Monday, March 31, 2014

IS CURSIVE WRITING A THING OF THE PAST?



The absence of cursive writing being taught and used in schools is disheartening to me, so I wanted to share my thoughts and ask you for yours. I realized after reading responses on a Facebook status that many hadn't thought or asked about it, while others were as saddened as I am.  Children are asking their parents to read cursive writing  to them. If this doesn't move you, I don't know what will.

Some schools teach cursive in the first year or two of school, but the children and young people are not using it because of computers.  If you have young children in school, what have your experiences been?

I am learning copperplate
calligraphy now and have realized that some may never be able to read what I write. Many of this generation will not be able to read the Constitution!


This reminded me of a paper I wrote in college about literacy.  In my presentation, I held up a poster written in a foreign language, explaining to the class that those who could not read felt exactly as my classmates felt when they saw this writing.  This is what our children and grandchildren will feel when attempting to read the writing of past generations.

Lets take it a step further.  How are postal workers and others responsible for the delivery of mail and packages going to be able to read mail? It real, really, really bothers me.

I also have personal reasons for my concern over this.  I believe that a handwritten note means a lot to  many of us.  Are handwritten thank-you-notes and letters headed for a slow death?  We can't let this happen.

If you follow my blog you know that I love beautiful stationery, pens, wax, seals, and of course, cursive writing. I learned to write cursive in first grade, and papers written soon after were written with a fountain pen with blue ink. I can't imagine that this generation is not embracing the art of writing.


What are your thoughts on this?


For those of you interested and would like to help your children or grandchildren learn to write cursive, I believe you will find this LINK helpful.  You would be teaching your children a valuable skill.

 For blog posts on stationery and writing, follow the link here and here.

To advertise with Splendid Sass, visit here, or contact me at splendidsass@gmail.com





IF YOU MISSED
photo signature_zps513df16d.png
Posted by Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass at 5:30 AM 23 comments
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )