I see your point, but there's far more real world applications that would be tied in at that level (we're talking late high school years for sake of this discussion). My earlier points about grammar, punctuation, and the general ability to put a coherent thought on paper lacking today would all be taught at this level. You wouldn't be learning straight systematic cursive at the high school level. Not to mention these skills apply to a broader base of the student population than an AP class. We see it all too often. Students are pushed toward this mentality that they need multiple foreign languages, they NEED to take as many AP classes as possible, they NEED to go to college regardless of life's circumstances. There needs to be more focus on real world skills that are applicable both in post-secondary education as well as life in the workforce without the post-secondary education. IMHO, the act of simply teaching cursive and AP courses are niche subjects, albeit for different reasons.
Zombie apocalypse, now there's a way to validate your point. I'm sure cursive writing will come in real handy then.
"Yet scientists are discovering that learning cursive is an important tool for cognitive development, particularly in training the brain to learn “functional specialization,”[2] that is capacity for optimal efficiency. In the case of learning cursive writing, the brain develops functional specialization that integrates both sensation, movement control, and thinking. Brain imaging studies reveal that multiple areas of brain become co-activated during learning of cursive writing of pseudo-letters, as opposed to typing or just visual practice. There is spill-over benefit for thinking skills used in reading and writing. To write legible cursive, fine motor control is needed over the fingers. Students have to pay attention and think about what and how they are doing it. They have to practice. Brain imaging studies show that cursive activates areas of the brain that do not participate in keyboarding."
I can't tell if you are being facetious or not... You do realize that writing in print and actually typing something are two different things? Both of which I can guarantee you I can do as fast as you write your groceries in cursive. LOL
I certainly was taught to use it effectively 40 years ago, but I developed my own half print half cursive scrawl that mostly only I can read. Most of us more than likely use a keyboard of some type for the majority of communications these days. Even when filling out official forms you are often required to print so they can read it! I do write in my scrawl a fair amount; daily in my job I keep a written log/notes/etc in a notebook. Yes I use a wooden pencil. I use it because nobody wants to steal it and I can always sharpen it with my knife if need be. cursive writing/reading should certainly be taught in schools if it is not, but one can certainly get by without it.
I can write in cursive faster than I can print. I take all my notes at university in cursive. When writing letters to family, they are all written in cursive as I was brought up with the belief that educated people write in cursive script and uneducated people only print. I know times have changed, but even my kids were taught to write in cursive in school.
Im 18 and I was taught in the third and fourth grade but it was not needed as they used to tell us. Its good to know how to read and write in script just in case you may need it. I didn't know that it was no longer taught though.
I'm not sure i follow.. How is it he wouldn't be able to read the Declaration of Independence? Because the original transcript is written in it? What language is the bible written in? You (and many others) seem to quote that one just fine. I doubt you read or speak Hebrew or Aramaic. I think your son will ok without knowing cursive. But if you (and others) feel the need to teach him a dead language - feel free.
For me, being able to read the ACTUAL document (Declararion of Independence) IS important. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
I hadn't thought about this aspect of it, but the thought of a teenager or adult looking at the actual document and saying "What's it say?" would be a travesty as it is what this country is based on.
It's not that big of deal to me if they don't teach kids to write it but I DO think they should be at least teaching them how to read cursive... Maybe instead of teaching it to everyone in elementary like they have in the past they should look at offering it in middle/high school as an elective class for those that feel that its something they want/need to learn...
Even when signing my name I use a hybrid of print and cursive. I think it should still be taught but I rarely write at all, and never in full cursive. I only write when signing my signature or jotting down notes while on the phone. Other than that, everything is typed.
