No More Cursive In Schools? How will this Work?
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I heard on the news that some schools are now no longer teaching children to write in cursive. They use the excuse that we are a technology based society and will no long require using it. How in the world will this work? Does this mean we will not longer sign our names? What about reading old letters from days gone by? Oh wait I forgot teaching real history, is this a thing of the past too. How would one read the Constitution or other historical documents? Have you seen the new history books? Anyway that is another hub. The US continues to fall behind in our academics. Why is that? Something is wrong. Now we have decided to no longer teach cursive... this is crazy to me.
“Cursive isn’t listed anywhere in the new curriculum standards Georgia teachers may start using next school year, though teachers and school administrators plan to start talking in March about whether to add penmanship to the curriculum.”
Are you kidding me? Not only are they not going to teach cursive but penmanship may not be an issue either. I realize teachers have to meet certain state requirements for testing but please, writing is very important.
“But many teachers say they simply don’t have as much time to spend on cursive handwriting skills – and the stakes aren’t as high because none of the standardized tests given to elementary students measure how well they can write in cursive.”
“You try to squeeze handwriting in anywhere you can,” said Lisa Lyles, who teaches third grade at Gaines Elementary School. “Unfortunately, the state has so many other standards that something like handwriting have gotten to the point where we don’t have enough time in the day.”
http://www.onlineschools.org/education-debate/the-end-of-cursive-handwriting-in-georgia/
I remember getting grades for my penmanship and learning to write cursive. The big Chief tablets with the big number two pencils were given to us. We had to practice every day. The teacher would correct our form and we would have to rewrite it, should it look sloppy. It made us a children slow down and pay attention to detail. This no longer holds true in most schools. I have seen the handwriting of second and third graders and I am so suprised at the lack of writing and spelling skills.
The hand and eye coordination is important. The art form of one’s signature has always been someones mark, saying I am he or she. It tells something about that person. How will this play out with forged documents? I believe it would be pure negligence to not teach penmanship and never teach cursive again.
There will come a time when we no longer will we have to ever mail a letter with a signed signature. We will no longer have the joy of opening a letter, sitting down to savor each word. We already email, or text. So much is going by the way side and it is sad to me. There is nothing we can do about it. It is called progress. We either hop on the train or be left the station. We are seeing a different generation taking the stage. I am afraid that so much is going to be lost.
Our family took a cursive test just for fun. It was amazing to see how much of the cursive was lost. Some had printed letters mixed with the cursive. Some of the letters were not proper cursive.
Family Cursive Test...Do we really remember?
I just asked my 5th grade granddaughter if she knew how to write in cursive. Her answer was no...She was not taught. She only knows how to draw a small "s". She passed her Taks with "commended performance" on all tests..Is this alarming or what.
My husband and I differ on this subject. He says, "Here is a good example, your grandma says to you, knowing you are having a family dinner. "Why are you not baking a pie?" You say, "I will just go to the store and buy one". Its all about convenience..I say fooey on convenience...
I leave you with this beautiful letter written so eloquently in the most beautiful handwriting. One day our children may no longer be able to read this document in its original form. I know important documents are transcribed now for us via the web but I just believe some things should not fall by the wayside.
Sunnie Day 2011 ©
Here's a little lesson in case your have forgotten your cursive...Enjoy!
Should you want to write the Department of Education concerning this issue? This is the address... From what I can tell and please correct me if I am wrong but each state may decide should they carry forth cursive handwriting skills. As long as the children are able to pass state mandated tests then there is no problem. This is the kicker...like I mentioned before. My granddaughter passed all her tests with high marks but cannot write one word in cursive. It has already been in place for a while. The argument still stands and many parents are not happy about this and many really did not know. A child can use a calculator with ease but has not learned to work the problem. I could not find a policy via the Education Dept in Washington web site nor did I find any petition...I will keep investigating the issue and will post more as I find it. In the mean time if this is a concern for you. A nice handwritten letter may be just what is needed to bring our concerns to the leaders in Washington. Thank you.
Department of Education Press Office, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, 7E-247, Washington, DC 20202.
