Introduction

Teaching cursive handwriting has been a traditional part of elementary education, but with the advent of digital technologies, its importance and relevance in contemporary classrooms have come under scrutiny. This article explores the reasons for continuing to teach children cursive handwriting, emphasizing its benefits and discussing whether it should be a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Speed and Efficiency

Cursive writing can be completed far more quickly than print. In my observations, students who write in cursive are able to copy notes or make notes more efficiently than those who print. Even the slowest writer often outpaces the fastest printer. This efficiency can save valuable time, which can be allocated to other educational pursuits.

Developing Eye-Hand Coordination

Learning cursive handwriting is not only about speed but also about developing eye-hand coordination, a critical skill in the early stages of growing up. The process can be both painless and rewarding, as students learn to control their movements and produce smooth, legible handwriting. This skill can also pave the way for other activities, such as drawing and playing with materials, enhancing overall cognitive development.

Penmanship and Aesthetics: Is It Necessary?

While it is important for students to develop their handwriting skills, the emphasis on making all cursive handwriting beautiful may not be necessary. A signature and reasonable reading skills suffice. The effort to make each stroke perfect is often not required and can be more about personal preference or artistic expression than about strict pedagogical standards.

The Evolution of Curriculum in the 21st Century

Modern schools have introduced many other skills that are far more necessary in the 21st century, such as keyboarding and various computer skills. Maintaining the 1955 curricular schedule while incorporating these new skills is challenging. Extending the school day or year to accommodate both traditional and modern educational goals is often impractical, given the resistance from parents and students to lengthy shifts in school duration and the developmentally unsuitable nature of such changes.

Conclusion

While cursive handwriting remains a valuable skill, its instruction in schools does not warrant the same level of emphasis it once held. Instead, students should be introduced to cursive, particularly for signing and reading, in elementary school. In secondary education, cursive writing can be offered as an elective in art, acknowledging its artistic merit but not treating it as a religious or mandatory subject.

Key Points:

Speed and efficiency in writing Developing eye-hand coordination Necessity of aesthetic perfection in handwriting Modern curriculum and skills emphasized Balance between traditional and modern educational goals

By understanding and addressing these key points, educators can better determine the appropriate role of cursive handwriting in the modern educational landscape.