I was scrolling through social media the other day, and I stumbled across a video of someone writing on a piece of paper with a fountain pen. I barely even remembered they were called fountain pens, that’s how long ago it was since I saw one. But as soon as the video started, I found myself completely mesmerized.
All there was to see in the video was the pen and the paper—no faces or colourful backgrounds. The hand started moving and you could see the ink cascading down the tip of the pen and onto the paper. Each stroke was careful and intentional, moving up and down, adorning and connecting letters together throughout its journey while leaving details like crossing t’s and dotting i’s until the end.
The ink slowly changed colour to a dark rich blue as the ink dried, leaving behind a beautiful quote in cursive at the end of the two minute video.
A quote from the very popular novelist and screenwriter, Nicholas Sparks. All this took place against a backdrop of classical music playing softly in the background—a seamless experience from start to finish.
Cursive writing, dear reader, is an elegant dance of ink on paper. It’s a timeless skill that has been somewhat overshadowed by the rise of digital devices and keyboard typing.
Wise souls have argued for a renaissance for a long time—a revival of cursive writing within the educational curriculum. They acknowledge its inherent value amid our technologically advanced world and promote harmonious coexistence between digital literacy and writing skills—an elegant balance between tradition and progress.
But why?
With Ontario officially bringing back cursive writing to schools this September, I thought I would take some time and look at some of the research behind this seemingly forgotten style of writing. What is the value of bringing it back?
A study from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides some fascinating insights into the merits of cursive writing in children’s cognitive development. One significant aspect is its ability to refine our motor skills. The delicate coordination required to seamlessly connect each letter cultivates a unique level of hand-eye dexterity. These intricate movements not only enhance penmanship but also spill over into other areas of learning, sparking a cascade of advantages that are far-reaching.
That’s not all—cognitive psychology research suggests that jotting down notes by hand, particularly in cursive, helps students learn more effectively. When we engage in the graceful act of forming words with our own hands, we activate different regions of the brain responsible for motor control and memory formation. This profound engagement paves the way for heightened comprehension and recall—a veritable fountain of knowledge!
According to another enlightening study on ResearchGate, early exposure to manuscript-cursive styles has shown positive effects on children’s literacy development as well. The continuity offered by connecting letters together can aid students’ spelling abilities in their early stages—further proof that introducing cursive handwriting at an early age can be beneficial.
Aside from cognitive benefits, cursive handwriting provides ample opportunity for self-expression and individuality in written communication. Each flourish and loop adds a personal touch—a stroke of personality that sets us apart from the crowd. This aesthetic charm lends itself beautifully to personal correspondence or artistic pursuits – making each piece unique and personal.
Additionally, there’s something quite magical about being able to read historical documents written in cursive script—giving us access to history imprinted within ancient manuscripts or classic literature pieces. By mastering this style, we gain entry into the annals of history—an open invitation to uncover insights hidden within those intricate strokes from long ago.
In essence, what these numerous studies show us is that cursive writing is far more than a beautiful form—it’s an invaluable tool aiding holistic development: refining motor skills; enhancing learning; boosting memory retention; fostering creativity; nurturing individuality; bridging past and present; connecting us with our cultural heritage.
So let us not forsake this timeless craft but embrace it alongside our digital endeavours—a marriage of tradition and innovation that will set us apart in this ever-evolving world. Let’s cherish its potential today so future generations may also appreciate its beauty tomorrow—the kinetic poetry created when one simply takes pen to paper.
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