If you ask third grade DCD teacher, Colleen Hultgren if she thinks it’s still important to teach cursive handwriting in this digital age, she’d say “absolutely, yes!” Children have mastered printing, and adding cursive writing to their tool kit allows them to get their thoughts down on paper faster. Or if they are in a situation where they are taking notes down the road in middle school, cursive writing has its advantages. 

There are many reasons for keeping cursive in DCD’s third grade curriculum—in fact, students begin with lower case letters in second grade. “We’re always working on hand-eye coordination, so sitting down to form cursive letters certainly helps to build this critical skill. And I know the act of writing helps kids to absorb material and ideas more effectively,” explains Colleen. With technology’s pervasiveness and students being true digital natives, some may question the need for cursive writing at all.  However,  a recent research study conducted by F.R. Van der Weel and Audrey L.H. Van der Meer, published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2024, found that handwriting, compared to typing promoted stronger brain connectivity in regions associated with learning and memory. The authors of the study went on to recommend that handwriting be maintained as a practice in educational settings and that both teachers and students need to consider the learning context when choosing to write or type. Equipped with cursive writing skills, DCD students will certainly have the ability to do both!

Third graders are studying colonial times in social studies and often come across historical letters. With a bit of cursive writing under their belts, they have an easier time decoding some of these texts. And as they grow as history students, they are likely to come across more primary sources where the author has used cursive writing. But for now, it’s fun, and makes them feel grown up when they can decode an older person’s writing—perhaps even a letter from a grandparent!

“There are many byproducts to these cursive writing practice periods”, Colleen acknowledges. They present an opportunity for students to experience a flow state in a busy learning day and a healthy reminder that neatness counts. And it’s also wonderful to witness a student’s pride when they can form their letters and ultimately sign their name! While you can’t fight the growing dominance of digital signatures in our world today, there is nothing like seeing a student’s eyes light up when they have created and mastered their own signatures. They have fun developing their own style and are learning that signatures and penmanship contribute to one’s authenticity. That’s just another little ingredient in building self confidence and pride in their work.