.
July 29, 2010 by candice
i'm learning lol!
September 23, 2010 by breshad
ME TO I LOVE IT000
December 1, 2010 by baylee
yeah easy
January 15, 2011 by halhobbs
Something wrong with learning to use proper punctuation and knowing when and how to capitalize words while typing? You know it well because you learn it while learning to print and write in cursive. Kids today are left handicapped by our teachers who don't even know cursive at the first few grade levels. All they know to teach the kids is that the government will always take care of you if you fail in life. I wouldn't consider for one minute hiring someone who couldn't write by hand properly.
June 6, 2011 by Donna
First of all, I don't believe this question was meant to attack other's opinions.
I, too, think that cursive should be saved. If for no other reason than you never know IF you will need it. It certainly can't hurt to learn it. At the very least, one should know how to write their own signature. I tell my special needs students that if they ever want to buy a house or car they need to know how to write their signature in cursive. If they can learn to, there is no reason why general ed. students can't master it. Students planning to take SATs need to write a paragraph with proper cursive handwriting. I personally believe that young people today need to develop their skills of patience and disciple, which is sorely missing in public high schools. Lastly, I do agree, we also need to go back and stress capitalization, grammar, punctuation,and my personal favorite, subject-verb agreement. We are losing those skills as well because everyone is in too much of a hurry, and we allow that!
September 28, 2011 by Hazel Heinze
You took the words right out of my mouth! Let's "definitely not forget the basics---" basics like capitalization, and writing in clear sentences.
October 3, 2011 by Pam
Yes. That's exactly the kind of thing I think. Another benefit to writing cursive is that spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization can be checked more thoroughly and carefully. I don't trust spell check, etc. It always lets me down.
October 7, 2011 by Dennis
By all means learn to use cursive along with spelling and crammer. Communication is more than grunting at each other.
October 8, 2011 by Robert Clark
Civilized people will always use cursive. I would not hire a person who printed.
October 11, 2011 by Morris
The phenomenon I describe as "the dumbing of America" is continuing. The important question is not whether cursive should or should not be taught, but why most people apparently now believe that proper grammar and punctuation are unnecessary. To be taken seriously--whether in block letters, cursive or any other printed text--those who write MUST be able to express their thoughts clearly and in correct English. Many if not most of today's careers require this skill, and those lacking this ability will likely suffer adverse career consequences.
Like any other skill, the use of correct English can be learned. Make the effort. You will find it to be worthwhile.
October 28, 2011 by Phil
Nicole,
One should remember the axiom to never diminish the individual while attempting to controvert the argument.
November 1, 2011 by Keith Whitmore
Like the person before me said. I also think that we should keep cursive. But if your going to write a headline article about it, knowing how to spell would be a big plus. And, what ever happened to proof readers??
November 4, 2011 by Sue Lane
Kind Person The same might be said for people who email and text. Cursive writing is not your enemy. Like yoga, writing in cursive takes patience and perserverence and attention to detail. It is an art form that anyone can do and everyone should "at least" know the basics.
November 20, 2011 by BOZO
Why? so they can txt more slowly?
November 24, 2011 by Sarah Murray
Re: Nicole
I agree with this! That's why I majored in journalism. :)
December 2, 2011 by Marilyn R. Smith
I agree with you wholeheartedly. If one is going to brag about one's accomplishments one should actually have something about which to brag. Today's children (kids are baby goats) are so terribly un-educated about EVERYTHING except computers. One person said they would not be able to read historical documents but I say they cannot read well enough NOW to even attempt an important handwritten document such as the CONSTITUTION, for instance, or the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Cursive is just ONE MORE of the VERY important elements of a valuable education that are being neglected in this age of electronics that do everything but TRULY educate.
December 22, 2011 by Deeg
I agree 100%! After cursive, perhaps they should start teaching the fine art of proof reading! I can deal with the opinions, but the grammar, punctuation and capitalization are shocking! And someone SHOULD be pointing out these "harmless" errors so that the writer might take a look at their mistakes and try to correct them for their next post. Isn't that what teaching is all about? The message is lost if you can't read or understand it!
December 31, 2011 by Hear, hear
You betcha. Spelling and grammatical errors reflect on the intellect of an author. As far as the "good manners" comment below, politically correct weenies are what's dragging this country into the gutter.
April 1, 2010 by Vera Fay Keller
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April 26, 2010 by kasy burkhart
i think cursive is so dumb
April 27, 2010 by azra rios
cursive is important.
May 4, 2010 by Gary
It is my opinion that the real skill we need to understand is using the English language correctly. I am not a strong supporter of cursive writing; but I do when to use a semi-colon. It is becoming a fine art for people who do take the time to write for these individuals you use the correct tense, when to use a singular or plural verb, and to be able to recognize a run-on sentence.