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Well hello Sunnie,
I stopped back in and reread this after finishing Mckbirdbks' futuristic story that your hub inspired. It is amazing what is being dropped from our educational systems. That they teach only what is required to pass the test is unforgiveable. I understand the time restrictions etc. and as a child was all in favor of the teacher posting the answers so they could be memorized.
But in reality, we must teach children how to think for themselves. This is just a small chip off the educational iceberg eroding our sense of values and further deteriorating our communication skills.
Thank you Snakeslane for reading this..I was so shocked when I had heard about it..So glad you found your way here and leaving such a great comment. Wasn't Mike's story great? Hope you are doing well. Miss you all ...once all this moving is over, will not feel so far behind saying hello to everyone..Hugs my friend,
Sunnie
Hello Sunnie, this is a remarkable piece you've penned so eloquently on the neglected cursive. It is interesting to me that the test example your family used is actually a short verse used in typing tests, and it is used specifically so that every letter of the alphabet is struck on the keyboard to practise typing skills. (I took typing in high school, and this is the verse we used to practise over and over again.) I don't know if you noticed, but the letter 's' is missing from your example? The actual phrase is "The quick brown fox 'jumps' over the lazy dog". I know I am being a nit picker here, and not meaning to detract from the valuable insight of your excellent article, but the missing 's' would provide another example because that letter is so often miss-used (I do it myself out of laziness). I really enjoyed this Hub Sunnie, and found it through a link from Mckbirdbks sci-fi story inspired by this Hub. I am really shocked that handwriting is no longer taught in public schools, I had no idea! Good work Sunnie, for bringing this to our attention. Voted up and useful and awesome. Regards, snakeslane
Dear Faceless,
This is true..even adults such a myself need help in grammer..there is no excuse with all the educational resources, that a child should not be taught writing and reading skills at a very young age. Thank you for a great comment. I hope you continue to produce educational hubs!
Take care,
Sunnie
I echo and applaud your sentiments. I've noticed, as well, that English grammar has exited the building. It appears our language skills, generally, have gone the way of the Dodo. All we can do is, like you and other readers, become proactive and "teach our children well." We can write hubs to, in my case, inform others of correct grammar, and in your case, how to write in cursive. Great hub!
Hello Au fait,
That does not suprise me at all! I homeschooled my children in their younger years and it was such a special time. The schools where we were at the time were so horrible. My son was reading at 4. I loved that time and have such special memories. Thank you so much for stopping by..I am sure it was so tempting to let your daughter help those women..haha
Take care
Sunnie
If you look at my profile or read some of my hubs you will know that I home schooled my daughter. She learned penmanship and cursive. There was no calculator for school math. I wanted her to know how to do the math on paper with a pencil and how to do math in her head.
One day when my daughter was just 8 years old we were standing in line at the local J.C. Penney store. There was a long line of women waiting at the cash register and I thought it was because they were taking advantage of a sale going on. Turned out most of the women were waiting to ask the clerk what 10% off this price and that price were! Grown women who couldn't figure a simple 10% off the tag prices of the garments!!
I was so disgusted I told my daughter that she should tell them how much 10% off was because she knew at age 8 how to figure it out in her head. I didn't actually have her tell them because it would have embarrassed them (presumably), but it's pretty sad when people can no longer figure out a simple 10%.
Anyway, I'm with you. People need to know how to write in case a computer isn't available for communication, and people need to know how to do simple math in case the calculators aren't working or the electricity goes out. I really think we're too dependent on technology.
Great hub. Voting it UP and useful.
Dear Kate,
Thank you for your professional comment. I am really honored you took the time to read. Very interesting comment. ...Alot of things are hard to let go. Cursive to me was like American Apple Pie. It was so ingrained in most of us as kids..I had no idea it would be so simple to teach to read it without learning to write it..I am a hands on learner so that is just what makes sense to me..that is interesting...Penmenship does matter..and even that is not pushed..working as a school nurse, I have seen papers hanging in the hall with horrible skills. I just don't think the teachers have time to concentrate on penmenship. I guess with time we shall see..I am sure it will be lost but I still think it is one of those things that should be taught, if even at home..it is an art..just like learning spainish or something else.
