Benefits of the “Lost Skill”of Cursive Writing
Let’s talk about cursive writing — the beautiful, flowy script that’s slowly disappearing from classrooms. More and more parents ask me if their child should learn cursive or if it’s outdated.
As a pediatric OT, my answer is “ it depends”. Cursive may be tricky for some children. But for some children, it may be easier than printing. Cursive isn’t just about pretty handwriting. It has benefits that support your child’s development, especially if they struggle with printing.
Some research may suggest that writing in cursive activates areas in the brain linked to memory, motor planning, and emotional regulation. Unlike printing, cursive has fewer stops and starts. The letters connect, flow, and follow a rhythm. For some children with dysgraphia, motor planning challenges, or visual tracking difficulties, cursive can actually feel more natural than block letters.
There’s something so empowering about writing in cursive. It feels “grown up,” special, and often motivates children who may be resistant to writing in general.
Cursive writing also connects us to tradition. Whether it’s reading and understanding an elder’s notes, or signing a name with care, cursive helps preserve cultural and personal legacy!
Here are some tips on how to get started:
Begin with lowercase letters that naturally connect. Start with: c, a, d, g, o — they follow the same curve and build confidence quickly.
Teach letter families by movement, not by alphabet. Group letters by stroke to help with motor memory and rhythm. Curve family: a, c, d, g
Spike family: i, u, w, t
Loop family: l, e, h
Use large movements before paper
Practice cursive strokes in sand trays, air writing, and chalk on a vertical surface helping to build muscle memory using a multi-sensory approach. Some children may need extra support with:
Pencil grasp and fine motor control
Visual motor integration
Motor planning and sequencing
Occupational Therapists can help by breaking the task of writing in cursive into steps, building skills through play, and making writing feel good again! Let’s not make cursive writing a lost art. Let’s build on this skill to help your child develop coordination, confidence, and calm by participating in a meaningful activity.
Whether your child is printing proudly or just starting to hold a pencil, it’s never too late, or too early, to explore the beauty of cursive writing! If you are interested in getting your child started with cursive writing, click on “Contact Us” to get started.