The unfortunate aspect of our lives is that we have learned to communicate regardless of spelling, grammar, or style.
May 26, 2010 by Lizzy Beth
I agree with it being art. In a way its so much more expressive and very ncie to just look at. It flows. And when greatly practiced its so so graceful. It doesn't even have to fit the person.... I mean really, it can look graceful and the person can trip so oftenover thier own feet.
October 28, 2010 by anjeles
i love cusive is cool
November 16, 2010 by TOMMY
cursive is off the hook
September 8, 2011 by Kaye Ross
Gentlefolk,
I am trying to teach my grandson cursive; which is quit a task since I had a stroke in my writing hand. I cannot seem to find a free work-sheet with cursive letters on it. And living on SS leaves me little to invest in writing tools. He is very smart but his handwriting is intimidating him to the point he cannot express himself on paper All he gets is grief from others regarding his handwriting He is entering the 5th grade and I don't know why he hasn't had more help in school in the past. None-the-less this is now my mission.
Thank you!
I have made this my mission
October 1, 2011 by Nora Coryell
It's much worse than that. Children should be taught to be multi-lingual, which actually increases their intelligence. We are incredibly ignorant in this country, and getting worse.
October 12, 2011 by Cheryn
If you think cursive is "so dumb" how do you plan to get a job, know when a sentence ends, where a verb belongs, which punctuation to use? You would be one of those people when I ask to WRITE a paragraph (do you know what that is?) on why you want a job - notice I said WRITE, i.e. cursive, not type, print or text, you would not be hired because you would not be able to do it. I equate it to ancient history - who needs it, is it relevant? ABSOLUTELY! You may not use it everyday, but you most definitely need it. Imagine getting a handwritten letter from the President or a company and they did use proper grammar skills! This will be where the country soon ends up if we are not careful. Someone said the "dumbing of America" I absolutely agree. Not writing cursive and accepting Ebonics as a "language".... Need I say more!
November 2, 2011 by Wes
As a math and science teacher, I can tell you that a proper grasp of English grammar and reading skills are crucial to comprehending word problems in math and most science problems.
However, the previous post lamenting the de-emphasis of literature and art in favor of math & science is in error. What is being taught is politically correct garbage that has little to do with actually science. In addition, school time is consumed by sex ed, anti-bullying classes and other 'feel good' topics that have been mandated by legislature or DOE. These classes usurp parental authority ( and responsibility) AND consume valuable class time.
Many of us got a good foundation in math, science, literature, art, writing, grammar, and spelling and we didn't have 10 hour class days or year round school. If you want to point a finger, it's federal control and politically mandated coursework.
July 7, 2010 by Tammy Moncrief
Cursive has always been apart of education, for some people it may be difficult for me it wasn't difficult to learn. I learn cursive at an early age; once I learn my abc at an early age in New York City, cursive came next. I enjoy writing therefore any handwriting came natural for me its a skill that you develope with practice. In my opinion we all need to keep our skills of cursive in the education system because that is our signature and that signature identifies us as individuals. Americans relie to much on technology, therefore because we relie totally on technology we as american are not using nor exercising our brain.
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September 25, 2010 by Miss Grubb
I think all kids should learn cursive, 'tis a beauty of nature, a song of joy, smell of toast and bacon,YEAH RIGHT YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING THERE, KIDS ARE JUST KIDS DONT TEACH THEM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ITS TO HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 27, 2011 by Lorna B. Lynn
If cursive handwriting is not taught to children, then how do they sign their name to a required legal document for proof of identity!!!
April 19, 2011 by chyna
Tammy honey, you may have learned your ABC's at an early age and mastered cursive but English and proper sentences are not your cup of tea. Guessing you use spell/grammer check alot in your writings.
As for cursive, fine we don't want to lose this art to the history books but is it a necessary skill. I don't think so, offer in Art class but for daily classes use that time for sciences, math, reading and writing sentences. If I think really hard I can do cursive but for day to day practice I'm generally a printing fan. I know far too many people who's cursive is illegible. It wastes their time to write with it and my time to try to figure out what that chicken scratch is.
I had an great-aunt who would write the most beautiful letters all in cursive. Here's the kicker, she used a typewriter. Guess all that time learning to write cursive 80 or more years ago didn't her much good either. And now my own daughter is learning cursive. I'm so glad this proper "art" is still being used to torture little kids, the crying and sobbing because she can't get the Uppercase correct is soooo worth it. :(
August 27, 2011 by adam
AGREED!!
August 27, 2011 by JOSEPH
IT is bad enough that our goverment likes our children domber so that they can controle them more, the next thing will be do`nt learn at all just let us tell you what to do, and like most fast food places just point at the pitcher like a good little cave person.