Thank you so much for your input..
Sunnie
Handwriting matters ... But does cursive matter?
Research shows that the fastest and most legible handwriters avoid cursive. The highest speeds and highest legibility in handwriting occur when the writer /a/ joins only some letters, not all of them -- making the easiest joins, skipping the rest, and /b/ uses print-like shapes for those letters whose cursive and printed shapes disagree.
As a handwriting instruction/remediation professional, I regularly have to deal with those who are washouts from handwriting programs that emphasize cursive to the point of making it an idol. Reading cursive remains important -- yet this takes just 30 to 60 minutes to learn, and can be taught to a five- or six-year-old if the child knows how to read. The value of reading cursive is therefore no justification for writing it.
Remember this, too: despite what your elementary school teacher may have been told by her elementary school teacher, signatures in cursive have no special legal validity over signatures written in any other way. (Don't take my word for this: talk to any attorney.)
Kate Gladstone
Director, the World Handwriting Contest
Co-Designer, BETTER LETTERS handwriting instruction app for iPhone/iPad
Founder and CEO, Handwriting Repair/Handwriting That Works
I love to read a handwritten letter..written in lovely correct usage of cursive. Although in our modern world, with computers, hand held devices, and cell phones...why should the children of today need to write in cursive. they print or type(via computer, text)and seldom write by hand...if they are required to hand complete forms, they usually are required to print. AND if you notice,many of the children today do not print well, mixing the upper and lower case letters within single words...therefore printing incorrectly...yet they are taught this ever so briefly in school.Seems like we are not only losing cursive, but eventually writing by hand.
In many lower grades they have also stopped physical eduacation, and yet complain about childhood obesity. Another early school program wee had as youngsters in the 'olden days'. What next? Thanks Sunnie for reminding us parents to do what we can to properly educate our children at home...even though they go to school.
Hi Sharyn,
I know exactly what you are feeling..My mouth flew open as I listened to the news..it was such a shock..I had to let it sink in too..I wrote the hub and kept coming back editing, adding my thoughts, this and that, as the reality of it sunk in..The feedback is amazing..
You too my friend,
Sunnie
Hi Sunnie,
This is not something I heard about at all. Therefore, I had no reason to think about it. Now that I have . . . WHAT??? It just doesn't seem right to not teach this. I understand all the technology, etc. But still~ WHAT??? I AM bothered by this but not sure what to say. I have to let it sink in and think about it more. Thanks for bringing this to my attention and for all the great feedback you received also.
Have a great weekend!
Sharyn
Dear Terry and R Talloni,
Thank you for some great comments and I am standing amazed how this issue is effecting so many. You are right it is bigger than it seems. I hope it will spark something to not let this form of writing die..
God bless you both and thank you,
Sunnie
This issue is bigger than it seems when we first see it...thanks so much, Sunnie, for highlighting it in a hub. The facets are unfolding as input comes in. This last comment from TM adds more dimension to the issues related to not teaching handwriting.
One way we can encourage handwriting in our children is to help them write thank you notes, even for little things as opposed to just big gifts.
I have to say, I learned about the lack of cursive instruction a few years ago when my granddaughters entered third grade. At this time, our schools are still teaching it...but, the students are permitted to choose to do their homework by printing or computer printouts. Here's something really telltale:
My grandson was looking at something I had written. (I've always received comments about having beautiful handwriting) Noah stared at it and then looked up in awe. "Wow, Grammy! You write as good as the squiggly stuff on the computer!" He was referring to a script font. I was so saddened by his comment. His handwriting is atrocious and no one but myself and his parents seem to care.
In the 1930's, 40's, & 50's, our school systems decided that teaching advanced mathematics and science was a waste of time because it was believed that over 60% of the student body would never require its use in every day adult life. As a result, we are now struggling to overcome the affects of those long ago decisions. What will come to pass as a result of this one? These are the questions we need to be asking those who make monumental decisions which affect our children and the future of our country.
