Why Cursive?

       One question that has come up often over this year is why we use cursive in the classroom. As most of you who already are familiar with our language curriculum know, we teach all letters and beginning reading by using cursive. Did you know that prior to 1940, most schools used the cursive-first approach to writing? Ball and stick manuscript wasn't introduced until the 1940s in the belief that it would assist children in recognizing letters in the Dick and Jane look-say readers.

       Cursive is the first form of writing that is introduced in Montessori education. As with other activities in the primary classroom, we present materials in the most natural and efficient manner. Cursive letters, with their rounded edges, are actually much easier for children to form. If you have ever seen a very young child with pencil and paper, her first drawings are of circles and squiggles. Manuscript or block print requires greater motor coordination and causes difficulty determining "Where do I start the letter?"; "If it has two parts, when do I pick up my pencil?" and "Where does it go next?" and so on. In addition, when compared with manuscript, cursive letters are shaped differently, and so are easier to differentiate. In cursive, there is no confusion between a b,p,q,or d. Children often do not see letters in the linear manner that we do as adults. A b is a b, whether it is on it's side, backwards, or upside down. Since all cursive letters have a unique formation, children rarely confuse or misread the different letters no matter how they are placed on the paper.

        With cursive, the proper sequence of letters and the end of each word is much more prominent, since the child picks up the pencil only after the word is formed. This also helps the child orient to left-to-right, top-to-bottom writing. With the continuous movement from left to right, children do not reverse letters as easily. The hand is lighter in the flowing movement and does not tire so readily. The fluidity in cursive is enjoyable to children and is a much more natural way for the hand to flow.

        Any fears expressed about this approach hindering a child from being able to recognize print in a book is just not a problem. As we often do, we are underestimating the abilities of children. Children quickly make the transition from writing cursive to reading print. I see this happen every day. However, most often, children who begin writing in manuscript print can not read cursive writing. The materials for writing in the Children's house lay the foundation for cursive writing. Any time they see the Guide write, it is in cursive. The sandpaper letters are in the cursive form. One way to support your child's progress at home is to let your child see you writing in cursive. If they show an interest in writing and want you to write letters for them, do it in cursive. And when they pester you to write their names, please do so in cursive.

         With this said, not every child will leave the classroom writing fluidly in cursive and many children are now only perfecting their pencil grip.  But it is never too late to instill good habits and exposing your child to cursive will greatly benefit them in the long run.  

–Grasshopper Teacher