November 20, 2011 by BOZO
Remember, no matter how low you lower the bar, there will always be those that cannot hop over it simply because they do not desire to do so.
November 30, 2011 by michael
Are you kidding me right now? Tammy, I think you should go back to the school where you learned those ABC's and go through classes again. You have absolutely no business writing on the subject of English at all.
August 18, 2010 by Maria
I am a teacher, and have noticed over recent years - with the constant use of text messages, and computer keyboards - many high school students are showing signs of poor manual dexterity. Index finger to thumb pinching is obviously difficult for some students. The act of picking up a small pill from a table takes more concentration for those who have gone through their formative years typing, rather than learning cursive, or even printing. It's a legitimate concern. Not only is cursive going the way of the dinosaur, so are other hand/finger skills such as sewing by hand since this skill is not a part of todays school curriculum. Playing the piano, or another instrument is an acceptable alternative to build manual dexterity, but nothing can compare with the daily use of cursive, or occasional use of sewing using needle and thread to develop fine motor skills. Think of surgeons...do we want todays kids without fine motor skills performing microsurgery?
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August 21, 2010 by Kathy
I agree with everything you said. I am teaching my 7 yr old granddaughter to write in cursive!
November 7, 2010 by maggie
i am right there with u sister
November 26, 2011 by Denise
As an Occupational Therapist in the schools, I am entirely pro-cursive. It is true, many children today lack finger dexterity and fine motor skills in general. Texting, typing and playing videogames does not build the necessary skills to be able to use the hands and fingers for functional tasks. There is at least 1 child in each 5th grade classroom in our school district that does not yet know how to tie their own shoes. It is one of the frequent questions that parents ask me at our yearly meetings - "Can you teach my child to tie their shoes." All of this ties in together. Poor handwriting in general - whether in print or cursive, is one of the biggest reasons for referrals to Occupational Therapists in the schools. I believe that part of that stems from the impossibly high demands we as a society place on our youngest learners. Kindergarden used to be where children learned how to recognize and write letters and even how to hold a pencil correctly. The children were taught step by step how to form each letter. Now they are expected to already know that before they even start. Many teachers are not even formally teaching how to form each letter, because they have to teach reading and writing sentences and paragraphs. Because children do not have that strong foundation in the basics of writing, they struggle for the rest of their academic careers. No wonder they struggle with cursive! I have found that teaching cursive skills improves printing as well. Cursive activates a different portion of the brain than cursive. Once mastered, it is rhythmical and flowing. Even children that prefer print, if required to practice cursive skills, will demonstrate improvement in spacing, baseline use, letter size, and speed of writing - even while printing. For those who say that most people don't use cursive anymore - I would ask you - where is your research? I would agree that my peers are unique - my teacher and administrator peers, as well as those I associate with in church and the community. However, I can count on one hand the number that only use printing or manuscript. Most use a combination of printing and cursive. Cursive is not a lost skill - it is a skill that will ensure that our children have a leg-up on the future.
August 19, 2010 by Star2955
Any child born in 1992 or after have not been taught how to write is cursive (script). It makes me very sad! It is true that technology dominates our world, but not knowing how to "WRITE" ie: possibly not being able to draw in a manual, up close & personal way, hinders our future creativity, for all future generations! I understand the ability of using "PAINT" & all of the other "APPS" for creative expression, but one of the best things a person can do, is show what they have inside themselves, by putting hand to paper! Whatever the selective media, writing, drawing, or just scribbling... The sense of connection needs to still exist! Bottom line, self - expression is the key to a healthy life! The younger generation must realize that there is the posibility... TECHNOLOGY may abruptly STOP! Then where would they be? Would they even be able to "WRITE" their name? Also, GRAMMAR has become an issue. For example: Do they even know the difference between there, their, & they're?
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September 9, 2010 by Wendy
I teach seventh grade and I am constantly amazed about the lack of skills and knowledge my students bring with them from prior years. The majority may have been exposed to cursive handwriting, but are unable to form a majority of the letters correctly. Heck, even with manuscript some students write the lower case letters that are supposed to extend beneath the line as "pop-ups" and have them sit on the line. Did not one of their teachers, or parents, ever notice this oddity? It is the students from South America who are able to write in cursive at my school. Forget about the students knowing the difference between they're, their, and there or the difference between your and you're or the difference between to, too, and two! These are basics and, apparently, not a focus in the elementary years. I go nuts with the misuse of the apostrophe! So many of my students think it is used to form a plural noun, and, one year, a student just told me "she did not like apostrophes." What? I don't care there are keyboards and typing. Having the ability to write in cursive teaches coordination which many students lack.
