5 Reasons to Learn Cursive Writing

Why learn cursive writing? Well, as an American, the Constitution is written in cursive. And, Grandma’s letters are written in cursive!

Actually, there are many reasons to love cursive writing. The art of cursive writing took a big step back several years ago in many school systems. Recently, it has made a comeback not only public school but also homeschooling. That’s because it’s been proven that cursive writing helps students develop in many different ways besides simply writing pretty. Here are 5 reasons to learn cursive writing.

Reasons to Learn Cursive Writing

It’s been proven to stimulate and challenge different parts of the brain, where typing and writing in block form, simply do not do. Check out these 5 reasons why your children need to learn cursive writing.  

Assists with Overall Handwriting

Writing in cursive improves your child’s overall handwriting. Over time, it also builds on how well they read it. A much higher concentration level is required when writing in cursive versus writing in print (and even typing.)  Want to test this theory? Use engaging, yet comprehensive handwriting printables for your learner to learn about a subject like National Parks, all while learning cursive! 

Helps with Spelling

Did you know that people who use cursive writing tend to spell words more accurately? It’s true. This is because when you write in cursive, you think of the word in terms of how it connects the letters through muscle memory. This process continuously polishes spelling skills.

Ultimately, you think of the word as a single unit. This is similar to how pianists learn hand placement to play several notes at one time, through repetition.   

Improves Legibility

Cursive writing also refines motor skills which in turn helps improve legibility. This happens because the action affects parts of the brain that printing or typing simply doesn’t touch. Meanwhile, your child is also learning how hard to press down on the paper. Creativity is also grown by these movements.  

It requires more concentration to form the letters, leaving lovely results. When your child’s handwriting becomes more legible, their confidence in other areas of academics imroves as well.    

Helps Remember Concepts

As mentioned, another benefit of writing in cursive is the greater ability to remember concepts. Why? It teaches the brain to sync both hemispheres of itself, which does not happen in print handwriting. 

This actually helps with a child’s memory and other areas of thinking more than we may realize. It’s important to challenge and strengthen your child’s brain through exercises like cursive writing. Imagine how many concepts your child can learn while studying all 50 states in cursive! 

Support Ability to Write Faster

Writing in cursive is proven to be simply faster than writing in print. It’s easy to see that less time is spent lifting and lowering the pencil. Instead,  you write words continuously. This is especially true when children and adults become fluent with it.  

Do you find yourself wanting your son or daughter to learn cursive? There are so many options out there for teaching cursive. Our Learning Shoppe has an entire series built around cursive handwriting printables. Do you know of any other reasons why learning to write in cursive is important? I’d love to hear from you.  

Mary Beth Goff is a Christian homeschool mom who loves to have the wheels rolling under her family’s feet. She felt the call to hit the road and travel across America for an adventure of a lifetime with her kids. She loves incorporating nature, our National Parks and out-of-the-way spots. Her love of history has field many road trips including all of Laura Ingalls Wilder home places. Mary Beth’s passion is sharing the beauty and education offered by exploring America’s backyard. She is the creator of the educational website Road Trip Teacher, writer at Diary of a Road Mom, and co-founder of the Roadschool Moms podcast.