Mum outraged after teacher scolds child for writing in cursive

Despite being phased out in many schools, cursive writing is making a slow but steady return to the classroom. A mix of viral moments and scientific studies is reigniting interest in the art of handwriting.

In 2015, seven-year-old Alyssa found herself at the center of an online debate when her teacher reprimanded her for signing her name in cursive on an assignment. A photo of the marked-up worksheet, shared by a family friend on Facebook, went viral, dividing opinions. While some criticized the teacher’s actions, others argued for the importance of following directions.

The incident highlighted a broader issue: the disappearance of cursive from many school curriculums, especially in states that adopted the Common Core standards, which do not require students to learn cursive writing. But thanks to increasing advocacy from educators, researchers, and parents, cursive is experiencing a revival.

The science of script: Handwriting’s cognitive benefits

Advocates for cursive point to its cognitive benefits. Research consistently shows that handwriting, particularly cursive, engages the brain more deeply than typing. Studies reveal that the act of forming letters by hand activates areas of the brain tied to memory, learning, and comprehension.

“There is a fundamental difference in brain organization for handwriting as opposed to typing,” says Ramesh Balasubramaniam, a neuroscientist at the University of California. “Even when the movements are very similar, the activation seems much, much higher in handwriting.”

Supporting this claim is a recent 2024 study led by Audrey van der Meer, a neuropsychologist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. According to Van der Meer, handwriting activates most of the brain, fostering learning and memory retention. Typing, on the other hand, requires repetitive mechanical movements, sacrificing awareness for speed.

The study’s conclusion is clear: the ongoing substitution of handwriting with typing may harm the learning process, making the case for handwriting’s importance in modern education.

The decline of cursive education has also led to surprising consequences. A 2021 study found that 70% of Americans struggle to read handwritten notes from colleagues, and nearly half admit they can’t read their own writing. This lack of familiarity with handwriting impacts daily tasks like reading shopping lists or signing legal documents.

Kimberly Jacovino, a grandmother from Connecticut, voiced her frustration: “My 20-year-old granddaughter struggles to sign a check. It’s very important, and cursive should be brought back to all schools.”

The growing concern about functional illiteracy has prompted change. As of 2024, 24 states have reinstated cursive writing as a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Will cursive become universal again?

Despite the momentum, not all states have embraced cursive, and some schools still discourage it. Alyssa’s story from Kansas, where there’s no legal requirement to teach cursive, is a reminder of how divided opinions remain. While critics argue that cursive is outdated in a digital world, proponents believe its benefits far outweigh its perceived obsolescence.

For now, cursive is making a comeback, one looping letter at a time. Whether it fully reclaims its place in classrooms nationwide remains to be seen, but its advocates are determined to preserve this timeless skill.

What’s your take? Should cursive be brought back to all schools? Let us know and share this story to spark a conversation!