Thing 9 Learn from Listening

Cursive Writing – A Write Off

Something caught my attention on a news clip recently about a witness in a court case not being able to read a letter because it was written in cursive. This made me think about the need for cursive writing in today’s electronic world of keyboards, texting, recordings, etc. Cursive Writing – A Write Off podcast talks about this very issue. Nova Scotia is the setting of this podcast and the department of education there does not have handwriting as an outcome objective. Student’s inability to print correctly or possess fluent penmanship seems to be getting in the way of learning around grade three or four according to this podcast. Lucas, whose mother is interviewed, was referred to be assessed by an occupational therapist due to his holding his pencil incorrectly. It said to learn a new skill, in this case cursive script, is easier than changing the bad habits of an old skill which is the student’s inability to print correctly. The mother being interviewed was shocked when she learned her son would not be taught cursive script in school. Cursive writing is mechanically a smoother flow of the written language and is one reason it historically takes the place of printing. Due to electronic communication being of this era, cursive writing is taking a back seat in schools if it is taught at all. Physically writing things is supposed to aid in retaining information according to the podcast.  Teachers are focusing on the outcome requirements and if they choose to teach handwriting at all, it is occasionally and for just a few minutes. When this student was assessed by the occupational therapist, he was told he just needed to learn to use a keyboard. They were told his future was in keyboards and touch screens and there was no need for him to learn to write. Is handwriting a priority in our society or is it not? Are keyboards “king” and being able to pick up a pen and write going to be null and void? Do our students know what a signature is? Will the cliché, “put your John Hancock here,” be a thing of the past with our younger generation? Certainly something to think about.

Teachers could benefit from podcasts so many ways. Professional development, current information and use with students are a few. Students could use podcasting for interviews, producing informative broadcasts, or having their own talk show. Teachers could use podcasts to assign a project to students, keep absent students up to day, messages to parents, or make announcements. One fun way to use podcasting in the classroom would have students take on the persona of historical characters and discuss their importance and contribution to history.