Cursive Writing Gains Popularity in Virginia Middle School
In a generation often criticized for reliance on technology, the resurgence of cursive writing has captured the attention of educators and students alike. At Holmes Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia, an after-school club dedicated to cursive writing is not only helping students improve their penmanship, but also reigniting interest in this timeless skill.
The Cursive Club
The Cursive Club at Holmes Middle School, initiated by teacher Sherisse Kenerson, has quickly become a focal point for students eager to master this classic form of writing. Kenerson launched the club after noticing that many of her students couldn’t read her cursive handwriting on the board. “I realized they didn’t know how to write or read in cursive,” she explained. Her commitment to cursive stems from a belief in its importance in educational environments, especially in preserving the ability to document thoughts and signatures in a personal, artistic manner.
The club has gained traction among students, with around 20 to 30 participants regularly attending meetings. Kenerson has received numerous messages praising the revival of cursive writing, including notes from retirees and teachers who share her passion for the craft. “I’m flabbergasted,” she said about the unexpected popularity of the club. “I’m just going along with the ride.”
Student Enthusiasm and Signatures
Among the participants is 12-year-old Sandi Chandee, who has ambitious aspirations of becoming a doctor. Sandi takes pride in practicing her cursive skills, often filling pages with lengthy medical terms, such as “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis,” to enhance her ability. Fellow club member Halle O’Brien shares her enthusiasm, stating, “I prefer writing in cursive.”
Students are not only improving their skills; they’re developing personal signatures that reflect their personalities. Sandi, for instance, signs her cursive name with a heart over the “i,” embodying a blend of creativity and professionalism. The club atmosphere fosters support and camaraderie, encouraging students to exchange tips and celebrate each other’s progress.
The Debate Surrounding Cursive Instruction
The growing interest in cursive handwriting has reignited discussions among educators about its place in modern curricula. More than two dozen states have mandated cursive instruction following the 2010 exclusion of the skill from Common Core educational standards. Proponents argue that cursive offers various benefits, including improved motor skills, increased focus, and the ability to write quickly. Supporters suggest that teaching cursive could help children develop better spelling skills by encouraging them to pay closer attention to how letters connect.
However, critics question the necessity of cursive instruction, citing advances in technology that allow for efficient written communication. Mark Warschauer, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, asserts that the educational benefits of cursive are minimal compared to print writing and that educators should prioritize teaching typing skills and other forms of communication. He pointed out that, “I have seen no evidence that cursive brings any particular cognitive or learning benefit beyond that brought by hand printing.”
Bridging Generational Gaps
The cursive debate highlights a significant generational divide. Many students, like 11-year-old Antonio Benavides, are eager to embrace cursive, even if they initially question its relevance. After joining the Cursive Club at his father’s suggestion, Antonio discovered the enjoyment of practicing curls and loops. “Yeah, I like it,” he admitted, emphasizing the sensory experience of writing: “The sound of a pencil when it’s silent is just so nice.”
Kenerson’s club acts as a bridge between generations, reintroducing a skill that older family members often possess but younger individuals frequently lack. This revival is also evident in classrooms across the nation where teachers are incorporating cursive writing into lesson plans, fostering greater connectivity between students and the written word.
A Growing Movement
As interest in cursive continues to rise, educational professionals are recognizing its potential to not only keep traditional writing alive but also enhance students’ educational experiences. “The special sauce for cursive is that students have to pay closer attention to how letters connect when they write,” said Shawn Datchuk, a professor of special education at the University of Iowa. Such connections could be instrumental for students with learning differences, offering therapeutic benefits.
Despite the ongoing debate on the necessity of cursive writing, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the skill’s revival. The Cursive Club at Holmes Middle School stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of handwriting in an increasingly digital world. For students like Sandi and Halle, the joy of practicing cursive represents not just improved penmanship, but also a connection to their past, shaped by their own creativity and aspirations.
Source: Original Reporting
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