The Sun Journal editorial, “New ways to write right, but not in cursive” on Aug. 6 was a true disappointment to read. As a district, state and country, we are choosing to turn a blind eye to the fact that technology has impacted print and cursive handwriting. Test scores demonstrate this time and time again.
Is technology the end-all, be-all? Absolutely not.
Significant research proves how fundamental it is for children to develop fine motor skills, which is not done with an iPad or laptop.
As adults, we are successful due to having developmental skills taught to us in the primary grades. We are doing a great disservice to our younger generations by not allowing them the same developmental opportunities we were given.
Is it really any wonder why we have seen an increase in sensory issues with children? Why special education departments’ umbrellas continue to grow each year with individualized educational plans?
Society is pressuring students to produce more, yet we are taking away basic needs of which they need to succeed, cursive handwriting being one. Tied with elimination of recess and physical education and you have a recipe for student failure. But let me stick with cursive writing first.
With all the research out there that proves cursive handwriting supports a child’s success, why take it away?
Research has proven that when children are taught correct cursive handwriting, they use both spheres of the brain. The spheres of the brain must work together to produce results. That is not possible for a piece of technology or print handwriting to accomplish.
Students are more apt to have higher confidence, stronger creative skill set, increased long-term memory and better grades. Isn’t this what we want for the future of the children? If it is, then why are we settling for less and taking the easy way out?
The Common Core standards for K-5 education does not include cursive handwriting. It is up to school districts whether to add cursive to an already taxing curriculum for students.
The Common Core would like each student to be “career and college ready” and be “a deep thinker.” I believe brain development is critical for students to meet the standards within the Common Core. Cursive writing is a stepping stone for students to meet and exceed those standards.
I encourage the public to become involved. If you are a grandparent, teach your grandchildren cursive writing. If you are a parent and you feel handwriting is critical, please, teach your children.
It will be a very sad day when we have children walking through museums who are unable to read the penmanship of soldiers, inventors, world leaders, poets and authors.
Tracey Levesque, Auburn, Auburn School Committee, Ward 4
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