Teach Handwriting in School? Seriously?

[socialist]

As a progressive educator, I have to laugh at some of the thoughts that some educators have that take us back to the 50s. Teaching handwriting in school is a complete waste of time. 99% of our time is spent on computers and smartphones, while most modern progressive schools have smartboards to engage students. Why on earth would we want to go back to boring the heck out of learners by forcing then to learn cursive handwriting.

I disagree with everything mentioned in this opinion piece. Handwriting is not a 21st century skill. It's a relic that is rarely used these days. Kids need to learn to collaborate and be tolerant of other's views. Handwriting is a faded skill that means nothing.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/01/23/michael-zwaagstra-too-many-educators-believe-that-handwriting-is-obsolete-nonsense/

[Remiel]

As long as you are not advocating for the elimination of printing as well...

[jacee]

Maybe you should read the research before dismissing it socialist.

It's a question of emphasis, and I agree that typing skills are the primary means of functioning now. However, kids are fully capable of learning both, and should not be restricted from learning to communicate in handwriting too.

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Edited January 23, 2015 by Charles Anthony
deleted quotation of re-copied Opening Post

[Shady]

I think handrwritting is one of the basics that should be taught. It provides a foundation of spelling and grammar, reading and writing are the definitions of literacy. I don't think that "progressive" teaching should be pushing illiteracy as a policy. You gotta learn the basics before you learn more advanced stuff.

[bush_cheney2004]

Handwriting is a way to communicate and collaborate. It also comes in handy when signing legal documents and contracts.

[GostHacked]

I think handwriting is one of the basics that should be taught. It provides a foundation of spelling and grammar, reading and writing are the definitions of literacy. I don't think that "progressive" teaching should be pushing illiteracy as a policy. You gotta learn the basics before you learn more advanced stuff.

I think this is something we all can all agree on.

[Mighty AC]

I think handrwritting is one of the basics that should be taught. It provides a foundation of spelling and grammar, reading and writing are the definitions of literacy. I don't think that "progressive" teaching should be pushing illiteracy as a policy. You gotta learn the basics before you learn more advanced stuff.

I think this is something we all can all agree on.

I believe socialist is referring to cursive writing not hand written communications of any sort. Printing is an absolute must, but cursive writing is about as useful as calligraphy now. Kids are learning far more, at a younger ages than we ever did but school days are not getting longer. Time is at a premium and shouldn't be wasted on cursive handwriting.

[The_Squid]

I believe socialist is referring to cursive writing not hand written communications of any sort. Printing is an absolute must, but cursive writing is about as useful as calligraphy now. Kids are learning far more, at a younger ages than we ever did but school days are not getting longer. Time is at a premium and shouldn't be wasted on cursive handwriting.

I was taught calligraphy in school as well... There is room for cursive writing... obviously, it isn't going to have the emphasis that it used to, but it's still a useful skill.

[Mighty AC]

I was taught calligraphy in school as well... There is room for cursive writing... obviously, it isn't going to have the emphasis that it used to, but it's still a useful skill.

When we are short on time for learning in most subject areas, I don't agree that it is a skill worthy of inclusion in the primary curriculum. Edited January 23, 2015 by Mighty AC

[Big Guy]

I think it is well worth the time. It does require self discipline in learning the manipulation of a pen/pencil and some knowledge of spelling words properly. While many people look at it as an art form I believe that it is making a comeback. Many company executives now look for assistants with good cursive writing where a written note or directive has become an special kind of communication.

It is another skill that requires practice and repetition, an action I believe to be a positive experience in developing self discipline.

[Bonam]

Handwriting has been extraneous for decades really. Writing by hand (in print letters) is obviously still a key skill, but handwriting is not. Frankly, I always thought of handwriting as kind of useless, I write in print (for readability) faster than almost anyone I've run into handwrites, and print is far far easier to read (most people can read only their own handwriting and no one else's).

[jacee]

I think handrwritting is one of the basics that should be taught. It provides a foundation of spelling and grammar, reading and writing are the definitions of literacy.

I can agree with you up to here, Shady, assuming we are talking about reading/writing in all forms including paper-based and electronic. Certainly for some people like Stephen Hawking, for example, literacy is always electronic-based.

I don't think that "progressive" teaching should be pushing illiteracy as a policy.

Nobody is. That seems to me to be just an ill-tempered slam.

You gotta learn the basics before you learn more advanced stuff.

Not "before", no.

Handwriting - printing or cursive - is secondary to electronic literacy these days. Preschoolers even at 2 & 3 years of age are texting short msgs to parents these days.

eta ... hahaha ... I misspelled 'literacy'.

Corrected now.

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Edited January 23, 2015 by jacee

[-1=e^ipi]

I still think Socialist is a troll...

When we are short on time for learning in most subject areas, I don't agree that it is a skill worthy of inclusion in the primary curriculum.

But all this 'social justice' is... *sarcasm*

Handwriting has been extraneous for decades really. Writing by hand (in print letters) is obviously still a key skill, but handwriting is not. Frankly, I always thought of handwriting as kind of useless, I write in print (for readability) faster than almost anyone I've run into handwrites, and print is far far easier to read (most people can read only their own handwriting and no one else's).

To be fair, some computer fonts are cursive and if someone ever has to read an old book, a diary or whatever (might be relevant if you work in a museum) then knowledge of cursive might be useful. The ability to at least be able to read cursive is somewhat useful.

[Bonam]

I still think Socialist is a troll...

But all this 'social justice' is... *sarcasm*

To be fair, some computer fonts are cursive and if someone ever has to read an old book, a diary or whatever (might be relevant if you work in a museum) then knowledge of cursive might be useful. The ability to at least be able to read cursive is somewhat useful.

