I used to believe that as long as writing is legible, the formation doesn't matter. However, inefficient formations and pencil grasps can impair writing fluency and stamina for a lifetime!
Contrary to popular belief, tracing is not effective handwriting instruction. In fact, tracing can hinder the development of writing rhythm. It's all about starts, direction, and flow.
Why Handwriting Still Matters
While typing may seem more crucial in our increasingly digital world, the relationship between handwriting and writing proficiency cannot be overlooked. Handwriting is foundational to learning and significantly influences a student’s ability to express ideas effectively.
Key Facts About Cursive
- Only 12% of teachers receive training in cursive instruction.
- About 16% of high school students use cursive when given a choice.
- Many historical documents, including family letters, are written in cursive.
- Cursive offers cognitive advantages over keyboarding.
- Cursive is easier for people with dyslexia.
Expert Opinions
“Students should learn to write by hand in the early grades. Learning to form letters by hand helps with reading and spelling development, along with writing development. Students need to develop handwriting fluency to express their ideas effectively.”
“Printing, cursive writing, and using a keyboard each use related but different brain functions — underscoring that writing is a complex undertaking that draws on many neurological processes.”
Benefits of Learning Cursive
- Better Spelling: Writing in cursive helps kids learn how letters join to form words, improving language skills.
- Easier Word Formation: Cursive writing helps children see letters as part of a whole word, reducing errors like reversing letters.
- Improved Writing Skills: Children who write in cursive are better at forming sentences and understanding syntax.
Latest Research and Resources
Learn Cursive Writing
Our Simplified Cursive Handwriting Course offers:
- Step-by-step practice for cursive letters
- A modernized version of cursive
- Tips to develop your unique signature
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting course!