November 7, 2010 by Jessy
well my 10 year old learned at the age os 8 and was born in 2000
September 25, 2011 by Jules
Everyone should teach cursive. I am a homeschooler who is teaching cursive to both a 7 year old and a 16 year old. I did not homeschool until my daughter reached 8th grade, and little did I know they weren't teaching handwriting in school. I was appalled at her writing skills. My 7 year old has better penmanship than my teenager (both are girls).
Teach your children good penmanship. It is teaching communication skills in the written form.
August 22, 2010 by Nadja
A point everyone seems to have missed is that cursive is invaluable for note taking in the classroom and in daily life. It is much easier to bring a paper and pen into a laboratory and make records of an experiment than to lug around a handheld device and text into it.
It is also handy for jaunting down those quick notes when one runs to the store, answers the phone, etc.
And it is much much faster to write than individual character writing AKA "printing."
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September 22, 2010 by Melanie
At our doctor appointment just the other day, the doctor brought in a laptop to the exam room. When he could not get it to connect to the system he finally said he'd have to do it the old fashioned way and pulled out the chart!!! It was funny but still shows that folks are relying in technology too much.
also, my husband and I are also having to teach my son cursive writing. It is more than the fine motor skills we are teaching, we are also pushing the connection for him forming his thoughts in complete thought out form. There is more to handwriting than just pen to paper that could be lost w/ folks not learning to write print or cursive.
April 19, 2011 by chyna
I love how it is one way or another. I for one use both when I'm writing and so does my school teacher aunt. As for signing an official certificate, I do my usual form of writing with is the mix and haven't had a problem yet. My printing is even a mix of the two, as for taking notes. All those loops and curlicues are sooo important when disecting a frog. Makes it like a sick fairy tale.
What really boggles my mind is why bother teaching printing then for the first 2yrs of school (kindergarten and 1st grade) if you are going to change it up beginning in 2nd grade and then entirely in 3rd?
August 31, 2010 by Barbara F. Bundy
How do they sign anything? Do they just print their signature? What else are they NOT teaching in school? My 18 year old grandson doesn't know how to write his name in cursive.
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October 10, 2010 by jd mimvous
This is not the way to go because when i waz young i didnt like cursive but this website is good enough for people who want to learn this. :) bye loved ones. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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October 10, 2010 by taylor
this iz tha bezt WEBSITE inn tha' whole CURsive PALace.
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January 3, 2011 by Dave
I agree with this commentvery much. I missed out on phonics (spelling) and the art of fine penmanship while in my earlier years of schooling. I'm now 65 and want to correct this injustice of my earlier years. By the way, I've been a teacher for over 30 years, and have been embarassed by my writing and spelling skills.
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August 7, 2011 by sandra
I too am 65 years old. I wrote in cursive and printed until I retired at age 55. I think this is a part of the old saying that if you don't use it you wll lose it. I am now using cursive and printing worksheeets trying to learn how again.I also think that I may have a neurological problem that is causing me to shake every time I write I have discussed thhis with my doctor with no satisfaction.
January 5, 2011 by James
Children need to know how to sign there name!
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October 23, 2011 by joan O'briant
I learned cursive in the first grade,using the Palmer method. At the time I loathed making pages of swirls and circles,but it led to a nice hand. I never learned to print; ended up teaching myself,because my high school students could not read in cursive!
February 1, 2011 by christine smith
I absolutely agree that cursive writing is very important! I am a mother of 5 kids. My older two, ages 16 and 14 can write somewhat in cursive. My 12 and 11 yr olds can not! When I spoke to their teachers about this, it was as if I didnt say anything at all! They apparently did / dont feel like it is important enough for them to know!! So I am trying to find a website to help me teach my kids correctly how to write in cursive, ANY SUGGESTIONS ???
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September 30, 2011 by Laura
Are not many of our historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence & the Constitution written in cursive? Should not our children be able to read these documents in their original form? How can our children be sure of their history if they cannot evaluate what they are learning by referring back to the original primary documents, many of which are written in Cursive. Knowing cursive is absolutely necessary to the study of history and the study of history is essential to preserving our freedom.
October 23, 2011 by becky
You can buy the Abeka online or talk with someone who home schools.
December 26, 2011 by timetotravel
Teach cursive the way I learned in first grade. Put the alphabet in Cursive (capitol letters and small letters) on the walls at home... A thru Z. Have the kids "copy" the letters by hand for practice. Then have them start putting words together with all cursive letters. It woked for me and no doubt thousands of other kids my age in first grade back about 1945. The kids will learn it FAST if you put it in front of them every day at that age. YES, lets save cursive. To this date I occasionally write my wife a little love letter, in cursive. She saves and cherishes them more, I believe than a printed note.
February 3, 2011 by Robin Kelly
I've been told all my life that I have beautiful "cursive" handwriting. It's been a point of pride for me. The act of putting a pen to paper is something I enjoy entirely. Surely the act of sending out Christmas cards, birthday and graduation cards isn't something that's going to fall by the wayside. I can't even imagine getting a typed card in the mail from a friend or loved one.
