6 Benefits to Cursive Handwriting

​In this modern age of computers, technology, and Common Core, many believe cursive handwriting is obsolete and unnecessary.
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They argue keyboarding is “the new handwriting” — the skill our children need to succeed in the 21st century workplace.

Sounds convincing... but research in psychology, neuroscience, and education has proven many developmental advantages of cursive handwriting over keyboarding and even over print writing.

Here are 6 benefits of cursive handwriting:

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1. Cursive writing improves brain development and learning by activating the whole brain, building neural pathways, and improving mental processing. It specifically helps in the areas of thinking, language, and working memory.
2. The rhythmic nature of cursive also activates the areas of the brain involved in attention and emotional control working to improve these areas.
3. The connectedness of the letters and flow across the paper in cursive is more natural and easier to learn then print and helps to promote flow of thoughts during the writing process.
4. The spacing within and between words in cursive is more controlled than in print.
5. Handwriting is a key step in cognitive development and primes the brain for developing the reading process.
6. Cursive handwriting is a delightful form of communication and self-expression, and, along with sketching, drawing, and doodling, is a necessary mode for human connectedness.

You can read more benefits in the article "The Truth About Cursive Handwriting" from Campaign for Cursive.

Doodle Shop to the Rescue!
Summit Academy is here to help your cursive handwriting endeavors with Doodle Shop, a new class available at both our Summit T-38 campus and our Loganville K-12 campus.

Cursive writing based on New American Cursive style is introduced in class. In addition, developmental games and exercises are used to address root problems that often interfere with quality of handwriting, including hand strength, fine motor skills, and vision.

Weekly copying of doodles in class and at home improves fluency of writing. Learning these connected letters and becoming fluent with cursive  handwriting promotes rhythmicity in body and brain, improving attention, focus, and memory.

Doodle Shop is taught by Theresa Mitchell, occupational therapist and certified cursive coach.