Cursive Handwriting

 

"Have you ever wondered why children are no longer taught to write in cursive?"

And no, it is not by chance that they tend to use it less and less.

Writing in cursive means translating thoughts into words; it forces you to not take your hand off the paper. A stimulating effort, which allows you to associate ideas, link them and put them in relation.

Not by chance does the word cursive come from the Latin "currere", which runs, which flows, because thought is winged, it runs, it flies.

Of course, cursive has no place in today's world, a world that does everything possible to slow down the development of thought, to fill it.

I think cursive was born in Italy and then spread throughout the world.

Why?

Because it was compact, elegant, clear writing.

But ours is a society that no longer has time for elegance, for beauty, for complexity; we have synthetics but not clarity, speed but not efficiency, information but not knowledge!

In general, we know too much and too little because we are no longer (generally speaking) able to put things into relation.

Most people can no longer think.

This is why we should go back to writing in cursive, especially at school. Because this is not just about recovering a writing style, but about giving breath to our thoughts again.

Cognitive development

Writing in cursive can help children develop cognitive skills by integrating fine motor skills with visual and tactile processing.

Brain regions

Cursive writing activates different neurological pathways than typing or manuscript writing.

Brain connectivity

Handwriting can increase connectivity between brain regions, especially those involved in memory formation.

Kinesthetic stimulation

The fluid motion of cursive writing provides a different type of kinesthetic stimulation that helps different parts of the brain develop and integrate.

Learning and memory

A study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that cursive handwriting helps the brain learn and remember better.

Functional specialization

Cursive writing can help train the brain for functional specialization, which is the ability to work efficiently.

The benefits of handwriting are numerous, especially for children's cognitive development. Here are some key advantages:

*Cognitive Benefits:*

1. Improved memory and retention: Handwriting helps encode information in the brain, making it easier to recall.

2. Enhanced focus and concentration: Writing by hand requires attention and engagement.

3. Better comprehension: Handwriting slows down the learning process, allowing for deeper understanding.

4. Increased creativity: Free-flowing handwriting can stimulate imagination and idea generation.

*Neurological Benefits:*

1. Brain connectivity: Handwriting increases connections between brain regions, particularly those involved in memory formation.

2. Functional specialization: Cursive writing trains the brain for efficient task processing.

3. Neuroplasticity: Handwriting exercises promote neural adaptability and development.

*Educational Benefits:*

1. Better learning outcomes: Studies show that students who take handwritten notes perform better academically.

2. Improved writing skills: Handwriting practice develops fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and writing fluency.

3. Enhanced literacy: Cursive writing helps recognize and write words, boosting reading skills.

*Emotional and Social Benefits:*

1. Personal expression: Handwriting conveys individuality and personality.

2. Emotional connection: Handwritten messages evoke feelings and empathy.

3. Tactile experience: Writing on paper provides a sensory experience, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

*Additional Benefits:*

1. Slows down digital overload: Handwriting offers a break from screen time.

2. Develops patience and perseverance: Handwriting requires practice and dedication.

3. Fosters elegance and beauty: Cursive writing promotes aesthetic appreciation.

By incorporating handwriting into daily life, especially in schools, we can nurture cognitive, emotional, and social growth in children, and rediscover the joy of putting thoughts into beautiful, flowing words.