A young girl, only seven years old, returned home with an unexpected note from her teacher regarding her classwork: “Cease writing your name in cursive. You have received multiple warnings.” Really? When did it become inappropriate to sign one’s name in cursive? Interestingly, the teacher even began her message in cursive, which adds a layer of irony to the situation.
Her mother had invested time in teaching her daughter this skill, likely never anticipating it would lead to a reprimand at school. The reason behind the teacher’s disapproval could vary: perhaps the school prefers students to master print before cursive, or maybe cursive isn’t part of the current curriculum. The note implies that while she may be printing the rest of her work, she’s simply showcasing a new ability her mom helped her develop.
It seems unreasonable to penalize a child for advancing at her own pace. Cursive writing is a legitimate way to sign one’s name. Why discourage her? While it’s clear that teachers appreciate compliance, banning cursive writing seems like an unnecessary rule. Sometimes, rules are meant to be challenged.
The Cursive Debate
The topic of cursive education has sparked a “cursive debate” among educators and parents. Some view it as an essential skill, while others consider it obsolete in our digital age. With the prevalence of computers, some argue that cursive writing is no longer relevant. I disagree. Understanding cursive allows children to read historical documents, like the Constitution. Why should we undervalue the importance of literacy? Just because I don’t use long division on a daily basis doesn’t mean I’m not grateful I learned it. Many skills acquired throughout education may seem trivial, yet they enrich our knowledge base.
If my children don’t receive cursive instruction in school, I’ll be sure to teach them myself. I sincerely hope that schools in New York continue to emphasize cursive education, as my own handwriting leaves much to be desired.
Further Reading
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In summary, a seven-year-old girl faced reprimand for proudly using her cursive writing skills. This incident raises larger questions about the relevance of cursive education in today’s schools and highlights the importance of encouraging children to embrace their learning journeys.