Reply #23: I don't care for cursive

[The Philosopher]

I think the argument that it should be taught for hand-eye coordination and whatnot is a fine argument and should be considered; but not the argument for signing documents. Handwriting is individual enough that print is fine.

I personally have difficulty reading cursive. Of course, I tend to be reading the cursive of someone who can't spell. But I'd rather them write in print than cursive. It makes things easier and there's nothing wrong with that. We're not building a rocket, here.

Now, just because I don't care for cursive and don't see the need to teach it (for communication--like I said, the argument for coordination is a fine one) doesn't mean I myself don't use it. I tend to blend print and cursive in my writing.

That reminds me, another argument for cursive is that it's supposed to make handwriting faster, as everything is smooth and blends into each other. So that's two fine arguments right there. Do I consider the argument "Everything can be printed out," a fine argument against cursive? But I'm guessing someone's never been too poor to afford a printer. But, then, it's print vs. cursive, not handwriting vs. computer printing. On the latter fight, it's important to teach children how to write. When the zombie apocalypse happens, we'll be grateful we taught our children how to write on a piece of paper (or a wall).