"Cursive Writing" or "Curse of Writing" -- Texas is Bringing Cursive Back

I attended my elementary school years from 1970 through 1976. In those days, cursive writing was as much a part of the curriculum as math, science and history. As the decades have gone by, cursive writing in schools has -- for the most part -- gone by the wayside. However, many news outlets are reporting that Texas will reintroduce cursive writing to the state curriculum for elementary students beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. Second graders will learn how to write cursive letters, and third graders will be expected to "write complete words, thoughts, and answers legibly in cursive writing leaving appropriate spaces between words," according to the updated Texas Education Code. By the time they reach the fourth grade, students will be required to write legibly and complete assignments in cursive.

The Texas State Board of Education modified the "English Language Arts and Reading" section of its standard education requirements. Some argue that if teachers are required to teach cursive, there is less time available to instruct students on other subjects -- because there's only so much time in the day. The majority of school districts in Texas currently do not teach students how to write in cursive. Beginning this September, elementary students in every Texas school district will be instructed in cursive writing.

The practical argument is that cursive is faster. The pen doesn’t leave the paper until the end of the word. Formal cursive is generally joined, but casual cursive is a combination of joins and pen lifts. Those against cursive writing say that it's hard to read when in fact there are only a few lowercase letters that are noticeably different from their block counterparts, and they are easily made out in context. However, do many people actually write in cursive anymore? I graduated from high school in 1983 and since then I haven't been asked to write anything in cursive other than my name on checks and contracts. When I started teaching 5th grade back in 1990, I taught my students how to write in cursive. I recall that several students, primarily boys, were not happy about having to carefully create 'fancy' letters. Generally, a child should begin learning cursive writing at age 7, and by age 10 should be fairly proficient -- able to write in cursive without assistance.

The term 'cursive' originates from the 18th century Italian 'corsivo' (from Medieval Latin 'cursivus'), which literally means running. Well, I may have been a runner since the age of 10, but I certainly have not been 'running' with my writing during my adult years. Some would say that cursive writing is the curse of writing, but I do see benefits, such as: cursive handwriting stimulates the brain in a way that typing cannot; improves fine motor skills; and, improves spelling ability due to muscle memory -- the hand acquiring memory of spelling patterns through fluid movements. Also, learning cursive is said to prompt kids to develop self-discipline, a useful skill in all areas of life.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past