Yes, I took pride in my handwriting. I still get compliments on my signature, even on those electronic credit card thingies. Someone is going to bring down a satellite or two someday and we'll all need to know how to write, add, subtract and so on without aid of computers. Knowing how to use technology is wonderful. Knowing how to function without it is also wonderful. I'm not advocating making fire with two sticks, but you should be able to do basic math in your head, and write your name so that is more than an illegible scrawl.
How else are kids going to learn how to sign their signature? Noticing more and more people are printing their name on the signature line at my job. SMH
It's still the fastest way to take written notes with a pencil/pen if a tablet/computer isn't handy.
Also, what about all those legal contracts from yesteryear written in script? When the last person who can read cursive dies, what about interpreting those documents?
It blows my mind that the schools are getting rid of it. It was a HUGE grade school memory learning to meticulously write all of the letters. IMO, with cursive, the writing flow is better for some of us. Obviously my grammar courses didn't stick, though.
For the most part here in Connecticut, they don't teach it. They don't care whether or not kids even have decent print skills anymore. I know this, because my oldest (who is 14) has atrocious handwriting. His print looks like a third graders did way back when I was a child, and they did NOT teach him how to write in cursive. My younger son lucked out last year, and got an older teacher, who did take the time to teach her class how to write in cursive. His cursive writing is absolutely beautiful. He also learned more last year than just how to pass the standardized tests most school stress now. I am truly grateful that he had Ms. Vodola.
For the most part here in Connecticut, they don't teach it. They don't care whether or not kids even have decent print skills anymore. I know this, because my oldest (who is 14) has atrocious handwriting. His print looks like a third graders did way back when I was a child, and they did NOT teach him how to write in cursive. My younger son lucked out last year, and got an older teacher, who did take the time to teach her class how to write in cursive. His cursive writing is absolutely beautiful. He also learned more last year than just how to pass the standardized tests most school stress now. I am truly grateful that he had Ms. Vodola.
Since our intelligence peaked around the time it was invented, I'd say so. My 22 year old sisters 'forgot how to write' at a summer wedding a few years back, when asked to write in a guest book. One of them works for Goldman Sachs now.
Agree with you Mindy. I don't understand all of this focus on standardized testing. These kids just cram for tests and then forget everything. So many of my piano students - and these are usually the kids who are at the top of their class - tell me how boring school is. It is so very sad, IMHO.
Susan the focus on standardized testing isn't so much to make sure the kids are up to speed but rather to make sure the teachers are doing their job IMHO. Pathetic huh? No child left behind and no suck ass teachers fired either. And trust me I am on the side of the teachers. As Mindy pointed out they exist and parents are well aware of who they are.
Enty....Why don't you do a "Your Turn" asking your readers and commenters for a good topic for "Your Turn". Obviously you've run out of ideas and are recycling every 6-8 weeks. And no I don't have a class ring anymore. (Insert Bronx Cheer here)
I really think the less swearing everywhere, the better.
ReplyDeleteAnother repeat huh?
ReplyDeleteIt's repetitive.
ReplyDeleteBwahahahaha @Seven! This has become my new favorite activity ;)
DeleteCursive - yes, teach it. Writing should not become a lost art.
Nope. Writing and literacy are for chumps and entertainment lawyers. Move on to Today's Blind!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCursive or not, my handwriting looks like chicken scratch :/
ReplyDeleteAs a lefty , my writing leans anyway. It might as well connect
ReplyDeleteYes, I took pride in my handwriting. I still get compliments on my signature, even on those electronic credit card thingies.
ReplyDeleteSomeone is going to bring down a satellite or two someday and we'll all need to know how to write, add, subtract and so on without aid of computers.
Knowing how to use technology is wonderful. Knowing how to function without it is also wonderful. I'm not advocating making fire with two sticks, but you should be able to do basic math in your head, and write your name so that is more than an illegible scrawl.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHow else are kids going to learn how to sign their signature?
ReplyDeleteNoticing more and more people are printing their name on the signature line at my job. SMH
Forget cursive, I vote we bring back secretary hand! It's so pretty.
ReplyDeleteTeach it, yes.