I remember one friend that I had an occasion to send a card to and she commented that she never realized how lovely my handwriting was. It's something a person NOTICES, much like all cap letters, it stands out. It says something about you.
I also recall getting a card from someone who shall remain nameless. I surely thought it was from a child. Only he's 45. And he wrote it in pencil. I was embarassed for him and I'm ashamed to say thought less of him for it.
I don't even know what to think about those that believe teaching our children how to put words on a page with their pens is a waste of time. And it's more than a bit scary to think about.
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March 22, 2011 by Cherie Smullen
Your comment makes the case as to why we need to drop this useless "skill" and start focusing more on the basics like spelling and grammar!
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April 24, 2011 by slader45
i am a firm believer that cursive is just plain pointless you dony use it in jobs and it is not used in colloge so why waste the time and effort to teach it wow its pointless
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September 25, 2011 by Arbuckle Doc
Congratulations! Of all the posts I have read, to this point, yours is the very first, without error. (Of course, I'm overlooking the lack of proper indentation, at the beginning of the paragraph.) My hat's off to you!
Arbuckle Doc
October 10, 2011 by Claire Beck
I assume you are also overlooking the run-on sentences.... An outstanding book that explores the effects of the computer on the mind would be an interesting read, especially for those concerned about the current state of public education: The Shallows. (Yes, I do know that book titles are underlined.) The attitudes displayed by those so willing to abandon cursive writing seem to suggest that our students be spared the effort of learning things that are difficult. I would suggest that this attitude (on the part of both parents and teachers) is what has reduced public education to little more than a feel-good babysitting service,
October 12, 2011 by Cheryn
To Slader45:
"i am a firm believer that cursive is just plain pointless you dony use it in jobs and it is not used in colloge so why waste the time and effort to teach it wow its pointless."
Where cursive would come in handy: (your email) I at the beginning, not i. don't or do not - not dony, college - not colloge, now - not wow, and a run on sentence. THIS is why teaching cursive and grammar are important. Good thing I'm not a teacher, the students would have to actually WRITE their homework, not type it. Doing text messages, etc just leads to BAD grammar and spelling. Let's raise more idiots, it's easier than actually educating them!
October 27, 2011 by einer
I use cursive in my job and in my life all the time.
November 11, 2011 by Margie
Your display of basic writing knowledge is exactly why learning cursive and proper writing and spelling IS important! You wouldn't be hired by me based on your posting.
November 20, 2011 by BOZO
Why learn anything? Refuse to do or learn anything and society will take care of your entitlement attitude at a level of affluence unobtainable by the average human only a few thousand years ago.
April 25, 2011 by Candi Boucher
I do think it should still be taught in school so every one can at least write there names if any thing.People still sign there checks in cursive right!!
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September 25, 2011 by Arbuckle Doc
OOPS! My above post was meant as a reply to a different post. Sorry, but, I am not impressed with this website. It's sadly lacking in practical functionality.
Doc
May 21, 2011 by Tessa
I am curently teaching my daughter to wirte cursive. She sits for hours colorng and writing and i thought it would be a useful skill to develop her handwriting and concentration, rather than sit in front of the TV she loves to practice as it is somethign new that and her handwriting can be just like her moms one day.
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September 7, 2011 by John G. Parisi
Dear Stephenie, Thank you for your defence in writing cursor. I would like to write a letter again to someone. Do you know of anyone or maybe even yourself I would be happy to write to you. I am now 82 years old and have been writing letters since I was ten years old. My parents could not read and write in English I did all the writing for them as long as it was in English. Before World War II it was, "Use the telephone, or telegraph it is much faster. Soon no one will be writing letters". What a surprise after the war started it was, "write a letter, keep the telephone and telegraph open for the War Effort. Actually a Major or above would be able to use the telephone. A soldier had to waite for hours before he could use the telephone. Now we have electronic mail that moves with the speed of light. Yet you never know when the time will come again when you will be asked, please don't tie up the computers it will tie up important and classified information. Back to letter writing writen in cursor, good old fashion Penmenship.
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October 12, 2011 by Cheryn
To John G. Parisi,
I would by happy to actually write to you, with pen, ink and paper, address an envelope, put a stamp on it and actually mail it to you. Now, there's a novel concept! Cheryn ~
September 20, 2011 by dalton.cullen
very very very very very very good
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October 6, 2011 by Marty Lyles
Save the "cursive" for our penmanship is our own individual's signature.
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October 8, 2011 by Robert Clark
I couldn't have said it better. Cursive wrirings tells the world you are educated. Printing is a cop out!
