The Relevance of Teaching Cursive Writing in Modern Schools
The question of whether to teach cursive writing in schools remains a topic of debate. Some argue that cursive is merely an outdated, ornamental practice with little practical use, especially in today's digital age. However, proponents believe that cursive writing offers several benefits that are essential for modern students to learn and master.
The Argument Against Cursive Writing
One of the main arguments against teaching cursive writing is its perceived obsolescence. Written by an anonymous source who identifies as being 62 years old, this viewpoint suggests that cursive is no longer necessary due to the invention of the ballpoint pen in the late 1880s. The argument goes that cursive is nothing more than a pretentious form of writing and serves no practical purpose in today's world. The author claims:
Clearly cursive handwriting is an anachronism. For anyone who says oh you’re just some young person who doesn’t like that old folks don’t do it your way I’m 62 years old and I’ve always disliked cursive. For the time you waste learning this and I remember being forced to learn cursive the end result is just you have learned to write in a way which is at best a challenge and at worst nothing short of illegible for anyone unfortunate enough to try and read it.
The author further suggests that while historical documents are worth appreciating, reading them in cursive is unnecessary and impractical. Many people familiar with ancient scripts like Greek or Latin can appreciate them without needing to learn how to read them, thus maintaining their historical value.
The Argument For Cursive Writing
Moreover, it is argued that cursive writing can still have a significant place in modern education. For instance, the author opines that cursive can be faster than printing and that many adults continue to use handwriting for various tasks. The importance of handwriting, especially cursive, in paper-based documents and official transactions is still prevalent:
Paper and pencil have stood the test of time and are still widely used in the age of computers. Plus you’ll have to fill in blanks and sign your name to paper documents.
Additionally, being able to read cursive can avoid misunderstandings and frustration. The author emphasizes the practical aspect of being able to read handwritten documents, which:
Being able to read it is better than fuming about how old folks should do it your way.
The Importance of Handwriting in Family History and Genealogy
One of the most compelling arguments for learning cursive writing is its value in family history and genealogy. Many historical records, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and personal letters, are written in cursive. These documents often reveal valuable insights into the lives of ancestors and can be used to trace family lineages:
Finally if you have any interest in history or genealogy all the older records original sources are handwritten. Even things like the names on your grandparents’ photos are handwritten. It would be a shame to lose that family history.
In conclusion, while cursive writing may seem outdated in a digital age, its practical and cultural benefits make it an important skill for modern students to learn. Whether for signing documents, understanding historical documents, or preserving family history, cursive writing remains a valuable tool in the educational arsenal.