Why teach Cursive Handwriting?
Catholic School graduates have been known for their beautiful, artistic handwritting. Many opponents say it is a waste of time, a lost art, archaic, passed over because it is not on the test, and many other accusations.
Christ the King Catholic School still teaches handwriting and cursive. As part of the tradition of excellence in Catholic Schools, we subscribe to the philosphy that handwriting builds nueral connections, fine motor skills, requires attention to detail, results in pride in one’s work, and is an art form.
The SuperKids reading program alligns the learning of how to form letters into the learning of how to recognize letters, the sounds of letters, and ultimatley, reading. Christ the King Catholic School students are academically focused, supported at home, well-behaved enough that there is time in the school day to teach handwritting.
The Advantages of D’Nelian Handwritting
1. It will eliminate the b-d reversal problem.
2. D’Nealian writing provides for normal sized print, not large letters which in reality may be drawing letters, not writing.
3. It aids reading by giving immediate letter to word associations in drill and practice work. This helps build basic vocabulary. Reading and writing are thus correlated, not separated subject skills.
4. Learning is accomplished on a continuum, without a serious break in the development process. 87% of D’Nealian lower case letters are the same as their cursive version. Children easily move into cursive writing when ready.
5. D’Nealian develops the rhythm necessary for the flow of cursive writing.
6. It offers a complete audio, visual, tactile, kinesthetic approach to teaching handwriting.
7. It provides for individuality connected with handwriting.
8. It will improve poor writing of upper grade students.
Remediation: You cannot remediate using cursive writing –it is too complicated. Since D’Nealian lower case letters slide easily into cursive, you learn D’Nealian printing techniques, then go back into cursive style.
Read this article: What is lost as Handwriting Fades
D’Nealian Handwriting is a registered trademark of Donald N. Thurber, licensed exclusively by Scott, Foresman and Company, and is used here with permission.
