A Virginia middle school's cursive club has unexpectedly gained widespread attention, reigniting the debate over the relevance and benefits of cursive handwriting in modern education. This article explores the club's success, the arguments for and against cursive instruction, and the larger questions it raises about how to best prepare students for the future.
A Virginia middle school's cursive club has unexpectedly gone viral, sparking a renewed national conversation about the value and place of cursive writing in modern education. The club, led by teacher Sherisse Kenerson, gained attention as students struggled to read their teacher's handwriting on the board. This prompted Kenerson to start the club to teach students cursive, hoping to introduce them to the beauty and significance of the writing style.
Now, the club is gaining attention from all over, drawing in everyone from retirees to other teachers and leading to Zoom calls to discuss the club's success. More than two dozen states mandate cursive instruction in their curriculums, reflecting a broader trend. The rise of this club points to the increasing demand to bring back the art of cursive writing.\Twelve-year-old Sandi Chandee, who aspires to be a doctor, is a dedicated member of the cursive club. She practices writing in cursive because she likes it, and hopes to have a signature when she becomes a doctor. The cursive club is more than a place to learn to write; it provides a way for students to connect with a different kind of writing. This includes Antonio Benavides who heard about the club from his father. This mirrors a generational divide as some younger generations may not have received cursive instruction in school. The club's success highlights the personal connection people have to cursive, with some of the participants stating that it gives them a special connection to the past. The rising popularity of the club also sparked a debate about the value of cursive versus other forms of writing. A growing number of teachers and school boards are grappling with the question: Is cursive a valuable skill for students in the digital age, or should it be left behind? \The debate over cursive extends beyond nostalgia, with experts weighing in on its cognitive benefits. Some argue that cursive writing has no real cognitive or learning advantages over print handwriting, especially considering the rise of technology like voice-to-text applications and keyboards. Mark Warschauer, a professor of education, has noted that the benefits of hand-writing have already been established, but that cursive writing is not necessary. Others, like University of Iowa professor Datchuk, believe that there are benefits to cursive, especially in the context of spelling. Some preliminary evidence suggests that cursive may improve spelling by forcing students to pay closer attention to letter connections. Datchuk also emphasizes the need for students to become multi-modal writers, being proficient in print, cursive, typing, and interacting with technology. Anecdotal evidence suggests cursive could benefit students with dyslexia, and could be therapeutic for those with special needs, further adding to the complexities surrounding the topic. The resurgence of cursive writing also touches upon broader issues of education and the future, prompting educators to consider how best to prepare students for a world where both traditional and technological skills are essential
Cursive Handwriting Education Literacy Schools
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Carleigh Wenzel Earns All-American Finalist Nod Ahead Of Virginia Tech's NCAA Tournament RunAhead of Virginia's Tech anticipated March Madness run on Friday, one of their stars earned All-American recognition. Carleigh Wenzel has been named a finalist
Read more »
Cursive is back. But should students be learning the skill?A Virginia after-school cursive club went viral. More than two dozen states require cursive in their curriculums. Is it an effective learning tool or just nostalgia?
Read more »
The Play-In Plus/Minus: Virginia Women’s Basketball Escapes Past Arizona StateIn a hard-fought game, Virginia made the free throws down the stretch to secure a 57 – 55 win.
Read more »
Wake Forest Seeking ACC Momentum vs. VirginiaThe Wake Forest Demon Deacons hope to right the ship in ACC play against the vaunted Virginia Cavaliers.
Read more »
West Virginia Man Arrested After Alleged Crossbow Attack and ManhuntA West Virginia man, Chase Fleming, was arrested after allegedly shooting his father in the face with a crossbow, sparking a multi-county manhunt through snowy terrain. The victim is in stable condition. Fleming faces charges of malicious assault and possible additional charges. The arrest followed an extensive search involving K-9s and drones.
Read more »
Wright State vs Virginia Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's March Madness GameThe Raiders will be unable to get to the rim, and thus they'll fall below their team total vs. the Cavaliers, per our Wright State vs. Virginia picks, odds & predictions for March Madness picks on Friday, March 20.
Read more »