Why Cursive?

By: Angie McNichols

The National Archives has over 15 billion pieces of paper and parchment. Of the 15 billion, over 80 percent are written in cursive handwriting. One compelling argument for teaching cursive is that our nation’s foundational documents are written in cursive, and future generations need to be able to read those documents that have formed and guided our country. Beyond the example above, there are other advantages to being proficient in cursive writing.

Until the 1930s, students were taught to write in cursive in the first grade. Modern education chose to set aside teaching students how to read and write in cursive. The benefits to our students in learning cursive are well worth the instructional time.

At Christ Classical Academy, first graders begin the school year reviewing manuscript (print) writing. After the review, they begin the adventure of learning cursive. CCA uses the New American Cursive system for cursive. The New American Cursive is geared toward first graders with its systematic approach to learning to not only write in cursive but also to have the ability to read cursive writing. It is an engaging, low-stress curriculum. One other aspect of the curriculum is that each week, the students have the opportunity to use their God-given imagination to turn the letter of the week into a piece of artwork! Our primary students love cursive and have the motivation to master it.

Knowing that handwriting is fifty percent literacy, cursive writing helps to develop neurological connections in the brain to promote and refine fine motor skills. Being able to slow down and write with attention to beauty and legibility helps a student to store that information in their long-term memory.

A hallmark of classical, Christian education is to recognize truth, beauty, and goodness. Witnessing a first grader take careful consideration to create beautiful letters is a pleasure to be able to witness. Cursive writing truly is an art form that develops lifelong habits of patience, attention to detail, and self-satisfaction of a job well done.