Is there any research suggesting bad effects on the brain if cursive handwriting is emphasized?

D I S C U S S I O N

Starter: Mr. Alok Kumar Mohanty - UN Educationist

Is there any research suggesting bad effects on the brain if cursive handwriting is emphasized? 

• Azeez:

Does Cursive Offer Any Benefits Besides Speedy Writing?

It turns out that cursive is not just useful as a faster method of writing, so though Holt’s point about relative speed may have been true for him, that is not the point of teaching cursive.

In fact, studies show that cursive offers two distinct advantages. First, it enhances the artistic part of the brain. And second, cursive improves the brain’s ability to multitask.

Does Cursive Offer Any Benefits Besides Speedy Writing?

It turns out that cursive is not just useful as a faster method of writing, so though Holt’s point about relative speed may have been true for him, that is not the point of teaching cursive.

In fact, studies show that cursive offers two distinct advantages. First, it enhances the artistic part of the brain. And second, cursive improves the brain’s ability to multitask. But the sad part is, cursive words do not build visual memory.

What is this visual memory?

An example: When children are learning to read, visual memory is tremendously important. 

You know how you automatically pronounce the word “the,” without needing to think about it? You have good visual memory for that word.

But when children with poor visual memory read a story, every single word needs to be figured out independently.

Cursive writing is better than other type of writing. Students, Who prepare for civil services prefered cursive writing just cause of it maintain speed of writing . If we consider it on the basis of motor skills . Then , it is also helpful. Thank you

When Should Children Learn Cursive?

Teaching cursive when you are trying to teach children to read is like teaching two foreign languages at the same time. It’s confusing the children!

When your children are able to read print and write in print, they build visual memory for reading and spelling effectively and efficiently.

Therefore, wait to teach cursive until children are well on their way to fluent reading. For many children, this will be around third grade, the traditional age for cursive instruction. For other children, especially girls, they may be ready to begin earlier. But for well grown children, it not too late to enjoy the coordination of muscles.

• Dr. Sekar Srinivasn

Dear sir cursive writing is the best for fingers up to that level. It gives free flow of writing and without boundaries children are at ease to practice naturally. 

Due to lack of training for teaching cursive writing and for restrictions Print type is advocated. Nowadays some vested interests are promoting this culture based on digital media influence. 

I am not a conservative but cursive writing is better for finger exercises and initiating free and independent thinking with good motor abilities for nerves.