I heard some disturbing news last night: Some schools in Florida are no longer teaching cursive handwriting. I have been distraught over this news. I think the argument is that kids will mostly be using computers, so they need to learn typing over cursive. If that's the case, what's next to be thrown out the window? Spelling? Should they not be taught spelling because they will have spellcheck to fall back on? Or should we not teach addition, because we have calculators to add for us? Ohh, my blood pressure is rising. . .
As I see it, there are numerous reasons to remain focused on teaching the next generation cursive handwriting. My first reaction is, "I love a beautifully handwritten letter." There is nothing more personal and meaningful than receiving a handwritten note. I think the one below is very eye-catching.
And I don't say this because I have beautiful handwriting. But I do believe there is an aesthetics in cursive. Be it beautiful or just personal. Script is an art just as music and literature are arts. Are we going to give those up too?
I am well aware that there is much to learn for today's youth. However, young people today will obviously teach themselves computer, typing, and texting skills. I know this firsthand, because my 9 year old is just as proficient as I am in these areas. Scary thing is, I will text or type without much thought. If I am writing something, however, I invariably weigh my words much more carefully, as it seems to reflect on me more personally than something in type. Think about what you see in text messages. This was one I received yesterday : "u get n touch wth them?" I fear our language will deteriorate if we halt the teaching of cursive.
Oh, and I haven't even gotten to the aspects of cursive being faster to write than print or the fine motor skills that are enhanced as students learn cursive. I'm just glad that Davis came home today with a cursive handwriting sheet as part of her homework. :)