Thank Rtalloni, I will do just that..thanks for coming back and leaving this for me..Take care,
Sunnie
Hey Sunnie Day, You might like to check out the last point of kims3003 hub titled five bad habits that aren't. :)
Dear Talloni, Chatkath, and Bobbi,
Thank you all for some awesome comments. Appreciate your feedback so much..I am standing amazed how many did not know just as I did not either..We can carry the torch and teach our grandchildren and children..God bless you all.
Sunnie
Yes, I have a granddaughter who cannot spell to save her life. But then I guess who needs to spell when one can text the rest of their lives, much less have good handwriting. Great hub.
I am really out of it I guess, I wasn't aware of this at all Sunnie, that was actually something I really enjoyed in school - learning how to write cursive and then perfecting it...? "Sigh"....I guess it's like the spell check that I have become so dependent on - Why learn how to spell if there is an easier way? Although there is so much more involved with learning how to spell accurately and to read and write cursive - we are missing part of the learning process with many of these short cuts.
If it is indeed the case that we are replacing with more updated and useful curriculum then at least I could understand but I am not sure that this is the case.
I just hope that we don't experience a major power outage or a monster computer virus attack any time soon. Great topic Sunnie! Rated Up and VERY useful
So glad you posted this. Maybe parents and grandparents will take up the torch. Teaching penmanship could result in quality conversations that are so missing in family life today.
Here's something to think about:
Reading helps us learn to think.
Writing helps us learn to think beautifully.
Arithmetic helps us learn to think quickly.
Now, think about how important each of these is!
One of the problems of our society is that we are not teaching children to think, but just to follow the crowd to fit in. Don't you sometimes want to stand up on a soapbox and shout, "Think, people, think!"
Thank you Peg so much for an awesome comment..it was so alarming to me as well..please check out mcbirds hub he just published. It is a futuristic story concerning this very thing. I haven't been able to link it just yet..thanks so much for stopping by. Sunnie
Sunnie, I'm so out of touch with the educational system but your article has really woken me up. We are teaching our children to rely on devices rather than their own skills and mental aptitude. So sad and speaks to what we can expect in the years to come. Dumb and dumber.
I remember cursive lessons in school. The Zaner Bloser Method ABCs poster was displayed along the classroom walls. We were allowed to use a pen for the first time rather than the #2 pencils. Handwriting is a true expression of our inner character - just ask any handwriting analyst. I guess that will just be another career eliminated. How will we leave notes and our phone numbers to other drivers when we've bumped into their cars. Maybe we'll just leave a print-out or send them a tweet. Pooh.
Good Morning my dear friend,
Thanks for taking the time to read this..I was just so suprised..being a school nurse I did not see too much of the academic part..and all these years I did not know about they may not be teaching cursive but now that I look back..papers hung in the hall were printed. I appreciate your great comment and as always loved that you took the time to stop by.Wishing you a glorious day. Take care,
Big Hug,
Sunnie
A very good morning to you (Sunnie) what a wonderful topic and issue you have chosen to discuss... Approximately 2 years ago I saw firsthand how teachers were behaving in the classrooms--I was a teacher's Assistant--very alarmed I was. The teacher mostly sat in front of a computer, she was wearing a microphone and headpiece..the classroom was in utter chaos--kids talking loudly to each other, she simply had learned the art of ignoring and was doing her thing on the computer--reminded me of trying to talk to my teens when they were engrossed with whatever chat they were on... It was infuriating--this convenience thing is our ruination...No cursive writing? That's just one more way to create the need to (purchase) the new tools on the market--so sickening!!! Thanks for sharing this info, I am not surprised, but I am certainly disgusted...and you are right there is nothing we can do except to wish with everything that money could be abolished!!! Have a wonderful day my friend, thanks for sharing this important info, Mm
Dear Will and Mary,
It was a surprise to me...I heard it on the news and watched dumbfounded, then I turned to my granddaughter who is visiting and she told me she was not taught cursive and only knows how to do the little "s"...I could not believe it.. I have some teacher friends and plan on asking them about it. I don't know if Texas has stopped teaching or certain school districts...I just don't know all the ends and out...what else they will decide is not longer valid..Already music and art is at risk, what next History? Spelling tests are used hardly...even for me...I use spell check like most and I am getting worse as I have depended on this verses learning the correct spelling..Society does not want to slow down...rush rush rush...Everything has to be convenient...I just was shocked as you.
