The National Cursive Handwriting Contest, active for 75 years, was recently canceled in part because of the "garbage" that some teachers considered worthy of entry. Computers are being held to blame in part for the decline of teaching, and learning, this skill:
Some, including Trafford, say reliance on computers has hurt handwriting in general.
The National Cursive Handwriting Contest was canceled in part because of the declining quality of entries.
"We were absolutely appalled at what teachers around the country felt was good handwriting," Trafford said. "We got some stuff in here that could only be described as garbage."
Cursive used to be a big deal for elementary school students.
Round Top Elementary principal Jeaneen Tucker remembers as a child spending 30 minutes or more a day getting the formation of her letters just right. The practice paid off: She still has the handwriting award she won in elementary school.
"I don't know that we give handwriting awards anymore," she said...
Pontiac Elementary principal Beth Elliott thinks the emphasis on reading has also had an effect, since most books are in manuscript. The educator said she thinks it's good that the focus on cursive has lightened, and believes it's now taught in a more balanced way.
"There was an era when we spent so much time on penmanship rather than on academics," she said.
But some say there will always be some value in learning the old-fashioned art of cursive.
Rosewood Elementary principal Ted Wachter said: "How else can you write a nice letter to a dear friend?"
I used to write dozens of letters to dear friends every week. That gave me the chance to show off my spiffy handwriting and calligraphic skills. I don't think it's entirely coincidental that my handwriting has worsened as my typing skills have improved. Pity.
(For a previous discussion of this topic, click here.)
Posted by kswygert at December 29, 2003 09:34 AM