Is it obsolete?

In an age centered around technology, fewer people are learning the art of cursive handwriting, as keyboarding skills and print handwriting have taken precedence. But should we be pushing cursive handwriting to the side? According to research, all signs point to no — learning cursive handwriting has proven to be beneficial for many reasons.

Should your child learn cursive handwriting?

Cursive handwriting goes far beyond the benefit of just being a visually appealing way to write — your child could benefit from better testing scores, improved motor skills, enhanced brain function, and more. Here are five reasons why cursive handwriting could benefit your family:

1. Fire up your muscles — Cursive handwriting is a workout for your body and brain! Cursive writing requires different muscles than writing in print or typing, but more importantly, it’s a great workout for your brain. Cursive handwriting uses a different part of the brain, and works to build neural pathways — increasing mental efficiency.
2. Reinforces learning — Most children learn the alphabet in printed letters. By learning the alphabet in cursive as well, the brain is forced to learn the same letters in a different format for a greater comprehension of the alphabet and forming words.
3. Higher scores and better retention  — Research has shown that students who learn to write in cursive often score higher on reading and spelling tests. This could be because research has also shown that writing in cursive may lead to better memory, and information retention.
4. Disability advantages — Because cursive handwriting eliminates spacing between letters, it’s often much easier to read for individuals who have dyslexia or dysgraphia.
5. Link to the past — While cursive handwriting has decreased in modern times, it was widely used in the past. If a child never learns to write in cursive, they’re unlikely to be able to read it either. This means that many historical documents will be indecipherable to your child.  

Sources: American Psychological Association

Ready to dive into cursive handwriting? We offer affordable and interactive online courses to teach your student the art of cursive handwriting! Check out our eLearning Academy Cursive Handwriting courses for left and right-handed students. 

Take a trip to the past with your child by introducing a creative cursive writing project on paper that looks like it’s from the 1800s! Follow these steps to create your own “old” paper:

1. Crumple a sheet of paper into a tight ball. Next, flatten the paper back out, and spread it out on an edged pan.
2. Using tea, soy sauce, or coffee, pour or pat on a layer of liquid on both sides of the paper and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. If there is excess liquid in the pan, pour it out.
3. Use a blowdryer to carefully and completely dry the paper.

Now you’re ready to write! Encourage your child to practice their cursive handwriting by composing a tale from the past. Spark creativity by talking about knights, ancient explorers, or historical geniuses!

Is eLearning the right fit for your family?