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Saint James' Episcopal School introduces cursive writing in grade 3. Cursive writing requires a very different skill set from print writing. It involves using the hand muscles in a different way and activates a different part of the brain than regular writing does. At age 7 or 8 when cursive is taught, these skills can be very beneficial in furthering motor skill development.

When students are taught the English language in only one form, print writing, they receive only one chance to learn and memorize the letters. By learning cursive, students receive another opportunity to fully comprehend the alphabet. Learning cursive also gives students a clearer understanding of how letters are formed, which will improve their print writing, too.

Without being able to read cursive writing, students will undoubtedly be kept from many opportunities to read important documents. Think about it: so many historical documents are written in cursive. While some of these documents are readily available online in print form, not all of them are. Not only will students miss out on a part of history, they may very well miss out on reading important letters and cards from their grandparents or great-grandparents, too.