Cursing Over the Cursive Writing Debate

Will our younger generations be able to read the Constitution if cursive writing is no longer taught? Image U.S. Constitution courtesy of Flickcc 69356033 @ N00/498309798.

School Districts Decide to Phase Out Cursive Writing

The more we hear about schools beginning to phase out teaching cursive writing, the more we should be concerned. Even though we are writing less with a physical pen and paper and using more digital devices, we cannot fail our younger generations by denying them the basics.

If this trend continues, how many generations will it take until they won’t be able to read letters of the past? Some of our most important historical records are written in cursive.

Using a Paper and a Pen

As old fashioned as some may believe, getting a snail mail letter from a loved one written in their handwriting is something far more personal than the cold typed text found on a computer screen. Sure you can print out the words. But do you see the nuances of personality, the passion, excitement or other subtleties? How many times have you misinterpreted an email because it lacked emotional cues, which can be more evident in penmanship?

A World Without Digital Devices

What would happen if for some reason we were left without digital devices to communicate with? You may say it would never happen, but the possibility is there. Natural disasters and war are two very real scenarios that could stop digital devices in their tracks.

Options

Many may think we’ll be fine with basic writing skills even if the world was turned upside down. Yet, the art, the expression, the personalization of sharing words produced with a writing utensil and a piece of paper can never be replaced by lackluster depersonalized fonts.

Would teaching cursive writing really take too much time away from digital device learning? Why not incorporate touch pad devices that can use a stylus on practice pages for cursive writing?

A Final Plea

We would really be doing an injustice to our children if we deny them the gift of expressing themselves without the use of electricity. Think of the diaries that have been written, safely tucked away under a pillow or drawer. The authors didn’t have to worry about their intimate words spread across the universe if someone hacked their password. They didn’t have to worry their words could be forever lost if they didn’t back up their writing somewhere else. They didn’t have to worry about broken devices, viruses and more when they wanted to record their feelings and aspirations.

Some may believe writing is a dying art and to some degree it is. But for the minimal amount of time that is needed to teach cursive, it is still a worthy lesson to learn.