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October 10, 2011 by Roy
Well cursive is not a skill taught in ancient times. It was heiroglyphs, and eventually the technology of written communication developed languages that had few elements. The death of cursive scripts started with the printing press. It has been coming for many many years. Even in the last 100 years, cursive was abandoned as too time consuming and was replaced by short-hand in all modern offices. In courts, stenography replaced cursive. technology has been replacing cursive for hundreds of years, proving it to be antiquated, but a pretty and formal method of inscription.
It has probably been close to 20 years since I had to do any amount of cursive writing behind a sentence or two.
It should be taught, but I think those lamenting the destruction of civilization with it's loss are confusing the emotional baggage of nostalgia and aging.
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October 21, 2011 by Tommy Sparks
I agree with Stephenie, we should keep cursive. It is the form of writing that has been taught for many years. What if when the children get older and want to write a personal letter to a loved one, they should know cursive to do just that. Printed letters look as though there has been know thought or care in the persons ideas. Kindest Regards, Tommy Sparks
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October 24, 2011 by ProbeDeeper
Maybe we ought to use a cursive font for comments here :)
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November 1, 2011 by Steve
Kind of like we have held onto massive buildings, textbooks, social traditions, class and curriculum structure, and out of date housing requirements at our universities in spite of major changes in technology and societal norms? You know, the traditions we KEEP as we add new instead of replacing the old. You know, the approach that is driving up the cost of education by 3x inflation.
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November 28, 2011 by Chris
It used to be a critical skill to know how to make fire with a bow drill. Centuries later, knowing how to make and use hand tools was essential. Today, knowing how to type and drive are far more important. The world evolves, technology progresses, and we need to move with it.
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December 27, 2011 by Rick
I think some clarification is in order as to what we mean by "cursive." Oscar Ogg, in his book "The 26 Letters," made it clear that the style of writing is shaped by the writing instrument. The cursive taught in US schools is the Palmer or Zaner-Bloser variety -- appropriate to the steel dip pen (or goose quill), but doomed to degrade over the years if written with pencil, ballpoint, or fibertip. In England they teach the kids an italic hand that holds up better, and I learned it in childhood, owing to an interest in penmanship, only to be told by Mrs. Murphy in seventh grade that "we don't print in this class." Notwithstanding Mrs. Murphy, at 64 I still receive compliments on my handwriting.
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December 30, 2011 by Li
I agree. In education, we have gotten away from the basics of learning. Cursive is an important tool regardless of new technologies. Technology is great; but relying on it only will make us intellectually inept.
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February 5, 2010 by Vix
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May 11, 2010 by Jermaine C. Lucas
Cursive writing is quite important for it has many important practical usages. If properly learned in can significantly increase a childs cognitive ability which will enable him or her to be a better thinker as well as a better student. The practical skill of learning cursive writing should absolutely never, ever, never, ever ,ever, never ever be neglected!!!!!!!
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June 28, 2010 by Earlene Horn
I agree with the fact that teaching cursive writing helps teach thinking and cognitive skills. We need cursive for the same reason we need art and music, not just because it is entertaining, but because it has the intrisic value of being part of a civilization. What you say and how you say it matters, and so does the art of cursive writing. One can also write faster in cursive than in printed letters. If you take notes, you find this out.
June 1, 2010 by Kathy
It would be so sad to find a letter that had been hidden away in your family's attic for years, and yet be unable to read it. Just imagine, we would have to create a whole new job field called "Cursive Interpreter." It may be a dying form of handwriting, but you better bet my children are learning to read and write it. I want them to be able to read the special notes that I write to them. Why must the new technology bring about the demise of our history and tradition? Best to all of you. Those that scoff at cursive may not be thinking of all the potential loss by allowing it to "die out".
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June 26, 2010 by Charles Wilson
The art of cursive writing is yet essential. Especially, as I noticed misquotations, punctuation and words used far out of their proper vernacular. There was observation as I read from Gary's comment before and beyond. By the way, misspelling is so annoying. Hence, as we use cursive we tend to show more respect for clarity and proper communication. Yes to cursive writing!
September 25, 2011 by Dorothy
Kathy:
Your letter about not being able to read old family records touched me. Several years ago my husband's mother died at the age of 92. Among the family memorabilia she left behind was a stack of diaries she had kept through many years. He was so moved when he found her entry on the day he was born. How sad it would be if he had not been able to read her handwriting.
June 25, 2010 by Renán Pérez terán
I think that any time you use cursive in your writing, you are linking your thoughts; printed writing looks so isolated, letters are seen so individual, that to me words are locks of letters coldly existing. Cursive, and I think that's their worth, joins thoughts, ideas, feelings. Humans are not only technological or scientific, more than that they're living things. Cursive handwriting demands a longer contact with pens, that is why I believe communication in cursive is more soccial. Let's savecursive writing, schools should return to it before its too late. Greetings.