I agreed with your assessment of socialist from the very first time he showed up on this forum. Nevertheless, even a broken clock is right twice a day and all that, and cursive handwriting appears to be one of those cases. I agree that in certain relatively rare special situations, reading cursive might be useful, and as such it can be a skill that people learn when they find that they need it or want it... like say Latin (which can also be useful for reading old documents, understanding the origin of medical/scientific terminology, etc). I also agree that as generally useless as cursive is, it's still a better way to spend time than listening to the preachings of social justice warriors. But we need not set the bar so low as to what goes into the curriculum.

Edited January 23, 2015 by Bonam

[socialist]

I still think Socialist is a troll...

But all this 'social justice' is... *sarcasm*

To be fair, some computer fonts are cursive and if someone ever has to read an old book, a diary or whatever (might be relevant if you work in a museum) then knowledge of cursive might be useful. The ability to at least be able to read cursive is somewhat useful.

I could care less what you think of me.

When I read what you write, I am able to draw a number of conclusions.

1. You have no clue with regards to modern public education or the challenges involved.

2. You have no clue as to what 21st Century Skills are.

3. You have no clue as to what 21st Century Learning is.

Your comments on cursive writing reveals a lack of knowledge of the subject.

Also, I remember you from a thread on climate change in which you got destroyed by waldo. So like I said; your simple opinion means nothing to me.

[socialist]

I agreed with your assessment of socialist from the very first time he showed up on this forum. Nevertheless, even a broken clock is right twice a day and all that, and cursive handwriting appears to be one of those cases. I agree that in certain relatively rare special situations, reading cursive might be useful, and as such it can be a skill that people learn when they find that they need it or want it... like say Latin (which can also be useful for reading old documents, understanding the origin of medical/scientific terminology, etc). I also agree that as generally useless as cursive is, it's still a better way to spend time than listening to the preachings of social justice warriors. But we need not set the bar so low as to what goes into the curriculum.

So you're against social justice. You're likely against tolerance too. You're likely against democracy too.

My class was analyzing the debate on climate change. They synthesized both sides of the argument. 100% of my class agrees that humans are causing climate change. The next generation will save this planet. Too bad you are against social justice. Attitudes like that is what is wrong with this world.

[Guest]

100% of my class agrees that humans are causing climate change. The next generation will save this planet.

I doesn't take much to figure that out. Did they say exactly how the next generation was going to do it? I could use a decent stock tip about now.

[On Guard for Thee]

How ineffective would someone be if they didn't know how to write? I'm not talking calligraphy, that should be an option one might choose for perhaps artistic interests. But being able to put pen to paper is a lot more fetching to me than some dolt walking down the street tripping over shit with their face glued to an Iphone.

[Bryan]

My class was analyzing the debate on climate change. They synthesized both sides of the argument. 100% of my class agrees that humans are causing climate change.

Kids believe a lot of things that aren't true.

[On Guard for Thee]

Kids believe a lot of things that aren't true.

And they're often smart enough to get things that are true. Too bad some of us get so set in our ways we choose to ignore important stuff.

[-1=e^ipi]

When I read what you write, I am able to draw a number of conclusions.

1. You have no clue with regards to modern public education or the challenges involved.

2. You have no clue as to what 21st Century Skills are.

3. You have no clue as to what 21st Century Learning is.

Your comments on cursive writing reveals a lack of knowledge of the subject.

Jumping to conclusions and generalizations about people without sufficient evidence. You play the role of the Social Justice Warrior well.

But to be serious, I've actually been through the 21st century progressive education system, but whatever.

Also, I remember you from a thread on climate change in which you got destroyed by waldo. So like I said; your simple opinion means nothing to me.

Lol. Thank you for the laugh.

[socialist]

Jumping to conclusions and generalizations about people without sufficient evidence. You play the role of the Social Justice Warrior well.

But to be serious, I've actually been through the 21st century progressive education system, but whatever.

Lol. Thank you for the laugh.

But you have noc lue about 21st Century Skills. *facepalm*

[Michael Hardner]

Kids believe a lot of things that aren't true.

Like the bible, you mean. Luckily they have school to counter things that they are taught to believe at home... "just because". Climate change is what you call a "no brainer" as you just have to look at the temperature. Unless you believe in bogey men and conspiracy theories there's not much else to say.

[socialist]

Like the bible, you mean. Luckily they have school to counter things that they are taught to believe at home... "just because". Climate change is what you call a "no brainer" as you just have to look at the temperature. Unless you believe in bogey men and conspiracy theories there's not much else to say.

Good point, Michael. Teachers are co-parents. Thank goodness public schools are here to reverse nonsense taught at home.

[jacee]

I could care less what you think of me.

When I read what you write, I am able to draw a number of conclusions.

1. You have no clue with regards to modern public education or the challenges involved.

2. You have no clue as to what 21st Century Skills are.

3. You have no clue as to what 21st Century Learning is.

Your comments on cursive writing reveals a lack of knowledge of the subject.

Also, I remember you from a thread on climate change in which you got destroyed by waldo. So like I said; your simple opinion means nothing to me.

I know -1 made it personal, socialist.

Try not stooping to that level though.

It may be true that some don't understand "21st century education".

Educating them may be more helpful than insulting them for lack of knowledge.

In informing, updating and changing belief systems, it is always more productive to address the majority who can change, and not beat your head against the wall of the few who can't. They will always try to distract/derail you, and in tangling with them, you may lose the rest who may be more open to your information.

I appreciate your passion and the topics you bring to the board, and I think you are a welcome addition here.

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Edited January 24, 2015 by jacee