Cursive writing has taken a back seat in the educational realm in the last decade. Learning cursive is a valuable skill for many reasons, however.
In a high-tech world that focuses heavily on computers for writing, cursive is reemerging as a necessary learning tool.
Many educators are rediscovering the benefits that learning cursive writing offers students. To learn more about why learning to write cursive should be included in the modern curriculum, read on.
1. Learning Cursive Encourages Motor Skill Development
Writing in cursive requires an entirely different set of muscle movements to accomplish than printing. The muscles in the hands and fingers must be moved and controlled in ways that are very unlike regular writing.
Learning cursive is excellent for honing fine motor skills in children. Special coordination is developed while learning to control the pen or pencil to achieve a fluid stroke.
2. The Brain-boosting Power of Cursive
When writing in cursive, both the right and the left hemisphere of the brain show increased activity. This simultaneous hemisphere activity is known as right-left brain synergy.
This brain activity promotes memory and language functions. Right-left brain synergy does not occur when using a computer keyboard or when writing in print.
3. Cursive Helps With Learning Disabilities
Cursive can be a helpful tool for those with learning disabilities. This is true for several reasons.
Cursive is made up of connected letters that allow a student’s pen and thoughts to flow continuously. This is significant for those with conditions such as ADHD, which is a processing speed deficit. Increased writing fluency due to smooth, continuous lines makes it easier for these students to convey a thought in writing.
Cursive is also helpful for dyslexics, as the letters do not look as similar to one another as letters do when written in print. This results in fewer instances of letter reversals when writing.
4. Cursive Is a Link to the Past
Many documents and correspondences from the past are handwritten in cursive form. Being able to read and write in cursive is essential for understanding and appreciating these written works.
While many important historical documents have been put into typed form, the experience of reading the original is irreplaceable.
5. Cursive Is a Form of Art
While writing and art are generally thought of as two separate things, cursive is certainly a bridge between the two. When you write your name in cursive, you are expressing yourself artistically as well as identifying yourself in written form.
Cursive writing encourages creative lines and attractive flow. Because it activates the part of the brain responsible for creativity and artistic expression, it is, in a way, a form of art itself.
This is especially important since many schools are opting to eliminate art programs for budget reasons. Education without art can hinder students from developing their full creative and intellectual potential.
Learning Cursive for a Diverse Educational Experience
Educational institutions are once again opening up to the benefits of learning cursive. The developmental enrichment that cursive offers can’t be matched by a keyboard or printing.
Cursive writing isn’t a thing of the past. It still has a valuable place in the world of education. If you found this article helpful, you may want to read our other articles focusing on kids and education.