Thanks guys for much for stopping by,
Sunnie
I'm not surprised at all and I don't know if my kids were taught this either. Seriously, when is the last time one of us wrote a letter in long hand and mailed it to a friend or family member? With computers, email, txting, Facebook, who needs to buy a book of stamps for anything? I think we are all losing out...not just the kids. Great hub Sunnie.
This is all news to me! I had no idea.
Dusty thanks for the video,
I had to add this to the hub..it is perfect. Thanks so much.
Sunnie
Dear Dave, Cardisa, Dusty, Hyphenbird, and Taylor Shaw,
I am so honored and thankful that you all have responded so concerned over this issue..I knew in my heart there had to be more than myself distraught over this. I am unsure at this point how to change this within the public schools unless a petition goes out of some kind to the Educational dept in Washington. I will do some more research and see if this is something we can jump on board with..I personaly think it is very important..it is part of us..and it something that should never be loss. I thank you all so much for your great comments. I will get back to you and post a link if I can find one on this page. God bless,
Sunnie
My son and I are already practicing cursive and will be all summer. He is going into third grade next year. Now I wonder if he will even need it for school. Even if not, I want him to know how to read and write cursive. He can read it pretty well after only a few lessons. I also wonder what else will soon be considered unnecessary soon?
Sunnie, it's shameful what they don't teach, they have dummed down our descendents toward failure. I studied and have an AA in mechanical engineering and drafting. It was a field that was meticulous that required extremely accurate pencil skills, though cursive was not used, exacting style printing was, we were taught to rotate a pencil while drawing lines and printing to keep all lines of design or description of equal thickness my 1k drawing set has been replaced by CAD programs and I see no pride in the works produced today. We are computerizing people into the unemployment lines and reducing things to a push button all are even in ability as long as their computers are up to date, so long brain we don't need you any more. So the jokes on the "Jetsons" cartoons of a tough 4 hour day of pushing a button are no longer jokes. We might as well toss this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izQB2-Kmiic
into the fact column..... dust
This IS a shame beyong belief. I was discussing this matter just recently with another adult and we were appaled that this country simply no longer cares how educated our precious children are. It does not take a lot of time to teach a child cursive. I was born and raised i the midwest and we began learning cursive in 1st grade. By 2nd grade we had to turn in papers in all cursive and by 3rd grade ALL work must had been done in cursive except math.
When my teachers taught me the alphebet, they taught the cursive alphebet right along with it. It did not take long for each child to learn it. There was nothing difficult about it.
But us parents have more control over this matter than we think. For one, we are our child's biggest teacher and can sit them down and teach them ourselves if need be.
I have had instances where I have seen my daughter using a calculator for math homework. She said the teachers allow it. Well the teachers may allow it but I do not. when she is home, She must do her math on paper and use her mind to do her work. I buy flash cards to teach her to come to answers quickly.
I had no idea they had already made the final decision to stop cursive in the class room, this is simply appalling.
If you have sites that we can go to to protest this to our government, please post them. I will happily send them a NO THANK YOU note on their choice.
Hi Sunnie, it's so sad that we aim to be so dependent on technology that we lose what is so basic yet important.
Do you know I write most my stories and poems by hand before posting them. I still love to write letters to my mother even though we correspond through emails.
Thanks for informing us about such educational blunder.
Sunnie: It appears to me that the three basics taught in public school Reading Writing and Arithmetic, have been whittled down to only reading. It started with arithemetic when schools permitted calculators. Now laptops and notebooks have done away with writing skills, heck you don't even need to know how to do grammar or spell, because the computer can do this for you. Fortunately though, one still has to know how to read.
Oneday possibly a child will take a pill that will fill their mind with knowledge on this that or the other, and reading will also become obsolete.
50 years ago when I went to public school, we did
mid-term and final exams,and were graded upon our daily homework as well as our test scores.
