The Benefits of Cursive Writing
Cursive writing has been used for a variety of purposes. Some legal documents for example, are written in cursive font. Many people have their signatures in cursive format as opposed to regular handwriting. The uses for cursive font is not limited to the purposes that were previously stated. Cursive writing is still relevant in our society, and will continue to remain so.
The ability to write in cursive is a necessary, and beneficial skill that should be taught to every learner. The following post will explain why cursive writing should be taught in schools, and why everyone should practice it.
1. Reading Legal Documents
In the past, several legal documents in the United States of America were written in cursive. This article in the Washington Post describes the country’s National Archives, all of which are written in cursive. Even though this article is an older one, it highlights a problem that is relevant to societies in North America. There are several North American citizens who cannot read or write in cursive. As a result, they are unable to interpret several legal documents such the Constitution of the United States. If one is able to read and understand cursive handwriting, then they can learn more about American History by interpreting its legal documents from the past.
2. Creating a Signature in Cursive Writing
Cursive writing is not just beneficial for interpreting legal documents, but several legal documents such as contracts require a signature in cursive handwriting. In some situations, legal documents require a signature in cursive handwriting for it to be enforceable. Learners will benefit from learning how to write in cursive so that they can create their own signature.
3. Develop Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills include activities that require a person to use the small muscles in their hands and wrists. The small muscles present in the hands help with precise movements which are used to complete several activities such as eating, cooking, and even handwriting. Learning to write and trace in cursive will help a learner develop fine motor skills that will help them develop the muscles in their hands and wrists. By developing these muscles, all learners will benefit from being able to perform precise movements not limited to reading or writing.
4. Increase Memorization
A study from Psychology Today shows a strong correlation between writing in cursive and memorization. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology concluded that cursive writing is important because the study found that those who practiced cursive writing were able to learn and memorize better than other learners. Cursive handwriting stimulates more “electrical activity in the brain’s parietal lobe and central regions.” If these parts of the brain is stimulated on a regular basis, then it trains the brain to retain new information and memorize it.
5. A Teachable Skill
Many school across Canada and The United States no longer teach cursive reading or handwriting. This means that cursive writing overall is becoming less relevant in our society. If any learner masters cursive handwriting, then they can create worksheets, or offer tutoring services on cursive writing specifically. There will always be learners of all ages who will want to learn how to read and write in cursive.
Summary:
Here is a summary of the benefits of cursive handwiritng:
- Learning how to read in cursive is useful in interpreting certain legal documents.
- Learning how to write in cursive will help one with creating their own signature.
- Cursive handwriting will help develop fine motor skills which is useful for precise movements used in writing, cooking, or cleaning.
- Cursive handwriting (in pencil or on a device) enhances memorization.
- Cursive handwriting can be turned into a teachable skill.
Even though the relevance of cursive is declining in North American society, learning to read and write in cursive is beneficial for learners of all ages. North American society has nothing to lose by re-integrating a curriculum based on cursive for learners of all ages.
A FREE handout for tracing cursive letters is available here.