In recent years, cursive handwriting has seen a sharp decline in American schools, including in Oregon, where it is no longer a standard part of the curriculum. This shift away from teaching cursive has left many parents concerned about the future of handwriting and literacy. As a result, some families are taking it upon themselves to teach their children this skill at home, believing that cursive remains a valuable tool not only for writing but also for preserving an essential part of American history and culture.
The decline in cursive instruction began with the rise of digital technology and the adoption of Common Core educational standards. With a focus on typing and other forms of digital literacy, many schools phased out cursive in favor of keyboarding skills. While the argument for these changes’ centers around the evolving needs of a digital society, opponents worry that abandoning cursive will lead to a generation unable to read or write in this once-standard script.
In Oregon, the decision to omit cursive from the standard curriculum reflects a broader trend in U.S. education. While some states have mandated cursive instruction, Oregon has left it up to individual school districts, resulting in inconsistent teaching practices across the state. For many children, this means their first and only exposure to cursive may come from the efforts of their parents at home.
For parents who choose to teach cursive, the benefits extend beyond simply learning a form of writing. Cursive handwriting is often viewed as a crucial component of literacy and historical understanding. Many primary source documents, such as historical letters, legal documents, and even family records, are written in cursive. If children are not taught how to read cursive, they may struggle to interpret these documents, potentially losing access to an important part of their cultural heritage.
Cursive is also linked to cognitive development. Studies have shown that learning to write in cursive can enhance fine motor skills, memory retention, and even reading comprehension. This is because the connected letters of cursive encourage a different kind of brain activity compared to print writing or typing. Some educators argue that these benefits make a strong case for reintroducing cursive in schools, while others believe that teaching it at home can be just as effective, provided parents commit to regular practice.
In addition to its practical uses, cursive is often appreciated as an art form. The graceful loops and flowing lines of cursive writing can make it an enjoyable practice for children, sparking creativity and an appreciation for aesthetics. Parents teaching cursive at home in Oregon are not only imparting a writing skill but are also helping to keep alive a beautiful element of American history.
Families who take on this task can incorporate fun and engaging activities to make learning cursive enjoyable. Some parents use calligraphy sets, art projects, or even historical documents to teach cursive, blending the practical aspects with a sense of artistry and history. The goal is not just to teach children how to write in cursive but to foster an understanding of its cultural significance and the role it has played throughout history.
As Oregon schools continue to leave cursive out of the official curriculum, the responsibility to preserve this skill may increasingly fall on parents and community organizations. While some may view cursive as outdated, the ability to read and write in this script remains a valuable skill for interpreting historical documents, enhancing cognitive development, and appreciating the art of handwriting. For families in Oregon, teaching cursive at home is about more than just writing—it’s about keeping a tradition alive for future generations.
