Cursive writing

[cjt110]

DS has just started school. As per his school's guidelines, he will learn cursive writing.

I don't even do this myself - a mix of joined up and not.

And his name has R's in it, shich don't look remotely like an "r" which he will read when joined up...

Any helpful suggestions?

I researched current methods of teaching handwriting as my dissertation for my MEd. There is precious little evidence that teaching cursive from the start is a good thing. Adding instrokes and outstrokes can be very confusing for some children who can't tell what the 'core' of the letter is (w just looks like a zigzag). For those whose fine motor skills are undeveloped it's also far more challenging than simple print. We need to be able to print as well as join our writing; and I now believe it is much better to learn print first (with exit flicks) then add the joins in y1/y2 when the child is ready.

My two are both learning cursive - I don't know it myself but it's never been an issue. My eldest's writing is pretty awful but beginning to be better (although still too big!) now in Y2. The youngest in reception can only really bash out her name. At home your only job really is to encourage them to write - they'll learn the technique in school, home is just practising (letters to grandma, shopping lists, holiday diary etc.).

Should add that even DS in Y2 doesn't join his cursive up yet - although there are some in his class who do (I imagine they encourage those who writing is up to a set standard to join it up - DS's writing is awful!)

My son started to learn cursive in reception and I was sceptical and annoyed as I felt it would be difficult for him seeing cursive and printed letters. School did a parents workshop which was useful, and they taught the kids that letters can look different. He has just started Year 1, and his handwriting is great so I was proved wrong. Other kids in his class are the same. Maybe ask for a workshop as it is likely other parents are also keen to know the style.

Lots of good experienced posters sharing here. Thank you. I don't print my writing but use a combination of joined up and static letters if you will. Just how I write. Perhaps I've missed the point of cursive and it's not joined up at all... Just wooshes. Thanks again all. Ps. The paragraph option isnt working for me either....

Hate handwriting. Dreading cursive rearing it's ugly head with dd2s class. Spent hours and hours gently chipping away to get correct letter formation working with her and it's all going to go to shit. Fuck dyspraxia too.