Today is National Handwriting Day! When you think of handwriting, you may think of the way you write your name or your penmanship during notetaking but what about the way you write? In today’s time, we typically write in print format, but I remember a time when writing in cursive was a requirement. Cursive handwriting has long been cherished as a hallmark of eloquence and sophistication.
For generations, children were taught to flourish their letters in a continuous, flowing style that was not just about communication but also about artistry and personal expression. However, over the past few decades, the prevalence of cursive writing has drastically declined, leaving many to wonder: what happened to cursive, and why aren’t people using it as often?
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Historically, cursive writing was a necessary skill. The ability to write quickly and legibly was essential for notetaking, personal correspondence, and even completing standardized forms. In classrooms around the world, children learned to connect letters seamlessly, creating a unique style that often reflected their personality. Teachers encouraged their students to practice their loops and swoops, emphasizing the importance of legibility and aesthetics in written communication.
However, the very tools of communication began to shift dramatically with the rise of technology. The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed an explosion in digital communication. With the advent of computers, tablets, and smartphones, typing quickly became the preferred method of written correspondence. The convenience and speed of typing far surpassed cursive writing, leading to a natural decline in its use. Schools responded to this cultural shift by revising their curricula, often prioritizing keyboarding skills over traditional penmanship.
Furthermore, educational institutions began to question the necessity of cursive writing in a modern context. Testing the waters of educational reform, many states in the U.S. opted to eliminate cursive writing from their learning guidelines altogether. This decision was met with varied responses; while some applauded the move as progressive and practical, others lamented the loss of an art form that held sentimental value. Today, cursive is often seen as an outdated skill that has little value in a digitally driven society.
The decline in cursive education has also raised concerns about individual expression and cognitive development. Research has shown that writing by hand – particularly in cursive – engages different areas of the brain than typing does. It enhances fine motor skills, aids in memory retention, and promotes a deeper connection between thoughts and writing. The absence of cursive practice in schools may inadvertently hinder these cognitive benefits, leading to a generation that struggles with foundational writing skills.
Additionally, the notion of personal expression is diminishing in a world that increasingly favors uniformity. Handwritten letters, cards, and notes have been replaced by typed texts and emails, stripping away the personalized touch that comes with cursive. In an era where emojis and quick messages reign supreme, cursive’s intricate loops and flourishes are often viewed as unnecessary.
Despite its decline, there is a subtle resurgence of interest in cursive writing as a form of art and self-expression. Calligraphy classes, bullet journaling, and social media trends featuring beautiful handwriting have inspired a renewed appreciation for the practice. Some educators advocate for a hybrid approach, teaching both cursive and keyboarding skills to encourage students to develop a versatile communication toolkit.
The use of cursive is obviously a debatable topic. What do you think? Do you still use cursive? Let us know by taking our poll here.