A student writes cursive words apple, ball, cat, dog, and egg on lined paper

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Standards

Keeping Cursive Alive

Does cursive writing seem like a secret code to you? If so, you’re not alone. E’lon Hamilton noticed that many kids didn’t know how to read or write in cursive. So he decided to help his friends learn the “lost” skill.

Last year, in fourth grade, E’lon started a club called Cursive for Kids. Once a week, he met with a group of kids at West Mound Elementary in Columbus, Ohio. He spent lunchtime teaching them how to write in cursive.

“It’s a very important skill,” E’lon says. “You’re going to need it for a lot of things when you grow up.”

E’lon’s club isn’t the only one of its kind. Across the U.S., students are joining similar groups in schools and libraries. 

Cursive Comeback

Cursive, also known as script, was once taught in most schools. But as testing started to go digital, schools spent more time teaching computer skills. Cursive instruction slowly faded away.

That’s beginning to change. In January, New Jersey passed a law that requires third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders to learn cursive in school. Now 27 states have laws that make teaching cursive in schools mandatory. That’s up from 14 states a decade ago.

Supporters say that’s a good thing. People need to know cursive to sign their names and read historic documents. 

E’lon agrees. He plans to continue his club this year. He says he enjoys watching kids help each other learn the flowing form of handwriting.

“I like seeing them inspire one another,” E’lon says.

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