Stop Teaching Handwriting

[KirstenB]

The relevant question is -- does it make sense to teach our children to print, wait until they have mastered it, and then RE-teach them how to write (using a totally different script -- that is, cursive), then wait until cursive has been mastered and then tell them we don't care what they use (hence encouraging most of them to go back to printing).

(The bold is mine.)

That's where you lose me. Why on earth would that encourage them to go back to printing??

My 8 year old is THRILLED to be learning cursive. Her 10 year old brother's script is far more legible than his printing.

And when did our kids suddenly become too stupid to handle cursive? I'm never in favor of the "dumbing down of America."

If we're going for strict Utilitarianism, then why teach Algebra, since not all will need it. (Note: I'm a math teacher.) Why teach literature at all? Why teach geography when so many kid have access to a GPS?? Why teach spelling when there's Spell check, or Grammar when there's grammarcheck? In fact, why teach writing at all? Why not just teach keyboarding???

Why teach anything beyond how much salt to put on the fries???

Cursive has lost some (I'd even argue, much) of its relevancy. Before typewriters and computers, it was not only a means of communication, but demonstrated one was educated. Personally, my 3rd grade memories will forever be blemished by the torture that was cursive!!

Nowadays, either print or cursive is an acceptable form of written communication.

The other examples you cited, algebra, literature, and geography are all building blocks to higher education. Each of these either teaches you to think, or in the case of geography, is a building block for teaching topography, climate, culture, etc. For example to be an engineer, you would start with algebra, and build many math courses on top of that.

Writing came very easily to me in high school and college. Spelling and grammar were easy. I would rank them as basic knowledge that should still be taught. However, I wouldn't group them with algebra, lit, and geography. Much of spelling and grammar is rote memorization. Algebra, lit, and geography all teach critical thinking. I'd argue they open worlds to explore.

 

[Ppufi]

I say drill good penmanship! You should see the horrid handwriting my peers have in jr. high school. Teaching kids at an early age how to print and write in cursive neatly is a must, even though many are quick to say that actually writing for themselves without an aid of a machine, even though they are perfectly capable to do so with their own two hands, is becoming obselete.

 

[Cindy B]

When I went for my interview to get on my teaching qualification course, they gave us a handwriting test. There's absolutely no point in being allowed to teach if the students can't read what you've written on the board or as feedback for their work. Equally there's no point in a student submitting a long piece of work if I can't read a darn word they've written. I get that some people find it harder than others and I don't expect every person to be able to write in cursive, but legible would be nice...

I can't imagine a handwriting test. I just finished my student teaching and she told me at her university (in the Southern USA) they required all the student teachers to write perfectly on the board, on an overhead, and on oaktag.

Now I just finished my student teaching courses I never learned how to write "perfectly". Instead my professors spent time teaching us about diverse learners, special education and classroom management. Of course we have the computer and are encouraged to use technology in every way, so writing is almost a moot point. Forget about using oaktag and an overhead as well... it is so outdated.

So many classrooms have Smartboards and computer projectors that writing on the board has become obselete. I've seen many classrooms where the chalkboards are covered up with felt/cloth and they become a large bulletin board in the classroom.

 

[safetymom]

Handwriting tests are still given at some job interviews. The writing is analyzed to see character traits. You can't get that with printing.

 

[Kath2003]

Now I just finished my student teaching courses I never learned how to write "perfectly". Instead my professors spent time teaching us about diverse learners, special education and classroom management.

They didn't spend time teaching us to write clearly; it was a REQUIREMENT for admission onto the course. They gave us the test at the interview prior to giving us an offer of a place on the course.

So many classrooms have Smartboards and computer projectors that writing on the board has become obselete. I've seen many classrooms where the chalkboards are covered up with felt/cloth and they become a large bulletin board in the classroom.

True, but you still need to have good handwriting for giving students written feedback on assignments. Personally I hate handwriting anything because I am an extremely good typist, but I understand why they expect teachers to have decent enough handwriting.

 

[themarquis]

The relevant question is -- does it make sense to teach our children to print, wait until they have mastered it, and then RE-teach them how to write (using a totally different script -- that is, cursive), then wait until cursive has been mastered and then tell them we don't care what they use (hence encouraging most of them to go back to printing).

(The bold is mine.)

That's where you lose me. Why on earth would that encourage them to go back to printing??

Well, I'm not making it up . It does seem to be the general consensus that they don't really care what kids use in the later grades. Most kids who don't have exemplary cursive are encouraged to print because it's easier to read. Of course, after schooling is completed, there is no context (other than something like wedding invitations, maybe ) where it is required or even allowed! Imagine turning in college papers or filling out forms in cursive -- not a great idea!

My 8 year old is THRILLED to be learning cursive. Her 10 year old brother's script is far more legible than his printing.

I agree that kids who might enjoy learning it should do it, as a kind of practical art or hobby. Not as part of the public school curriculum. I want my kids' teachers to be teaching math and reading and literature and science!

And when did our kids suddenly become too stupid to handle cursive? I'm never in favor of the "dumbing down of America."

