Cursive - also called joined-up writing - is usually taught in early elementary grades to teach letter formation and joining. Modern classrooms show varied approaches: full cursive, print-first then cursive, or mixed styles. Handwriting practice supports literacy-related skills, but policies and emphasis differ by district and state, and keyboarding now shares classroom time.

What is cursive (joined-up) writing?

Cursive, often called joined-up or running writing, is a handwriting style where letters within words connect. Schools traditionally taught a unified cursive style to help students form letters and link them into words fluently.

When and how it's taught

Today, cursive instruction usually happens in early elementary grades - typically grades 1-3 (about ages 6-8). Teachers introduce letter formation, joining patterns, and practice for speed and legibility. Some classrooms still use full cursive programs; others focus on printing first and introduce a mixed or "print-script" approach later.

Common handwriting styles

Students develop one of three broad approaches:

  • Printed/block letters: letters are separate, like typing on a keyboard.
  • Traditional cursive: most letters join in flowing strokes.
  • Mixed or print-script: many students combine joined and separate letters (some joined, some not).
The mixed style is common because it balances clarity with the speed of joins.

Why cursive mattered - and still matters to some educators

Before typewriters and digital devices, cursive was practical: it allowed faster writing and denser text on a page. Many teachers and handwriting advocates still value cursive for legibility, speed, and aesthetic reasons.

Recent educational research also suggests handwriting practice - whether print or cursive - supports letter recognition and early literacy through fine motor memory and sustained attention . The strength of those benefits and how they compare to keyboard skills is still an active area of study.

How policy and practice vary

The Common Core standards adopted by many U.S. states did not require cursive instruction, and that shift prompted debate about its classroom place. Since then, policies and classroom practices have diverged: some school districts and states explicitly require cursive instruction, while others leave it optional or emphasize keyboarding skills 1.

Practical guidance for teachers and parents

  • Start with clear letter formation and short, frequent practice sessions.
  • Use multisensory activities (tracing, air-writing) to reinforce motor patterns.
  • Accept mixed styles: many students naturally develop a hybrid that suits their speed and legibility needs.
  • Pair handwriting practice with keyboard instruction; both are relevant for modern literacy.
Cursive remains one tool among many for developing handwriting. Whether a school emphasizes it will depend on local curriculum decisions, classroom priorities, and emerging research on literacy and motor development.
  1. Confirm which U.S. states currently require cursive instruction and the specific legislation or guidance for each [[CHECK]].
  2. Verify recent peer-reviewed studies (post-2015) summarizing the cognitive and literacy benefits of handwriting vs. keyboarding [[CHECK]].
  3. Confirm typical grade/age ranges used by major school districts for introducing cursive to ensure current practice aligns with the stated grades 1-3 (ages 6-8) [[CHECK]].

FAQs about Cursive Writing Lessons

At what age do students usually learn cursive?
Most students encounter cursive in early elementary, typically grades 1-3 (about ages 6-8), though exact timing varies by school.
Is cursive still required in U.S. schools?
Requirements vary. The Common Core did not mandate cursive, and some states or districts require instruction while others do not; many classrooms offer it as an option .
Does learning cursive help reading or cognition?
Handwriting practice (print or cursive) appears to support letter recognition and early literacy through motor memory and attention, but the extent and specifics are still under study .
What if my child mixes print and cursive letters?
A mixed or print-script style is common and often functional. Teachers typically accept hybrids that are legible and allow the student to write at a reasonable speed.
Should schools teach keyboarding instead of cursive?
Many educators recommend teaching both: handwriting for fine-motor and literacy benefits, and keyboarding for digital communication skills.

News about Cursive Writing Lessons

Why One School Is Leading the Return to Cursive - Education Week [Visit Site | Read More]

Cursive Handwriting is Set for a Comeback in Pennsylvania Schools - The 74 [Visit Site | Read More]

Cursive handwriting is set for a comeback in Pennsylvania schools - Pennsylvania Capital-Star [Visit Site | Read More]

Ahead of the curve: Area school districts teach cursive writing - altoonamirror.com [Visit Site | Read More]