The Familyman
Just got back from the Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, S.C., and on the way home, we stopped for dinner at Culver’s for their incredible butter burgers and frozen custard. As we sat around the table, I mentioned the topic of cursive writing and ignited a small firestorm of discussion.
One of my teens was “for” teaching cursive writing because, “It’s just good to be able to do,” and one was against it because, “No one uses cursive anymore except to sign his name.” I have to admit that I think it’s a waste of precious time, because a homeschooler’s time is precious … and I NEVER write in cursive.
Today, people type on computers or print to fill out the Publisher’s Clearing House giveaway. The thing is cursive isn’t required and is hardly used.
But out of that passionate conversation, ONE wise voice spoke truth (and it wasn’t mine). My wife wisely said, “I’d say, if you have a child who wants to learn to write in cursive, teach him/her. Otherwise, it’s not that big of a deal.”
Wow, I’ve got a smart wife. She’s right, you know? In this case, it really is about the child and not about the skill. The fact is you have a limited time of teaching. You can’t teach everything. Cursive is a fading and non-essential skill. BUT if you have a child who wants to learn it (we’ve had a few) … you should teach him how to. If he is sloppy at it and can’t seem to get it … let it go.
That’s from my smart wife!!!!
Be real,
Todd
P.S. Hey, I just came out with a little book called Family is Hard–Deal With It! It lays waste to the notion that there is a silver bullet out there offering easy fixes with kids, teenagers, homeschooling, and marriages. There are none. You just need to face the fact that GOOD things are hard and hard things are GOOD … AND the promise God offers to those who do not grow weary and give up.
This super quick read (just 67 pages) will give you hope and the strength to keep at it. So whether you’re in the midst of a tough marriage, tough relationships, tough homeschooling, or a tough life, you NEED this little book. Order it now.
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Why Teach Cursive Writing?
By Howard Brinkman
Publisher, Write with WORLD
Should you teach cursive handwriting? Some people believe that cursive handwriting is outdated, and most adults develop a personal mix of cursive and printing anyway. Other people believe that teaching cursive handwriting is important for conveying ideas legibly, and because it’s good for improving fine motor skills and brain development.
The debate about teaching cursive handwriting spiraled to national levels when the Common Core State Standards excluded penmanship classes. That doesn’t preclude schools (or homeschoolers) from teaching it though.
Why are schools erasing cursive?
If you look at penmanship narrowly as a means of conveying words, you might conclude that typing and texting are more practical today. Plus, teaching time is weighted toward subjects included in standardized tests. Ironically, those tests involve handwritten sections, and some studies show that neat, legible handwriting earns higher scores. And then there’s the money. Many younger teachers never learned cursive or how to teach it. If penmanship were required, schools may have to pay for additional teacher training.
Why teach cursive in your homeschool?
Beyond conveying words, cursive writing’s sequential movements activate large areas in the brain that involve thinking, language and memory. Keystrokes don’t do that. Tests among second, fourth and sixth-graders showed them composing better and faster handwritten essays than when typing them. And penmanship’s fluid movements are a way to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Sure, teach your kids to type. But many parents see cursive or other handwriting methods as a way to help develop their children’s minds so they have ideas worth conveying! Penmanship isn’t the only way to encourage brain development. But it also yields a handy skill for self-expression, it’s advantageous on written exams, and it’s a practical way to capture thoughts, make notes or convey instructions at any moment. No batteries required.
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Write with WORLD is the writing curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking. It began with educators and professional writers who analyzed college students’ typically poor writing. Then they applied their real-world classroom and newsroom experience to create a practical, flexible writing course that both eager and reluctant students enjoy.
If you want your students to think clearly, write powerfully, and stand out in the real world of college and career, try Write with WORLD.
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— Homeschooler Jennifer W.
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A Beka Book cursive writing program develops good writing habits and strengthens reading skills. By joining letters, cursive writing reinforces the blending of sounds within words. Children learn cursive writing in a matter of months. Get a FREE catalog to see the cursive writing!
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A division of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine
Did you know? Every class is INCLUDED for members! No limits!
Like writing itself, cursive writing is an art form. And like many art forms, it is losing some of its popularity due to the ever-changing technologically-based world we are living in. It’s also an art form that SchoolhouseTeachers.com is working to preserve through Everyday Copywork on the Schoolhouse Dailies tab.
Every week, Everyday Copywork shares practice for print and cursive handwriting. Each includes a traceable portion as well as a portion to copy. Our copywork includes Scripture portions, classic literature, and words and phrases related to topics ranging from nature to world history.
For a sample of our Everyday Copywork, click here .
Join today and gain access to more than eighty classes. Sign up during our 19 gifts promotion, and pay only $19 for a 3-month membership* (normally $12.95 a month) AND get 19 gifts. Take a look at all you’ll receive at www.19Gifts.com. One family; one fee. Explore SchoolhouseTeachers.com by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine today!
*You are purchasing a three-month membership to SchoolhouseTeachers.com. This membership will renew automatically every 90 days, unless you cancel. Offer ends June 30, 2014.
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Does Play Still Have a Purpose in a
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Announcement
The Making of a Confident Writer
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.
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