Leave cursive instruction alone

I found your article about teaching cursive writing to our youth in the public schools very interesting, indeed. Having taught and served as principal in two schools in the Mt. Prospect District 57, I have strong feelings about the writing program.

During my teaching years, I found reading papers and assignments completed in cursive writing so much easier to grade. It was also true that those students who used cursive writing received the better grades because I could read what they wrote. I agree with Donna Werdrich, of Northern Illinois University, that there are connections between good penmanship and grades.

When making daily assignments and other school work, I always recommended using cursive writing, so I could give the student what he deserved for the finished product. Teachers spend much time reading and grading student work and they should be rewarded for doing so. This is being fair to the student.

Cutting back on teaching cursive writing for our youth is certainly not a good idea or perhaps just poor judgment.

I realize today that it is very easy for our youth to use other forms of communication. Since writing is one of our early ways to communicate feelings and thoughts, I strongly support keeping the funding presently used by the board. Once you have the cursive writing skill, it will always be with you, if you practice and use it in your daily life.

Case in point, recently I had an accident that affected my fingers’ motor skills. I had a very difficult time writing legibly with my right hand. In my rehab work, I used a third-grade cursive writing booklet to help me regain the use of my right hand. Now after three weeks, I can use the cursive writing skill again.

Please, try cutting back other parts of our education programs. Leave cursive writing alone.

Stephen L. Caruso

Prospect Heights