Research Shows Huge Benefits to Learning Cursive, But Most States Don’t Require It
Research has shown that there are huge benefits to learning cursive writing. However, despite these benefits, most states in the United States do not require it in their curriculum.
Cursive writing has been found to have numerous cognitive, neurological, and academic advantages. One major benefit is the improvement in fine motor skills. When writing in cursive, the writer has to combine continuous strokes and make precise movements, which helps in the development of hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Moreover, cursive writing has been linked to improved reading and spelling abilities. Research suggests that learning cursive can enhance the connections between letters, leading to increased reading fluency. Additionally, the act of writing in cursive improves spelling proficiency as it requires a deeper understanding of letter shapes and their connections.
Furthermore, studies have shown that cursive writing can foster creativity and critical thinking. Writing in cursive allows for a more fluid and expressive writing style, which can enhance creativity in both written communication and problem-solving.
Despite these advantages, only a few states in the US have mandated the teaching of cursive writing. The majority of states have removed cursive from their curriculum, prioritizing other skills such as typing and digital literacy.
Some argue that in an increasingly digital world, cursive writing is becoming less relevant. However, proponents of cursive maintain that learning this skill is crucial for maintaining historical documents and personal signatures. They believe that cursive writing is a valuable form of communication that should not be neglected.
In conclusion, research demonstrates a wide range of benefits to learning cursive writing. These advantages include improved fine motor skills, enhanced reading and spelling abilities, and the development of creativity and critical thinking. Despite the evidence, most states do not require cursive in their educational standards. The debate over the relevance of cursive writing continues, but the potential benefits should not be ignored.