Written off
The American Association of Handwriting Analysts is worried that cursive instruction is being written off in schools.
Iris Hatfield, who developed a program designed to revive cursive teaching, says that “handwriting represents a highly complex method of expression” that stimulates the brain by requiring memory, fine motor skills and visualization.
The irony is that her StartWrite program, available at www.NewAmericanCursive.com, helps teachers create handwriting lessons using a computer – the very thing that the association acknowledges has put a cramp in writing styles.
My seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher made the class practice our handwriting before she would start our science lesson for the day. Do you think all teachers should do that?
Tell me, should schools be sure cursive practice doesn’t get written off, or has the widespread use of technology eliminated the need to know it? Or, are other subjects just more important for teachers to spend time on? E-mail me your thoughts at wkleinman@oklahoman.com.
Wendy K. Kleinman
Education Writer
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I am writting my masters thesis on the importance of handwriting instruction in education. Yes, students must practice proper handwriting as much as possible. If a student is in band or orchestra or on the basketball team, they would be expected to practice that skill. The same is needed for handwriting. There is a direct connection between handwriting,brain development,learning, and self-esteem. Handwriting instruction needs to be practiced with grade level paper and consistent at least throughout the school if not the school district.