Thursday, October 10, 2013

The impending death of cursive...

I read very recently that Cursive is no longer a part of the Common Core State Standards followed by 45 of our 50 states, which means that many public schools are using this time to teach technology skills. I was at first shocked to read this, and then just plain saddened.

OMG   WTF   LMFAO

...Seriously, we don't even use actual words in many of our common "written" communications anymore, so I don't know why this came as a surprise to me.

Although I do keep a sporadic written journal, done in pretty messy cursive, I will admit that for ease and readability, I type, text, keyboard -- whatever you want to call it -- much more often than I put actual pen to paper.

Still, I love handwriting. I appreciate words of thanks and support and notes from friends in all their forms, from email to Facebook and blog comments, but a personal note, written in perfect penmanship or a messy scribble, will always be more special to me.

And from the sounds of it, our little handwritten missives will someday be priceless ephemera, when no one knows how to hold a pen anymore. 





5 comments:

DJ said...

I think it's sad too. There's nothing like getting an actual written letter.
(Of course I've been told my handwriting "sucks", but whatever! :)

fran pascazio said...

Amen - you're right, Kerri! Not only will these kids not be able to write with a pen or pencil, there will be no need to learn how to spell....spellcheck is at there little fingertips! I, also, love a handwritten note.....it is very personal....of course I'm old and no one really cares but a few! Love your last two posts my friend!

Peggy Beck said...

It saddens me too Kerri. I have one friend who I still "write" letters to via the pen and have for over 35 years. There is nothing like getting a hand written thank you note in the mail or other handwritten note. The "personality" is gone in a typewritten letter or note. Sad day it is but there will be some who carry it on. maybe someday it will make a comeback.......Like Knitting.

Createology said...

Yes, I echo your sentiment also. How sad that penmanship is no longer important to teach or learn. I adore old letters that were hand written in cursive. Sad sign of our times...

Simstrope said...

Thanks for writinng