Cursive is making a comeback. But does it deserve one?
More than 25 states require students to learn to read and write in cursive.
Since the early 20th century, cursive writing has been a staple in American education, with many states requiring students to learn it. In the first half of the 20th century, penmanship was often a distinct subject, with children as young as five spending up to 45 minutes a day on handwriting practice. However, over the past few decades, cursive instruction has become less popular as schools have shifted their focus to other skills, such as typing on keyboards.
Today, more than 25 states require cursive instruction, with lawmakers citing reasons such as the need to read historical documents and preserve family history. Studies suggest that cursive can have benefits for learners, including improved brain function, better outcomes for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia, and potentially faster writing speed.
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