Why Cursive Handwriting Still Matters for Today’s Students

In an age of screens, keyboards, and voice-to-text, many parents wonder if cursive handwriting has become a thing of the past. Many schools have also gradually deemphasized penmanship in favor of teaching keyboarding skills to prepare students for the digital age. So, one might conclude that it is no longer important for students to learn cursive handwriting.

My opinion? Cursive writing still matters and should be taught to students.

Cursive handwriting is more than a “fancy way of writing,” it’s a skill with lasting benefits for learning, personal growth, and even cultural literacy.

7 Reasons why students should still learn to read and write in cursive:

1. Unlocking Access to History

So many historical documents, like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as well as other historical treasures written by figures in history, are written in cursive. If children are not taught cursive handwriting, they lose the ability to engage with these primary source texts directly. Instead of relying on typed transcriptions, a student who reads cursive can experience the past firsthand, connecting with voices from another era. This not only builds historical knowledge but also fosters a sense of continuity with the past.

2. Creating a Unique and Secure Signature

Whether signing a check, an important contract, or even an art project, a signature is still the most common personal identifier we have. Cursive writing helps children develop a secure and unique signature that sets them apart, like a snowflake or a fingerprint, no two are exactly alike. While printing can be imitated, a flowing cursive signature provides both individuality and protection.

3. Boosting Brain Development and Memory

Research shows that writing in cursive activates areas of the brain tied to thinking, language, and working memory in ways typing simply does not. The act of connecting letters by hand helps strengthen neural pathways, improves fine motor control, and can even increase information retention. In other words, cursive doesn’t just make handwriting prettier, it makes learning stick. In my field of expertise, working with struggling learners in reading/writing, the ability to master and retain new skills is crucial.

4. Increasing Writing Fluency and Speed

Printing every letter separately can slow a student down, especially during notetaking. Cursive, by design, flows more quickly because the pencil stays on the paper. For students in middle and high school, this can be a game-changer. The ability to keep up with fast-paced lectures and discussions means they can capture more ideas, think more deeply, and participate more actively.

5. Supporting Reading and Spelling Skills

Interestingly, cursive handwriting can also support literacy. Because letters are connected, students see how sounds and words link together, reinforcing phonics and spelling patterns. When students verbalize the sounds of a word in sequence and record the letter(s) that correspond to each sound, the use of cursive writing makes the smooth connecting letter formation match the fluid flow of sound coming from their mouth.

 Cursive can also reduce common issues like letter reversals (b/d or p/q) that often frustrate young writers. For some struggling readers, this extra layer of connection between sound and symbol makes a noticeable difference.

6. Encouraging Personal Expression and Pride

Handwriting is a form of self-expression, and cursive offers children the opportunity to develop a unique, personal style. I would bet that you have memories of doodling and experimenting with ways to add a little flair to your writing. I make my capital E in a way that is different than the traditional way I was taught in school. School gave me the foundation, and I tweaked it to be my own. This is unlike typing, which looks the same for everyone. Cursive handwriting reflects individuality and creativity. Students feel pride when their cursive writing becomes neat, fluid, and distinctively “theirs.”

7. Preserving Family and Cultural Heritage

Cursive gives students access to their own history. All those old family letters, recipes, and journals are often written in cursive. By learning to read it, children can uncover pieces of family heritage that might otherwise be lost to them. Passing on the ability to read and write cursive is a gift for your child that ensures these traditions remain alive for future generations.

Instruction in Cursive Handwriting Is a Skill Worth Keeping

While technology will continue to play a dominant role in education and everyday life, cursive handwriting deserves a place in your child’s learning journey. It builds brain power, strengthens academic skills, and preserves a personal and cultural connection to the past.

As parents and educators, we shouldn’t view cursive as “extra” or “optional.”  Instead, we can see it as a timeless tool that empowers children in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

At Lighthouse for Literacy, I help students build strong reading and writing foundations, including fluent handwriting skills that support this learning. If you’d like to learn more about how I can support your child’s learning journey, reach out today. beth.lighthouse4literacy@gmail.com.

Beth Thatcher - Lighthouse 4 Literacy, LLC