Opinion | March 18th, 2025

How I Never Learned Cursive Writing and Why It Should Return to Schools

By: Jordan Mongo

Imagine holding an old letter from your great-grandparents, only to realize you can’t read it. Or struggling to sign your name on an important document because the loops and curves feel foreign. 

As I approach the end of my undergraduate education, I’ve realized something surprising: I never learned to write in cursive. Unlike many of my peers, I received little instruction in cursive writing during my early education. While others perfected their loops and flourishes, I stuck with solid, printed letters, figuring it wouldn’t matter in the end. 

However, as I grew older, I realized that many of my classmates could write wonderfully in cursive, whereas I struggled to simply sign my name correctly. Filling out papers or writing down quick notes occasionally felt odd, as if I lacked a skill that everyone else possessed. Cursive is not required for my college studies, but it feels like an art form that I missed out on. 

“I honestly wish I had learned cursive,” Brandon Ellis said, a third-year business administration student at Florida A&M University. “It would make things like signing documents or reading older texts so much easier. I feel like we missed out on something valuable.”

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

In the modern era, typing has mostly replaced handwriting, and I’ve adjusted well to online communication. However, cursive is still essential in a variety of settings, like signing legal papers and reading historical writings. It’s a skill that helps us connect with the past and speak more effectively in specific situations. 

Despite never learning cursive in school, I still have a great desire to perfect it someday. I believe it should be returned to the school curriculum and made a prerequisite for passing. Cursive writing promotes good handwriting, improves hand-eye coordination, and increases brain growth. It’s more than simply an outdated writing style; it’s an important skill that should not be forgotten. 

As I pursue my degree and job, I aim to make time to learn cursive. I hope future generations do not have to discover it on their own. Schools should prioritize reintroducing cursive, ensuring that all students have this important skill. 

The History of Cursive and Its Place in Education 

Cursive writing has a long and rich history, lasting thousands of years. Cursive originated with ancient civilizations such as the Romans, who created a flowing style for rapid writing with pen and feather. Cursive has evolved over time into various styles, including Spencerian writing in the nineteenth century and the Palmer Method in the early twentieth century. These styles were utilized in educational settings, government papers, and personal letters. 

Cursive was a key component of the American educational system for much of its history. Cursive practice was historically required in schools on a regular basis, with students frequently utilizing lined paper to polish their letter formation. The Palmer Method, developed in the late 1800s, established the gold standard for cursive writing teaching. This method emphasized smooth, rhythmic movements, which helped children improve their writing speed and efficiency. 

“I remember seeing my parents’ cursive and being amazed at how neat it looked,” Lauren Carter said, a second-year psychology student at FAMU. “It used to be a sign of education and professionalism, but now most people my age don’t even know how to read it, let alone write it.” 

By the mid-twentieth century, cursive writing remained an important priority in schools. Students learned the best posture, hand positioning, and stroke strategies to promote clear and consistent handwriting. Cursive was more than just a means to write; it was a disciplined art that emphasized care and precision. In many situations, students had to pass handwriting examinations before moving on to the next grade. 

However, as computers and online interaction became more common, the importance of cursive writing began to fade. By the early 2000s, several school districts had eliminated cursive from the mandated curriculum, choosing typing skills instead. The implementation of Common Core Standards in 2010 further pushed cursive aside, as it was no longer seen as crucial for academic achievement. 

The disappearance of cursive training has caused discussion among educators and historians. Supporters say that cursive is a necessary ability for reading historical texts, signing legal documentation, and promoting brain growth. Others argue that time is better spent educating students current digital literacy. 

Despite this controversy, some states are restoring cursive into the educational curriculum. In recent years, states including Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee have passed legislation mandating cursive education in elementary schools, recognizing its value over time. 

As someone who never learned cursive, I believe it should be reinstated in public schools across the country. It provides useful benefits while also preserving a historical heritage that spans generations. While I may have to teach myself cursive right now, I hope that future children will be able to master this ability as part of their education, as so many before them did.