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June 26, 2010 by Charles
Interesting point.
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February 6, 2010 by Jason Lee
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February 6, 2010 by Yolanda Michelle Balka
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May 18, 2010 by deondre
but do you think it hurt's your hand
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February 6, 2010 by Patricia
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March 2, 2010 by courtneyhendel
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July 5, 2010 by precious
amen sister we shod be able to
March 2, 2010 by Courtneyhendel
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December 30, 2010 by Luis
well i think graffitiy cursive is relly easy to make i just learned by simly looking at piks it took 1or 2 weeks.
August 26, 2010 by Matt
When you boil it down to this point, the subject is no longer worth arguing. Cursive is not more important that science or math. It just isn't. You said:
"Studies show that children who write well and correctly score higher on tests because their cognitive abilities are increased as a result of the penmanship exercises."
You conclude that kids should study cursive. But if you had spent more time on math and science, you might remember that correlation does not imply causation. A better conclusion would be that kids that spend a lot of time learning one thing (cursive) will probably spend a lot of time learing other things (useful things). In other words, kids that are better writers are probably also more dilligent students.
Cursive is fine as a relic of the past, like olde English or the typewriter. If a few people want to dust it off every once and a while, they should have that right. But it should not be a mandatory subject in public schools.
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February 7, 2011 by jamia
i know but how do u get the capital f in cursive
October 14, 2011 by LizM
Olde English may be in the past but I dare you to read Pilgrim's Progress and not find the correlation to today's world.
February 6, 2010 by Lynn Hyde
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February 15, 2010 by Barbara Craig
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April 19, 2010 by Mister Reader
Because languages are living devices, and change as time passes, there is not necessarily "incorrect grammar" but, rather, "non-standard usage." Various phrases, expressions, and spellings become accepted the more they become infused with society. Some of the United States' founding documents utilize the German double-s. While that letter has never been incorporated into standard English, no one will declare that words utilizing it are misspelled and, therefore, invalidate the documents.
May 2, 2010 by serenna
socoll
August 19, 2010 by Marianne
I am also disappointed at the flagrant misuse of words such as "your" for "you're" in newsprint as well as on the internet. Terms such as , "Please send the information to Mary and I" instead of "Mary and me". I believe if it is not corrected soon, standard English Language will be totally erased.
March 3, 2010 by Doris Winter
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March 22, 2010 by Karen Barfuss
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May 4, 2010 by William Miles
Making the leap from printing to cursive writing is a normal aspect of learning. As you learn to spell correctly and use tenses, you also learn to write. I also think that there is a special link betwen the arm and the brain, that when you write out the words in a flowing motion, you are using your brain differently and more creatively, then merely typing the words. Yes, typing skills are important today, as they were when I was in high school many years ago. We were mandated to take a class in typing on the old Underwood manual typewriter. That is another story, how many kids really know what a typewriter is, before spellcheck. Spellcheck was the Webster's dictionary that was a necessity for every person bound for college in those years, (early 70's let's not get carried away). In any case, I believe learning cursive writing is the natural building block in the educational cycle.
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June 9, 2010 by stephanie
i like to write in cursive
May 4, 2010 by exzilda
A 75 year old TYPED love letter just will not have the same sentiment as a handwritten one. Let's leave something beautiful for our grandchildren. And a text of tweet will be lost forever.
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September 30, 2011 by Laura
I just tried to make that point myself :) I can't find my post but here it is again, just in case it didn't take the 1st time: Are not many of our historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence & the Constitution written in cursive? Should not our children be able read these documents in their original form? How can our children be sure of their history if they cannot evaluate what they are learning by referring back to the original primary documents, many of which are written in Cursive. Knowing cursive is absolutely necessary to the study of history and the study of history is essential to preserving our freedoms. I do think this is one of the most important reasons for preserving cursive perhaps the THE most important!
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October 3, 2011 by Michael
Can you read the Bible in the original language? Notice how interpretation of many passages has caused fractions within the religion? This will also happen with our documents when they will require a 'translator' in future years.
October 19, 2011 by eyesofMidwest
I believe you are referring to my post. I can not find the post.
February 7, 2010 by tessa mia martin
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February 7, 2010 by Cassarah Chajkowski
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March 1, 2010 by Alison Thomas
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April 22, 2010 by J Voorhis
Get down off your pedestal, kid.
June 24, 2010 by Laura
I love that you actually have thoughts to express about the topic rather than just throwing out judgements against the people who know how to think.
July 14, 2010 by Kyle
I am a bit surprised that all of the arguments seem to be so one sided here. These sound a lot like the arguments for keeping LPs around because "there's just something about them." Technology has always made older general technologies obsolete, and yet those older technologies have survived in particular niches. Fencing is a fine art that I'm sure had particular developmental advantages to the young boys who learned it, but sword fighting became obsolete and we no longer teach it as a general matter. I'm sure that the old swordsmen had the same sort of nostalgic response at the advent of gun warfare.
