States That Still Teach Cursive Writing: Examining the Benefits and Legacy

Introduction

In the digital age, handwriting is becoming less and less important. As a result, many schools are phasing out instruction on cursive writing or have stopped teaching it altogether. While some states still require that students learn to write in cursive, there is much debate over whether or not it should be taught. This article will explore which states still teach cursive writing, why they are doing so, and what the importance of cursive writing instruction is for students.

Analyzing States That Teach Cursive Writing

Currently, 44 states require that students learn to write in cursive. These states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. However, some of these states have no specific guidelines on when and how cursive writing should be taught.

The reasons for why some states have chosen to keep cursive writing in their curriculum vary. Some believe that it is an important part of preserving culture and history. Others feel that it helps to improve motor skills and cognitive development in children. Still others argue that it is necessary for students to be able to read and write historical documents. Whatever the reason, these states remain committed to teaching cursive writing.

Examining the Importance of Cursive Writing Instruction

Regardless of why some states still teach cursive writing, there are many benefits to learning how to write in cursive. For starters, it can help to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It can also help to boost creativity and cognitive development. Additionally, it can help to increase focus and concentration, as well as aid in memory retention. Finally, learning to write in cursive can give children a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Cursive writing also has a long and rich history that can’t be ignored. It has been used for centuries by great leaders, writers, and thinkers around the world. From the Declaration of Independence to the works of Shakespeare, cursive writing has been an integral part of our cultural and historical legacy. In fact, some of our most important documents were written in cursive. By teaching cursive writing, we are preserving this legacy and ensuring that it is passed down to future generations.

Interviewing Teachers Who Advocate for Cursive Writing Instruction

To get a better understanding of why some states still choose to teach cursive writing, I interviewed several teachers who advocate for its instruction. The common theme among all of them was that they felt it was important to preserve the legacy of cursive writing and pass it down to future generations. They also believed that it helped to improve motor skills and cognitive development in children, as well as give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.

When it comes to actually teaching cursive writing, the teachers I interviewed said they focused more on the mechanics than the aesthetics. Instead of focusing on making perfect loops and curves, they encouraged their students to focus on forming letters correctly and legibly. They also used fun activities like tracing and copywork to make the lessons more engaging.

Comparing Differences Between Learning Cursive Today vs Decades Ago

It’s clear that learning to write in cursive has changed over time. Technology has played a big role in this shift, as computers and tablets have become more prevalent in classrooms. This has resulted in fewer opportunities for students to practice their handwriting skills. Additionally, the focus has shifted from aesthetics to mechanics, with an emphasis on forming letters correctly and legibly.

However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of learning to write in cursive. Even though technology has made it easier to type and communicate, the beauty and historical legacy of cursive writing remains. By teaching cursive writing, we are preserving this legacy and passing it down to future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some states have chosen to phase out cursive writing instruction, there are still 44 states that require it. These states recognize the importance of learning to write in cursive, both for its historical legacy and its many benefits. Through interviews with teachers and a comparison of differences between learning cursive today vs decades ago, this article has highlighted the benefits and historical legacy of cursive writing.