The other day I was chatting with one of the youth I coach in voice, a young grade 8 girl, and I asked her if she was prepared for her final tests. She responded to me that they did no tests, and that her year-end mark was based upon attendance, class participation and homework assignments. Heck all she had to do was showup for class, do her homework, or copy someone's and raise her hand to prove a willingness to participate and she could pass her year. Kinda makes you wonder if these kids today are being educated or not.
Dear Sunshine,
You are so right..it has enhanced our lives in so many ways but at the same time has taken away some very basic things such as talking and conversating over the phone..we text..and even the joy of reading a hand written letter..more personel..I guess it is change..and so much is good but then there is a loss too. .I agree I am afraid we do not have any choice..My mom doesn't have a camera phone or text nor a computer..she says she just can not learn it..she tried once..so alot of times she is left out of the loop as the kids post pictures to face book, send a quick text but forget she does not have these things..so if we do not stop and take the time to show her pictures or call..she would be lost..it is sad to me..Thank you so much for reading and writing a great comment.
Take care,
Sunnie
Modern technology has enhanced our way of life in ways we never would have imagined but in the process it's also taken away some of what we were used to. Change. We gotta love it, we have no other choice :)
Dear uninvited writer,
I should not be suprised, but that is good to hear..I think you are right..parents will have to carry the torch and that is okay..just as long as someone carries it I think..Thanks so much for stopping by.
Sunnie
Hi Janet,
Yes these are the things that ran through my mind that you mentiones. It was important. It taught us something beyond the act of writing. Slow down, do a good job, patience..practice...Thanks so much for reading..Hope you have a great day.
SUnnie
Hi Sunshine,
You are so right...lol...you know I looked for a cursive writing on the font..something normal looking type of cursive..could not find one..that was weird..they had everything but..Thanks for reading and stopping by..
God Bless,
Sunnie
Hi Sunnie...it's become all about the font. Great hub!!!
Good morning,Sunnie...I am not surprised that they have taken it out of the schools.I must say,though,that I am disappointed.We were taught the value of 'good penmanship',and I use it when handwriting a letter, etc..
Such a shame! I remember struggling to have great penmanship! And I did and still do! Thanks for sharing!
Janet
I guess it's up to the parents to teach it. There are iPad apps that teach cursive.
Thank you Eiddwen
I really hate the thought of our grandchildren not knowing this...Algebra is still taught but rarely used, you brought up a good point about classics...what about learning foreign languages..so much we can't let fall by the way side..I was just shocked..I am so far behind..lol
Thanks Eiddwen..
God Bless,
Sunnie
I really do agree with you Sunnie. My older children were taught double (cursive) writing but the younger ones weren't.
I can even today remember being taught how to write in 'double writing' plus also taught how to write using a fountain pen as well as pens and pencils. Oh for the good old days !!
I loved this one and as always vote up and up !!
Take care
Eiddwen.
Sadly my grandchildren are not taught to write in this way either. How sad to lose this form of writing,and I can see the future looming !!!
Less emphasis on handwriting and more on the use of a computer.
No reading all the classic children's books, read from electronic books.
I could carry on and on here.
Dear SubRon, Mck, Dexter, and A.A.
Forgive me for writing all one message this morning but want to answer before I leave out..I think you guys hit it on the mark...worldwide computer viruses very likely, Correspondence is so personal, money spent on stupid stuff but not on cursive, our academics in big trouble...all these things should count for something..I know for me...I am going to push my older children to teach their children this art should it not be lost and I am going to take the time to write, reestablish my cursive that is rusty so I may pass it on...such a small thing I know that was taken for granted but on the brink of extinction, it cannot be lost...Thank you all for commenting..I know now I was not walking the house yesterday rambling about something that was not important because from the comments, it is still very important...
God Bless you,
I had no idea. My handwriting is terrible, but I do remember having to write in cursive. Hand writing is like a silent part of your personality. Without it, you lose a facet of yourself. How awful it would be for a soldier in Iraq/Afghanistan to get a computer printed letter or card. Handwriting adds the magic to any correspondence.
WHAT? We can't even afford cursive! The flamboyant expression which can be made part of the writer's message. What a future electronic books, no cursive, ten or so readers out of each hundred.