However, we must remember that every hour we spend teaching children the relatively obsolete skills of the past is an hour we're losing in teaching them the skills of the future. Children can write more legibly and more quickly with a keyboard. Typing also teaches fine motor skills. And as for a love of literature, when was the last time a self respecting author wrote a book in cursive? Every great piece of literature of the last century has been written and read in print, and they're no less beautiful or artful because of it. In fact, "print" itself came about with movable type which allowed books to be reproduced without having to be hand copied in cursive. The technology of print allowed literature to become accessible to the masses and not just the rich elite who could afford cursive books.
So for all of you suggesting that cursive creates a love of literature, I suggest that cursive PREVENTED widespread love of literature for centuries, and it was only after that wonderful technology of print was invented that school children of all socioeconomic classes could afford to hold a book, learn to read, and acquire a love of literature and language that comes with being literate. It's ok to be nostalgic for the past but not at the expense of our children's future.
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October 8, 2011 by WorkinMan
Cursive script first appears in the Middle Ages, but the commonly used script was an ornate looking (to us) form of print letters. The first printed books were emulations of this writing by hand. In fact, some of the first printed books were "counterfeit" manuscript books, sold at those higher (3 or 4 X) prices until the buyers caught on. Cursive caught on only from the later Renaissance onward.
September 24, 2010 by D.D. Gore
Refreshing to see so many of your well spoken sentiments. There is always more to be learned, including math, science and technology. We all make mistakes at times (i e; sticky keys, cerebral flatulence, carpal tunnel etc., etc.) but, most importantly, I want my son to TRY! Taking notes is faster using cursive, in my experience. Cursive also enhances cognitive function, for me at least. Spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary are all indispensable skills needed if we are to be able to use spell check as an aid, instead of a crutch. Texting, typing and all other modes of comunication are important, if one cares to comunicate. What puzzles me most is, where has the use of proof reading gone? These days, it is very frustrating, when you read something in an actual book and there are more grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors, than someone as poorly educated as myself can count.
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December 9, 2010 by austin bouwens
i wish thay had it in a video.
December 26, 2011 by Mary Ann Bonne
I agree--taking notes is much faster in cursive if done correctly. It takes a lot of practice to use your whole arm and not just your wrist.
September 30, 2011 by Laura
I was impressed with your post. I would like to add another reason and ask what you think of it. I have posted this in another reply but feel its so important it can't be repeated enough lest someone miss it. It seems to me a neglected argument:
Are not many of our historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution written in cursive? Should not our children be able read these documents in their original form? How can our children be sure of their history if they cannot evaluate what they are learning by referring back to the original primary documents, many of which are written in cursive. Knowing cursive is absolutely necessary to the study of history and the study of history is essential to preserving our freedoms.
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February 8, 2010 by Hannah Nicole Stevenson
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February 14, 2010 by ivyhart
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May 17, 2010 by Arianna carey
cursive change my life man
September 27, 2010 by Layan
me to there just awesome
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February 8, 2010 by DB Carpenter
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October 11, 2011 by Chris
Staples sells Pilot Varsity fountain pens. They are disposable, but they are actually great pens. I really regret having to throw them away (you can use pliers to take them apart and refill them). I've seen Parker fountain pens in Publix supermarkets in Florida as late as 2005. But for the most part, gel pens pushed them off the shelves.
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February 8, 2010 by jordan
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September 16, 2010 by hunter crum
yes it is for kids
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September 7, 2011 by John G. Parisi
Children all children must be taught cursor and know how to read cursor. It will be with us for a long time to come. How great it is to go to your mail box and have a hand written letter written in cursor. I would rather receive a hand written letter in cursor than to see it printed or sent over email. A letter that is printed is so impersonal. An email is more impersonal. Writing has to begin would a child starts school. Grandmother and Grandfather would bring joy to their hearts to receive a letter from a grandchild written in their own hand writing. Look at all the letters that have been writen over the years, many will save them till they have a bundle tie them with string and put them is a safe place. I would love to receive letters by postal mail, and please don't call it snail mail, the emblem for the postal service is an American Eagel. Anyone who enjoys written and receiving a letter I would be glad to write to them.
February 9, 2010 by Avery Craig
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September 27, 2010 by Layan
thats right girl
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February 20, 2011 by Miranda Dankert
i love that my kids are learning cursuve in school!!!!!!
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September 20, 2011 by hannah
I want to learn cursive but, they do not teach it in third grade at my school
December 17, 2011 by Karen
Hannah, request a lesson book on how to learn and practice cursive writing for Christmas.
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