Should Schools Teach Cursive?

Shutterstock.com (paper background); Dean MacAdam (cursive illustration); Debate photos courtesy of families

Reading, writing, math . . . cursive? Though many schools stopped teaching cursive over the years, it’s making a comeback. Starting this year in Texas, elementary school students will be taught the flowing form of handwriting, also known as script. By the time they’re in fourth grade, kids will be required to complete some assignments in cursive.

Many people say reading and writing cursive are skills all kids should learn. If they don’t, they won’t be able to read historical documents, like the U.S. Constitution, or sign their names.

But others argue that teachers shouldn’t waste time teaching script since kids will hardly use it. Instead, they think teachers should focus valuable class time on subjects like math and science, or teach kids more useful skills, like coding.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Cursive may look old-fashioned, but it’s still necessary. If you didn’t know how to write script, how would you sign your name to a check or a birthday card? And if your parents write in cursive, like mine do, you should be able to read their notes!

Writing in cursive is also faster than printing. Instead of lifting and lowering your pencil, you use continuous loops to connect the letters.

I don’t know how to write in cursive, but it’s not a problem. I print, which is the more common way to write. Plus, all of my friends and I type on computers or tablets most of the time anyway. Why waste class time on learning an outdated form of writing?

If kids want to learn cursive, they should do it on their own time, as my sister did. They even have websites and camps to teach kids the skill.

What does your class think?
Should schools teach cursive?
Please enter a valid number of votes for one class to proceed.
Should schools teach cursive?
Please select an answer to vote.
Should schools teach cursive?
0%
0votes
{{result.answer}}
Total Votes: 0
Thank you for voting!
Sorry, an error occurred and your vote could not be processed. Please try again later.
Skills Sheets (1)
Text-to-Speech