I'm sorry, but this made me . The point (or at least my point) in abandoning cursive is that it is NOT an intellectual endeavor that we need to waste time on in schools. It can be fun; it can be pretty; it can be a nice hobby; but it is not a scholarly endeavor! In fact, I might argue that our kids are too smart to waste their time on cursive, unless they choose to as an extracurricular activity.

If we're going for strict Utilitarianism, then why teach Algebra, since not all will need it. (Note: I'm a math teacher.) Why teach literature at all? Why teach geography when so many kid have access to a GPS?? Why teach spelling when there's Spell check, or Grammar when there's grammarcheck? In fact, why teach writing at all? Why not just teach keyboarding???

Why teach anything beyond how much salt to put on the fries???

I think that most "useless" subjects we teach kids in the higher grades are directly related to college preparedness. A lot of kids might find algebra useless if they don't go on to college or do a strictly non-science college program (although they will usually have kids do some math as a breadth requirement, anyway). But we teach them algebra so they can be computer programmers and engineers and architects. I'm surprised you've never pondered this concept, being a math teacher and all. Sure, some won't use it, but we provide it because a good proportion will in some capacity. Cursive handwriting? Again, other than wedding invites and hobby purposes, I doubt that any child will need or significantly benefit from cursive handwriting later in life.

The point is -- cursive handwriting is wonderful as a hobby and any child who wants to learn it should be encouraged. There could even be electives or after school arts programs devoted to it. But in school, where they have precious little time to learn academic basics? I think it is a waste of time.

 

[Vexorg]

When I was in school (although I'm getting just about old enough to start using the "rode dinosaurs to school" line,) the whole third grade year was spent on D'Nealian, which in retrospect I think was a total waste. I'm sure that most of the class would have had no problem with just learning cursive at that point, and D'Nealian just basically tells you to completely ignore everything you learned up to that point and write things differently.

That said, my handwriting has never been all that great, although if I write very slowly I can make it look fairly clean. I was also doing much of my writing on a computer by the time I reached fifth grade, although it wasn't until about three years later that I actually had a PC at home (before that, my Dad actually set me up with an account on one of the big VAXen at the local DEC office and I wrote stuff on that.) I've always enjoyed writing things, just not so much the actual writing part of it.

 

[C.Ann]

And all the arguments about kids being dyslexic, or having coordination issues always bugged me a bit. There are kids with number dyslexia, but we still make them take math. There are kids with bad hand-eye coordination but we still make them take PE and play basketball. Some kids are not good at reading, but we still make them do it. So if a kid has a bad handwriting, we shouldn't make them learn to write because it's bad for their self esteem? What about the kids that have difficulties in other subjects? Besides, I'm sure there must be something about maybe encouraging more use of the brain with handwriting. Teach the kid to focus, concentrate. Doesn't seem like a bad thing to me. The more parts of a kids brain that can be used, the better.

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I don't think most of the people here are condoning not teaching cursive at all - but rather pointing out that a child with difficulties will never have "perfect" penmanship (as is the case with many children/adults without these issues) and therefore should not receive failing grades across the board in every subject that needs to be written based soley on "non-perfection".. That's just plain silly.. Should a child with bad hand-eye coordination be expected to take PE and play basketball? Of course.. Should that child receive a failing grade because they aren't the number one player? Of course not.. When a child is truly doing their "best" - and is able to answer all questions correctly - is it fair that they receive a failing grade due to lack of "perfect" penmanship? I think not.. And yes, that will have an impact on a child's self-esteem.. Receiving a failing grade based on penmanship alone sends the message - "You're not good enough." - loud and clear..

 

[nephthys43]

Imagine turning in college papers or filling out forms in cursive -- not a great idea!

half of my college exams are essays. they give you a blank book and expect you to write. i couldn't imagine handing in a hand-printed essay. cursive just looks more professional and learned.

 

[teacups]

I am so thankful that I homeschool my son. Board posts like this one, only confirm that we are doing the right thing in homeschooling.

I also homeschool and am thankful for it!!
My kids are getting such a great education. I feel so lucky!

 

[Aliceacc]

The relevant question is -- does it make sense to teach our children to print, wait until they have mastered it, and then RE-teach them how to write (using a totally different script -- that is, cursive), then wait until cursive has been mastered and then tell them we don't care what they use (hence encouraging most of them to go back to printing).



Cursive has lost some (I'd even argue, much) of its relevancy. Before typewriters and computers, it was not only a means of communication, but demonstrated one was educated. Personally, my 3rd grade memories will forever be blemished by the torture that was cursive!!

Nowadays, either print or cursive is an acceptable form of written communication.

.

What about all those kids-- like my son-- who find cursive so much easier than print? Should they not be offered the opportunity to find an easier way?

 

[Aliceacc]

I can't imagine a handwriting test. I just finished my student teaching and she told me at her university (in the Southern USA) they required all the student teachers to write perfectly on the board, on an overhead, and on oaktag.

Now I just finished my student teaching courses I never learned how to write "perfectly". Instead my professors spent time teaching us about diverse learners, special education and classroom management. Of course we have the computer and are encouraged to use technology in every way, so writing is almost a moot point. Forget about using oaktag and an overhead as well... it is so outdated.