ReplyDeleteEmphasize it, no.
I can still write most of it, but some letters I'm clueless, so all you get out of me is a hybrid. All I write is capital block letters.
I feel like yes. I mean, how will this generation sign their name? Is that a dumb question?
ReplyDeleteMy writing was stellar in grammar/high school. Then, I became a journalist and it all went to crap while taking speedy notes.
It's still the fastest way to take written notes with a pencil/pen if a tablet/computer isn't handy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, what about all those legal contracts from yesteryear written in script? When the last person who can read cursive dies, what about interpreting those documents?
I take and transcribe shorthand on a weekly basis. Nobody could interpret my notes.
DeleteYES.
ReplyDeleteI still write in a mixture of print and cursive. It's quicker.
ReplyDeleteWhy would schools stop this? I agree with V. Writing shouldn't become a lost art.
It blows my mind that the schools are getting rid of it. It was a HUGE grade school memory learning to meticulously write all of the letters. IMO, with cursive, the writing flow is better for some of us. Obviously my grammar courses didn't stick, though.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, @Pip.
ReplyDeleteI used to have beautiful writing. I need to get back to that. It is becoming a lost art...sad.
Me three, Pip. I never fully mastered the art of cursive.
ReplyDeleteYes. It should be taught.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part here in Connecticut, they don't teach it. They don't care whether or not kids even have decent print skills anymore. I know this, because my oldest (who is 14) has atrocious handwriting. His print looks like a third graders did way back when I was a child, and they did NOT teach him how to write in cursive. My younger son lucked out last year, and got an older teacher, who did take the time to teach her class how to write in cursive. His cursive writing is absolutely beautiful. He also learned more last year than just how to pass the standardized tests most school stress now. I am truly grateful that he had Ms. Vodola.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part here in Connecticut, they don't teach it. They don't care whether or not kids even have decent print skills anymore. I know this, because my oldest (who is 14) has atrocious handwriting. His print looks like a third graders did way back when I was a child, and they did NOT teach him how to write in cursive. My younger son lucked out last year, and got an older teacher, who did take the time to teach her class how to write in cursive. His cursive writing is absolutely beautiful. He also learned more last year than just how to pass the standardized tests most school stress now. I am truly grateful that he had Ms. Vodola.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. It is a basic skill, which will always be needed, even in a pinch. Gotta have it. It goes along with knowing how to spell, etc.
ReplyDeleteSince our intelligence peaked around the time it was invented, I'd say so. My 22 year old sisters 'forgot how to write' at a summer wedding a few years back, when asked to write in a guest book. One of them works for Goldman Sachs now.
ReplyDeleteYes. Why not?
ReplyDeleteAgree with you Mindy. I don't understand all of this focus on standardized testing. These kids just cram for tests and then forget everything. So many of my piano students - and these are usually the kids who are at the top of their class - tell me how boring school is. It is so very sad, IMHO.
ReplyDeleteThey totally should! It's right of passage along with getting your pen licence.
ReplyDeleteThe best part of my birthday was finding the beautifully addressed envelopes from my grandparents. Wish we could all right like that.
Jessie: I remember getting my pen license! Was so proud.
DeleteSusan the focus on standardized testing isn't so much to make sure the kids are up to speed but rather to make sure the teachers are doing their job IMHO. Pathetic huh? No child left behind and no suck ass teachers fired either. And trust me I am on the side of the teachers. As Mindy pointed out they exist and parents are well aware of who they are.
ReplyDeleteEnty....Why don't you do a "Your Turn" asking your readers and commenters for a good topic for "Your Turn". Obviously you've run out of ideas and are recycling every 6-8 weeks. And no I don't have a class ring anymore. (Insert Bronx Cheer here)
no its a waste of time
ReplyDeleteYES. My son is 12 and can't sign his name. That is just wrong!
ReplyDeleteWe JUST answered this a few weeks ago!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, my kids are in grade school and are learning cursive, but not well enough, in my opinion. My ten year old does love signing his name, though.
ReplyDeleteBetter question:
ReplyDeleteShould they teach training Dr's at university to write legibly?