The state of Indiana recently announced it will no longer be requiring their public schools to teach cursive writing beginning this fall. There are 43 other states that have deemed it optional, and are leaving it to the discretion of the districts. Is cursive writing becoming old fashioned at best, or at worst -- obsolete?

Kids today are more technologically inclined and advanced than any other generation before them. Computers, texting, and emails all require good keyboarding skills, and these things aren’t going anywhere. Even kids as young as second grade may be required to hand in reports that are typed. But what about writing skills? Do they still matter?

Cursive has always been one way to separate the little kids from the big kids. It’s faster to write in cursive, and doesn’t take that long to learn. You gain a lovely signature (or not so lovely, depending on your skill level). While some schools teach it as early as second grade, most are still teaching it when I learned it – third grade. My son learned it last year and was extremely proud of his accomplishment.

I know on my birthday that I’m bound to get more well wishes on my Facebook wall or a quick email from a good friend than I am a handwritten card or note. Which is precisely what makes something like that stand out a bit more these days. And although we have grammar and spell check to guide us, we all know how easy it is for spell check to miss something. Spelling and grammar are still taught and for good reason. I still want my children to be able to express themselves in writing as well.

Skipping cursive altogether wouldn’t make or break our kids as they grow up, but I hate to see it disappear completely. They would be a bit more well-rounded for learning it -- in addition to keyboarding of course.

Are your kids learning cursive?

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