In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of cursive writing in schools across the nation, signaling a renewed appreciation for this once-considered fundamental skill.
While teachers and researchers acknowledge the cognitive and educational benefits associated with cursive handwriting, it is not as widely taught as it once was. Ravi Hutheesing, a prominent public speaker on education and a cursive advocate, encourages families to change this trend by ensuring that their children not only learn but also routinely use cursive.
Hutheesing emphasizes the profound impact of creating letters by hand on our relationship with language and communication. According to him, handwriting in cursive is a transformative practice that slows down our thoughts, offering a unique perspective on language.
The resurgence of cursive in schools can be attributed to a growing body of research highlighting its positive effects on brain development. Advocates argue that cursive fosters self-expression and creativity, providing students with the opportunity to develop a distinctive handwriting identity. In a world dominated by typed text on smartphones, cursive stands out as a medium that allows for personal style and flair.
Hutheesing goes further to suggest that embracing cursive might even contribute to reducing bullying and negativity prevalent on social media. Handwriting, he claims, is a unique exercise that slows down our thoughts, prompting us to reflect on our words before putting them out into the world.
Several states have responded to this renewed interest in cursive by incorporating it into their educational standards. In public schools across Virginia and Maryland, cursive is typically introduced in third, fourth, and fifth grades. While public schools in D.C. do not mandate cursive, individual schools have the flexibility to teach it if they choose to do so.
"Cursive is a form of expression that allows us to share our own identities and identify who we are through our handwriting," asserts Hutheesing. He believes that this practice not only changes our relationship with language but also makes us more compassionate and empathetic toward one another.
As cursive continues to make a comeback in education, it serves as a powerful tool for shaping not just handwriting skills, but also fostering thoughtful communication and personal expression among students.
Source: Hubbard
Photo: Getty