Let's Write Cursive!

I know this topic stirs up mixed reviews! This picture was shared in one of my genealogy groups and it speaks volumes. I can recall a conversation I heard recently between two relatives concerning the topic of cursive writing. One was completely shocked to know that their children didn't know cursive and that they didn't teach cursive writing in school anymore. The other thought cursive writing served no purpose and that it was completely unnecessary. I didn't think too much about it until one night I was doing some research and the light bulb went off - if they can't write in cursive, they can't read cursive writing either! That means they can't read historical documents (like the Declaration of Independence), census documents and other records of value pertaining to family history, and letters or cards from grandparents - because I'm pretty sure your grandparents are of the generation who still writes in cursive (even some of those aunts and uncles too!). Cursive even allows you to have your own unique mark! Some argue that cursive is something you never use...well...algebra isn't used everyday either but it's still learned. I asked one of my nieces the other day if she knew how to write in cursive. She thought for a moment and shook her head no. Finally she said "I don't really know cursive, but I do know how to write my name in cursive...so I can only recognize the letters in my name in cursive." So, since I've been dubbed as our family historian I'm going to make a conscious effort to help the kids in my family learn cursive so they can understand, appreciate, enjoy all these records of significance! Whether or not cursive is taught in the schools is up to the educators, but you can do your part by helping the next generations in your family learn it. And if you'd like a few more reasons, check out this article Five Reasons Kids Should Still Learn Cursive Writing. A cursive writing lesson would be fun for a Family Friday night (hint, hint)!

Happy Writing! :-)