The Penmanship Uprising: Is Cursive Coming Back to Bite Our Keyboards in California?
Ah, cursive. The bane of many a childhood existence, those loopy letters that flowed together like a runaway roller coaster. Remember spending hours hunched over those scratchy desks, painstakingly mimicking those elegant flourishes on the board, only to end up with something resembling a seismograph reading after an earthquake? Those were the days.
But guess what? Cursive might be making a comeback, at least in the golden state. Yes, California has passed a law requiring schools to teach cursive writing to elementary students in grades one through six.
So, ditch the emojis, folks, it's time to dust off those imaginary quills and get ready for a trip down memory lane (or a bumpy ride off-road, depending on your past cursive experiences).
Why the Cursive Comeback?
This whole cursive resurgence might leave you scratching your head (with a perfectly formed cursive "S", of course). In our digital age, where communication happens at lightning speed via text messages and social media, why bother with those fancy loops and swirls?
Well, there are a few reasons. Some folks believe cursive helps develop fine motor skills in young children. Others argue it can improve reading comprehension. And let's not forget the romantics who see cursive as a beautiful art form, a link to the past, a way to sign your name with a flourish that says, "Hey, world, I can write fancy!"
But Wait, There's More! (The Not-So-Thrilling Parts)
Now, before you start practicing your loopy Js and loopy Ds with glee (or dread), there are a few things to keep in mind. The law allows schools some flexibility. They can choose to teach either cursive or "joined italics," which is basically a more simplified version.
Also, there's no guarantee your child will emerge from school a master calligrapher. The focus is more on basic legibility, not penmanship perfection. So, don't expect them to be writing sonnets in flowing script anytime soon.
FAQ: Cursive Catastrophe Averted? (Hopefully)
Alright, alright, enough suspense. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some quick answers to your burning cursive questions:
How to tell if my child needs to learn cursive?
If your child attends elementary school in California and is in grades one through six, then yes, they'll be getting some cursive instruction.
How long will they be learning cursive?
The law requires instruction to begin in first grade and continue through sixth grade. However, how much time is dedicated to cursive will likely vary by school district.
Do I need to buy a special cursive workbook?
Probably not. Schools will typically provide the necessary materials for learning cursive.
How can I help my child with cursive at home?
There are plenty of free online resources and printable worksheets available. You can also break out some paper and pen and practice together (bonus points for nostalgia!).
Will this make my child write faster?
Not necessarily. The benefits of cursive are more about developing fine motor skills and potentially improving reading comprehension, not speed.
So there you have it, folks. The cursive comeback is upon us (at least in California). Embrace it, fight it, or write a passive-aggressive note in perfect cursive to express your feelings – the choice is yours!
