A seven-year-old girl recently returned home with an unexpected note from her teacher regarding her use of cursive: “Stop writing your name in cursive. You have had several warnings.” This raises an interesting question: since when is it inappropriate for a child to sign their name in cursive? Ironically, the teacher herself appeared to begin her note in cursive, which adds a humorous twist to the situation.
The girl’s mother had taken the time to teach her cursive, likely not anticipating that it would lead to a reprimand at school. There could be various reasons behind the teacher’s directive: perhaps the school has a policy against cursive until students are formally instructed, or maybe cursive is no longer part of the curriculum. It’s also possible that the girl is still mastering print and the teacher prefers consistency in her assignments. The note specifies “stop writing your name in cursive,” suggesting that the rest of her work may indeed be in print. It’s understandable that the child would want to showcase her new skill, especially one learned from her mother.
Reprimanding a child for advancing their skills faster than peers seems unreasonable. Signing one’s name in cursive is a legitimate practice, and there shouldn’t be any obstacles preventing her from doing so. It’s possible that teachers prefer adherence to guidelines, but restricting a child’s ability to express themselves in cursive feels like an unnecessary limitation.
The Relevance of Cursive in the Digital Age
Interestingly, there is an ongoing debate about the relevance of cursive writing in today’s digital age. Some argue that cursive is essential, while others believe it is outdated and that time should be allocated to more practical subjects. Given our reliance on computers over pens, many question the necessity of cursive writing. However, I maintain that children should be equipped to read any written English document, including historical texts like the Constitution. Why should we undervalue the significance of written language? While I may not frequently use long division, I appreciate the knowledge I gained in school. Much of what I learned serves me well in various contexts, including trivia games.
If my children do not receive cursive instruction in school, I will ensure they learn it at home. However, I sincerely hope that schools continue to teach this valuable skill, as my own cursive writing leaves much to be desired.
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Conclusion
In summary, while the debate around cursive writing continues, it is crucial to recognize the importance of teaching children various skills, including cursive. It empowers them to engage with a broader range of written material, enhancing their overall literacy.