The Evolution of Writing in Schools: Cursive vs. Printing

Teaching has taken on various forms and methods over the decades, including the primary practice of teaching cursive writing. As technology and societal norms have evolved, the question arises: should schools continue to teach children how to write in cursive and print?

A Historical Perspective on Cursive Writing

The author, who started teaching in 1969, reflects on the past practices of teaching cursive writing. In those early days, all students were instructed in the Victorian Cursive Writing style, similar to Copperplate. The author found it easier to write on the board in cursive rather than print, as their dyslexic peculiarity prevented them from distinguishing left from right, making them more prone to write letters like 'p' and 'q' incorrectly. Cursive writing, with its flowing nature, eliminated this issue.

The Decline and Relevance of Cursive Writing

By the 1980s, the author noticed a significant shift. Many students were unable to write cursive and resorted to printing. They were often painfully slow, which led to a decrease in the amount of content covered in each class compared to a decade earlier. The author devised a humorous solution, printing massive amounts of homework and offering students an incentive: if they could read the homework, they didn't have to do it. This eliminated common plagiarism and ensured students could read the handwriting.

The Emergence of Digital Writing

The advent of computers became a new challenge. With the disappearance of typing skills, the author introduced keyboarding, teaching students to touch type from a young age. By third grade, students were capable of entering information at 30-40 words per minute, with some becoming extremely proficient, exceeding 100 words per minute with perfect accuracy.

The Case for Teaching Both Cursive and Printing

While the author believes that it is beneficial for students to learn both writing methods, they emphasize the importance of touch typing skills, which should be taught early. Touch typing not only enhances typing speed and accuracy but also allows students to use various devices efficiently.

The Necessity of Handwriting Skills

Children will continue to need to fill in forms and sign their names, making printing a crucial skill. While cursive writing may be unnecessary for everyday tasks, it can still be a fun artistic pursuit for some children. However, for most, cursive writing is a less critical skill in today's digital age.

Conclusion

In conclusion, schools should continue to teach children both cursive and printing. However, the emphasis should be on touch typing as a vital skill for the future. As technology continues to advance, teaching these skills effectively prepares students for a world where digital communication is the norm.