The Revival of Cursive Writing: A Necessity in Canadian Schools

Ontario Education Minister Makes Cursive Writing Mandatory

A Focus on Cursive Writing in Ontario’s New Curriculum

In a move aimed at improving literacy and critical thinking skills among students, Ontario’s Education Minister Stephen Lecce has announced that cursive writing will be reintroduced as mandatory curriculum starting this September. Lecce argues that research has consistently shown the benefits of cursive writing in helping young people to express themselves more substantively, think more critically, and ultimately, communicate more authentically.

The decision to include cursive writing as part of the curriculum comes as part of a wider effort to reform Ontario’s education system. The new language curriculum, set to be implemented for the upcoming school year, includes various changes, with a particular emphasis on phonics. These additions to the curriculum were prompted by a report from the Ontario Human Rights Commission which highlighted the need for evidence-based approaches to support students with reading disabilities and other learning challenges.

The Importance of Cursive Writing

The decision to reintroduce cursive writing as mandatory curriculum raises important questions about the value and relevance of this traditional form of handwriting in today’s increasingly digital society. Critics argue that cursive writing is outdated and no longer essential in a world where keyboards and touchscreens dominate communication. However, proponents of cursive writing maintain that it offers unique benefits that cannot be replicated by typing or printing.

Supporters of cursive writing argue that it plays a crucial role in cognitive development, motor skills, and brain connectivity. Learning to write in cursive requires fine motor control and coordination, which can help improve overall dexterity. Additionally, the flowing nature of cursive writing is believed to engage different regions of the brain, fostering creativity and enhancing memory.

Meeting the Needs of All Students

While the inclusion of cursive writing as mandatory curriculum may be seen as a step towards improving the education system, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on students with learning disabilities. Some students may struggle with the physical demands of cursive writing or may have conditions such as dysgraphia that make it challenging to produce legible handwriting.

To address these concerns, it is essential that educators receive adequate training and support to accommodate the individual needs of students. Differentiated instruction can ensure that students with disabilities are provided with alternative methods of communication and expression, while still benefiting from the cognitive advantages of cursive writing.

Editorial: Striking a Balance

The reintroduction of cursive writing as mandatory curriculum in Ontario schools raises questions about the direction of education in the digital age. While ensuring that students possess the necessary skills for the future is crucial, it is equally important to strike a balance between traditional and contemporary forms of communication.

Rather than viewing cursive writing as a standalone skill, it should be integrated into a broader curriculum that encompasses both traditional and digital literacies. By teaching students multiple forms of communication, including typing, printing, and cursive writing, educators can empower them to effectively navigate diverse communication contexts.

Advice for Parents and Educators

The reintroduction of cursive writing as mandatory curriculum presents an opportunity for parents and educators to engage students in a meaningful dialogue about the importance of various forms of communication. Here are some recommendations for parents and educators:

1. Embrace cursive writing as a valuable skill: Encourage students to see cursive writing as a unique and important form of expression, fostering creativity and connecting them to historical documents and personal handwritten correspondence.

2. Support individual needs: Be mindful of the diverse needs of students when teaching cursive writing. Provide accommodations and alternative methods for students who may face challenges due to learning disabilities or other conditions.

3. Integrate digital literacy: While cursive writing is important, it is equally crucial for students to develop proficiency in digital forms of communication. Teach keyboarding skills and digital etiquette to ensure students are prepared for the modern world.

4. Foster a love for writing: Encourage students to find joy in all forms of writing, whether it be cursive, printing, or typing. Emphasize the importance of clear and effective communication, regardless of the medium.

In conclusion, the decision to make cursive writing mandatory in Ontario schools reflects a renewed focus on improving literacy and critical thinking skills. While debates may exist about the relevance of cursive writing in the digital age, striking a balance between traditional and contemporary forms of communication is crucial to preparing students for the diverse future ahead.