Cursive writing, also known as script or longhand, is a form of handwriting where the letters are joined together in a flowing manner. Cursive writing is often considered more elegant and aesthetically pleasing than print handwriting because of its fluid and graceful appearance.
In cursive writing, each letter is formed in a continuous stroke, without lifting the pen or pencil from the paper, except between words. This creates a fluid, flowing look to the writing, and can be faster and more efficient than printing each letter separately.
Cursive writing can take many different forms, with various styles and variations. Some common styles of cursive writing include italic, Palmer, and Zaner-Bloser, each with its own set of rules and guidelines for forming letters and connecting them. In general, cursive writing involves forming the letters in a way that allows them to flow smoothly into one another, with loops and curves that connect the letters in a continuous manner.
Some argue that the decline in cursive writing education is due to the increased use of digital communication, where typing has largely replaced handwriting. However, it is crucial for us to realise the benefits of cursive writing in early years. Cursive writing remains an important skill for many purposes, including personal correspondence, formal documents, and even some job applications.
In summary, cursive writing is a style of handwriting that is characterized by its flowing, connected letters. While it is no longer as commonly taught in schools, it remains a valuable skill for many purposes and is appreciated for its aesthetic beauty and elegance.
Advantages of cursive writing
In this article, we have tried to list down some of the benefits of cursive writing so that one can try to understand and acknowledge it.
- Improved fine motor skills:
- Better reading skills:
- Enhanced creativity:
- Improved spelling:
- Increased brain development:
- Better note-taking skills:
- Improved self-expression:
Cursive writing requires a greater level of control over the hand and finger movements than print writing. Children must learn to form the letters in a consistent manner, using small and precise movements. Learning to write in cursive requires the development of fine motor skills, as children must learn to form letters in a consistent manner using small and precise movements. Children strengthen the muscles of their hands and fingers as they practice writing in cursive. This eventually will improve their overall fine motor skills. This can also help with a range of activities beyond writing, such as using tools like scissors, playing musical instruments, and performing detailed artwork. Additionally, learning cursive can also help children develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. They must learn to control the movement of their hands while looking at the paper, which can improve their ability to coordinate visual information with their physical movements.
Better reading skills refer to the ability to read and comprehend written information accurately and efficiently. People with strong reading skills can understand complex texts, analyse and interpret information, and make connections between different pieces of information. Cursive writing has been linked to better reading skills, particularly in the area of letter and word recognition. When children learn to write in cursive, they develop the potential to identify and pick out the difference between the several letter shapes and forms. The flowing nature of cursive writing can also help children remember the shapes and sequences of letters more easily, which can help with reading comprehension and speed.
Enhanced creativity refers to the process of enhancing and expanding one’s ability to think creatively and develop new and authentic ideas. Creative thinking involves breaking away from conventional ways of thinking and approaching problems in innovative ways. Exposing oneself to new experiences and perspectives can also be beneficial for enhancing creativity. Taking breaks and allowing oneself to daydream can also promote creativity. Collaborating with others can also help generate new and unique perspectives. By exchanging ideas and bouncing them off others, individuals can gain fresh insights and develop new approaches to problems. This is one of the less familiar advantages of cursive writing. Cursive writing allows children to develop their own unique style and expression. As they practice writing in cursive, they can experiment with different styles, loops, and flourishes, which can encourage them to express themselves more creatively.
Improved spelling refers to the ability to spell words accurately and correctly. Improving spelling involves developing an understanding of the rules and patterns of the English language, such as phonics and spelling rules. This can be done through regular reading and writing, and through targeted spelling instruction. Spelling also involves being able to recognize and correct errors. One strategy for improving this skill is to proofread written work carefully, checking for spelling errors and making corrections as needed. By practising spelling regularly and using effective strategies to improve spelling skills, individuals can become more effective communicators and improve their overall language proficiency. Writing in cursive can help children remember how words are spelt. When children write in cursive, they must form the letters in a consistent and connected manner, which can help reinforce the shapes and sequences of letters in their minds. This, in turn, can help with spelling accuracy and retention.
Increased brain development refers to the process of amplifying the progress and development of the brain. This in turn results in remarkable cognitive abilities and harmonious mental functioning. There are several cursive handwriting benefits and one of them is increased brain development. Writing in cursive has been linked to higher brain development, especially in the areas of understanding different languages and memory. This could be because cursive writing engrosses several different areas of the brain, including those used in language, fine motor skills and memory.
Better note-taking skills refer to the ability to capture and record information effectively during lectures, meetings, or other learning situations. Note-taking is an important skill that can help individuals better retain information, organize their thoughts, and review the material later. Cursive writing can be faster than print writing, which can be an advantage when taking notes in class or during lectures. Additionally, the flowing nature of cursive writing can help children write more efficiently and effectively, allowing them to capture and retain more information.
Improved self-expression refers to the capability to convey one’s thoughts, emotions, and ideas with conviction. Improving self-expression can open one to a range of benefits like increased confidence, improved relationships, and better career opportunities. Cursive writing is often considered more elegant and refined than print writing, which can give children a sense of pride and ownership over their writing. Children can feel more confident in expressing themselves and conveying their thoughts through writing once they develop their own style of handwriting. This can be particularly helpful for children who struggle with expressing themselves verbally.
Conclusion
At EuroSchool, we understand that teaching kids to write in cursive has several benefits. We also know that there are several other benefits of cursive writing in early years. It can help them improve their fine motor skills, reading and spelling capabilities, creativity and self-expression. Writing in cursive engages multiple areas of the brain, which can lead to increased brain development and better memory. It can also be advantageous when taking notes in class, as it can be faster and more systematic than print writing. Parents can also be encouraged to understand that teaching children to write in cursive will be a valuable source. It will eventually help them develop a variety of skills that will ultimately serve them well throughout their lives.
