budnkota

kids are at a serious disadvantage if they don't know this. I write things down for my kids at work, and then have to turn around and rewrite it for a 16 y-o who can't read cursive. To me, that is unacceptable. I was in school and we had to turn in something hand written, we were not allowed to print. I agree w/Kaytee as far as the computer age argument. Completely irrelevant. That'd be like saying well, we shouldn't teach them to print either, because they can just use the computer.

Printing takes longer - kids who can't do it are going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to anything there they need to write rapidly. I can think of several times in my journalism career where it was challenging enough to get everything thing down accurately b/c there is so much going on. i'd have been at a great disadvantage had I been trying to print (and keep in mind, recording devices aren't allowed everywhere)

Our society is also very cyclical. Computers are here to stay, but I predict that people will eventually return to doing things more by hand - especially personal things. Look at the way the tides have turned as far as food. More and more people are making a move to a more natural way of life in every way. People hold onto written letters that mean something to them. how many people do you see with printouts of email letters? Probably a few, but not as many. It just doesn't have the same meaning... not as personal.

OurPreciousHand

I think this is the best argument for learning cursive. It makes a lot of sense and is very true that a lot of documents studies are written in cursive. Even if later, they are typed, for history's sake, it's good to understand the original format.

HappyMomma

When I first saw this thread all I could think of is "Why WOULDN'T they learn it?"

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budnkota

I agree that they should learn - but don't think that for reading historical docs is a great argument for it. Seriously - how many people do you know who do that? if that were the sole reason, it'd be much easier for them just to learn it on their own to pursue their interest.

Dysing Around

Our school district has stopped actively teaching cursive writing. It is introduced but not reinforced or practiced. Having said that though I have two dyslexic children and they are taught cursive in their dyslexic classes because of the reversal issues.

I think it is a shame. I have friends who have beautiful cursive writing and I think I would miss that if they typed me a note instead of writing it. There is something to be said for beautiful words written elegantly. Same can be said for an amazing public speaker.

But, our techie world is taking over. Heck, I don't even know how to text yet!

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