Should cursive writing still be taught in schools?

Should Cursive Writing Still Be Taught in Schools?

Cursive writing was once a fundamental skill taught in schools across Canada, but in recent years, it has been gradually removed from many curriculums. With the rise of digital technology and keyboard-based learning, many educators and parents are debating whether cursive writing is still relevant in today’s world. Some argue that it is an essential skill that helps with cognitive development and historical literacy, while others believe that time spent on cursive could be better used on other subjects.

So, should cursive writing still be taught in schools? Let’s explore the benefits, drawbacks, and what Canadian parents and educators think about this ongoing debate.

The Decline of Cursive Writing in Canadian Schools

Over the past few decades, the focus in education has shifted toward technology-based learning. Many provinces have removed cursive writing from their required curriculum or have significantly reduced the time spent teaching it. Some students now go through school without ever learning how to write or read cursive.

Despite this shift, some provinces, such as Ontario, have recently reintroduced cursive writing into the curriculum, recognizing its cognitive and historical value. This move has reignited the discussion on whether cursive writing should be a mandatory skill for students across Canada.

The Benefits of Teaching Cursive Writing

While some may see cursive writing as outdated, research and experience show that it offers several benefits:

1. Improved Fine Motor Skills

Writing in cursive requires greater hand-eye coordination than printing or typing. This can help young students develop fine motor skills, which are important for tasks like writing, drawing, and even playing musical instruments.

2. Better Handwriting Speed and Efficiency

Cursive writing allows for faster, smoother writing because the letters are connected. Once mastered, students can write more efficiently, which is especially useful for taking notes in school.

3. Increased Cognitive Development

Studies suggest that learning cursive writing engages multiple areas of the brain. It improves memory retention, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive development in ways that typing on a keyboard does not.

4. Ability to Read Historical Documents

Much of Canada’s historical documents, including letters, legal documents, and old manuscripts, are written in cursive. Without learning cursive, students may struggle to read primary historical sources, losing a direct connection to the past.

5. Supports Dyslexic Learners

Cursive writing has been found to help students with dyslexia by reducing letter reversals and improving their reading and writing fluency. Some educators believe that removing cursive from schools could make learning more difficult for children with learning disabilities.

Arguments Against Teaching Cursive Writing

Despite its benefits, there are also valid reasons why some believe cursive writing should no longer be a required skill in Canadian schools:

1. Digital Skills Are More Important

In today’s world, students spend more time typing than writing by hand. Some educators argue that schools should focus more on teaching keyboarding skills, coding, and other digital literacy topics rather than cursive.

2. Time Could Be Spent on Other Subjects

With limited classroom time, teachers have to prioritize essential subjects like math, science, and reading. Some believe that cursive writing is not necessary and that time spent teaching it could be better used for subjects with more practical applications.

3. Many Students Won’t Use It

Many people rarely use cursive writing outside of school. Most forms of communication, including emails, assignments, and even legal documents, are now typed. If students don’t need cursive in their daily lives, should it still be a mandatory skill?

4. It’s No Longer Necessary for Signatures

A common argument for cursive writing is that students need it for signatures. However, with the rise of electronic signatures and digital verification, traditional cursive signatures are becoming less relevant.

What Do Canadian Parents and Educators Think?

The debate over cursive writing continues among parents, teachers, and education experts. Some believe it should be reintroduced into all schools, while others think it should remain optional.

Supporters of cursive writing argue that:

• It enhances cognitive development and creativity.

• It’s a valuable skill for reading historical documents.

• It helps students develop better handwriting overall.

Opponents of cursive writing believe that:

• Schools should focus on modern skills like coding and digital literacy.

• Most students won’t use cursive writing in their future careers.

• There isn’t enough classroom time to prioritize cursive writing over other subjects.

  
  

Should Cursive Writing Be Required in Canadian Schools?

The decision on whether to include cursive writing in the school curriculum varies across Canada. Some provinces are bringing it back, while others are leaving it out entirely. Ultimately, the question comes down to what skills educators and parents believe are most important for students to learn in the 21st century.

If cursive writing is to remain relevant, it may need to be integrated with modern learning strategies, rather than being taught as a standalone subject. Perhaps a balanced approach—teaching students basic cursive skills while also prioritizing digital literacy—could be the best way forward.

What do you think? Should cursive writing still be taught in Canadian schools? Share your thoughts in the poll and see what other members are saying!