So many classrooms have Smartboards and computer projectors that writing on the board has become obselete. I've seen many classrooms where the chalkboards are covered up with felt/cloth and they become a large bulletin board in the classroom.

I still teach with chalk and an eraser.

Beware of some of what you've been told in education classes. These are the same people who still say there's a teacher shorta e.

(sorry, for some reson that one key simply won't work!!)

 

[themarquis]

half of my college exams are essays. they give you a blank book and expect you to write. i couldn't imagine handing in a hand-printed essay. cursive just looks more professional and learned.

I didn't think about essay exams. I always printed mine, though. I also taught college courses, and my students were a mix -- primarily, they printed or did a sort of printing with connected letters sort of thing.

As the prof, I can tell you without a doubt I VERY MUCH preferred printed exams -- much neater looking and easier to read. I wouldn't be surprised if the printed exams got slightly higher grades -- when handwriting is easier to decipher, students tended to score higher. I only had a limited amount of time to read each essay -- anything I couldn't decipher I just skipped. I warned them ahead of time, of course.

 

[Aliceacc]

[. I'm surprised you've never pondered this concept, being a math teacher and all. .

I have a husband, 3 kids, a labrador retreiver, a full time job, and next week I start radiation treatment.

In my world, the future of script isn't a top priority.

 

[themarquis]

What about all those kids-- like my son-- who find cursive so much easier than print? Should they not be offered the opportunity to find an easier way?

I'm not sure if you were responding to me or the other poster. It seems fine that kids have different methods of writing, as long as they are readable. I'd assume even if a school didn't teach cursive as a core subject, it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that they'd be fine with it if some of the kids used it (having learned at home or whatever).

I think it's a lot more common for kids to find cursive harder than printing, rather than the other way around, though.

 

[themarquis]

I have a husband, 3 kids, a labrador retreiver, a full time job, and next week I start radiation treatment.

In my world, the future of script isn't a top priority.

I'm sorry to hear about your health.

Everyone gets a bit passionate on message boards -- I think it's a great way of learning from one another. I certainly don't want to go back and forth about cursive any longer with you if you don't want to, though.

 

[monkey68]

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I don't think most of the people here are condoning not teaching cursive at all - but rather pointing out that a child with difficulties will never have "perfect" penmanship (as is the case with many children/adults without these issues) and therefore should not receive failing grades across the board in every subject that needs to be written based soley on "non-perfection".. That's just plain silly.. Should a child with bad hand-eye coordination be expected to take PE and play basketball? Of course.. Should that child receive a failing grade because they aren't the number one player? Of course not.. When a child is truly doing their "best" - and is able to answer all questions correctly - is it fair that they receive a failing grade due to lack of "perfect" penmanship? I think not.. And yes, that will have an impact on a child's self-esteem.. Receiving a failing grade based on penmanship alone sends the message - "You're not good enough." - loud and clear..

I never said that they shouldn't be failing because the writing isn't perfect, but it should still be taught. I got all A's in my classes in school, except for gym when we were on anything involving a ball. I do agree that failing a child because the handwriting is not perfect is a bit ridiculous, but I do still think it should be taught and if they teach it, it gets graded separately.

 

[Cindy B]

I still teach with chalk and an eraser.

Beware of some of what you've been told in education classes. These are the same people who still say there's a teacher shorta e.

(sorry, for some reson that one key simply won't work!!)

So true... that is why I can't find a job with two certs (and a perfect college transcript/good placement)-so I need to get a third cert in a field I don't love just so I can get a job.

I've seen the trend moving away from printing/cursive of any kind. Many classrooms in urban and suburban where the chalkboard is covered up and a portable white board, flip charts or smartboards used.

The only place I saw chalk still being used was in my urban student teaching placement.

 

[Aliceacc]

So true... that is why I can't find a job with two certs (and a perfect college transcript/good placement)-so I need to get a third cert in a field I don't love just so I can get a job.

I've seen the trend moving away from printing/cursive of any kind. Many classrooms in urban and suburban where the chalkboard is covered up and a portable white board, flip charts or smartboards used.

The only place I saw chalk still being used was in my urban student teaching placement.

I'm in a Catholic school in the 'burbs. And, to be honest, I'm absolutely happy with my chalk. My chalk doesn't dry up if it's left uncovered, as would a marker. If it gets on my clothes (IF?????) it's incredibly easy to clean. And if I need an extra piece for sending kids to the board, that chalk breaks in half with no effort.

Are you saying that our kids are not being taught ANY method of written communication? That, without a keyboard in front of them, they'll be unable to communicate except out loud?? Somebody needs to take a step back and look at the big picture. My own kids are learning both print and cursive in their local public school.

And themarquis, I'm sorry if my post came off as snippy. I didn't mean for it to have the tone it probably took on. I was just explaining that this is a diversion, not something I've given lots of time and devotion thinking about.

 

[sdarwkcabemanmy]

The only place I saw chalk still being used was in my urban student teaching placement.

I WISH DS's classroom still had actual chalkboards. We were required to buy a box of whiteboard markers as part of his school supplies.