Oh, don't get me started :)
Great, great hub! I was taught cursive writing and still enjoy it. I think it is a beautiful way to express oneself and style in written form. Unfortunately, younger folks today text and such and many can't spell correctly. Should teachers not teach algebra since many of us don't use it on a daily basis?
Academically, this nation is in trouble. I long for the days when things were much simpler! Bring cursive writing back!!! lol Great one, Sunnie!
Quite a collection of comments, Sunnie Day. I read only part of the first one, and I agree with you. And now may I offer something that could be frightening, at least to some? All we need is the Mother of all computer viruses to come along. We are so interconnected, worldwide, that it may only be a matter of time until that "Mother" attacks, but I won't speculate about what exactly could happen...that's for someone smarter than me.
I guess living in Texas we were maybe slower in dropping this teaching as my kids were taught it..Ga just now letting it go..I guess you are right..it is a dying art..I don't know why it makes me sad..I told my husband it is like learning art but never learning about the great artist of the past...I guess it will be up to the parents,,if they still know how to properly write it..to teach their children..after seeing our family test..I am wondering if that is even possible..so much has been lost already.
Thanks Pamela so much for taking the time to read..I feel like I am the last to know about this..feel kind of silly..lol
Sunnie
I'm not surprised. My 29 and 26 year old sons don't write cursive. They only had like a week of it in elementary school and even when they sign their name it's a form of printing. It's a dying art.
Ahhhh happy boomer nurse..I just love your comment..You brought up a very valid point..I remember working at the hospital trying to read the Dr.s orders..it was no fun having to call him to tell me what he ordered because I could not read his handwriting..the keepsake is what I mean too..something about a letter handwritten..for one it took time to write and send something as special as a letter, meant some heart went into it.. ..and you are right preserves well..Thank you so much for reading.
God Bless,
Sunnie
I have kept a handwritten letter that was sent to me in 1964 by a boy(friend) who was then 11 years old.
The last sentence reads, "My handwriting isn't so good because I'm going to be a doctor."
I don't know if he ever fulfilled his childhood dream, as we later lost all contact, but I do know that most doctors that I worked with in my 37 years of nursing had terrible penmenship, which made "deciphering" their orders difficult and potentially hazardous to the health of their patients!
So, for medical, legal, financial, etc. communications I think computers and print-outs are great.
But for sentimental reasons, a handwitten letter that can be carefully preserved throughout the years is a wonderful keepsake to have. A printout is simply not the same. The main reason I saved that little boy's letter was because he signed it "Love" then lightly crossed out the word, Love, and wrote, Your Friend, Ben. In the era of emails I'm sure that all important word, "Love" would have been deleted, but back in the day it was a letter that made my 11 year old heart leap with joy.
Hi there Painted Seahorse,
It really does make you think..I guess I have been alittle behind in the times..Thanks so much for reading today. Have a great evening.
Sunnie
I'm glad they were still teaching cursive when I was in school! I guess this was just before electronics took over every facet of our lives! Good hub, makes us think.
I was suprised as my children, the youngest being 22 was taught cursive..I just was shocked at hearing this on the news and to have it only confirmed with my granddaugher. I agree J.S. What happens should systems fail? Always good to know both I think.
Thank You Old Poolman, J.S. MAtthew and Krysanthe for reading and your great comments.
Sunnie
It's not surprising. What a horrible element of education to leave out of the curriculum. It's sad that our future will not be able to read and write without the use of electronics. What would happen if there was a major catastrophe and there was no electricity for a long time? How would they communicate? Very sad. I am glad that you are sharing this because people need to know this is happening. Great Hub!
JSMatthew~
The demise of cursive writing is a fact. None of my high school aged grandchildren can read or write cursive. It has not been taught for some time in most public schools. I think this is a shame but we can thank our school system for this.
Very interesting. In all actuality how often do you use cursive? I don't, except for my signature. *shrugs* Seems like a good idea to me to bump it out of the curriculm for something more useful. I will say though, in the good ol' state of Illinois, they still teach it in third grade.
Sunnie Day Hub Author 3 weeks ago
Hi Peg, My fellow Texas friend,
Thank you for reading..I was shocked at this news as well..Take care and have a blessed day,
Sunnie