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In reply to the discussion: Rachel Jeantel, witness at Zimmerman trial, can't read or write in cursive. Is that a big deal? [View all]hlthe2b
(102,119 posts)143. Educate YOURSELF
The Educational Summit titled Handwriting in the 21st Century held in Washington, D.C. included the attendance of professors, neuroscientists, teachers and interested citizens. Presenters shared cross-disciplinary handwriting research and attendees voiced their opinions about whetherand howthis skill should be taught. Through presentations and workshops, attendees learned how handwriting is a foundational skill that helps children develop in other areas, such as reading, writing, memory, and critical thinking. Several neuroscientists presented findings ranging from handwriting and occupational therapy to neuroscience research that documents the impact of handwriting on kids learning. In a survey at the conclusion of the summit, 85 percent of the attendees believe that handwriting instruction is very important in the 21st century. A majority responded that handwriting should be taught from Kindergarten through 5th grade. All of the research presented at the conference indicates that teaching handwriting is beneficial. Although the conference was sponsored by a handwriting curriculum company, the presenters came from a broad range of fields and presented a convincing case. One of the most remarkable findings came from Karin Harman-James at Indiana University. She presented research she conducted using MRI scans of childrens brains. Her research which was conducted in 2012 showed that writing by hand activated parts of the brain associated with language development, while keyboarding did not.
. For anyone interested in learning more about how handwriting and keyboarding produce different changes in the brain many published research articles are available for perusal on the internet. In addition, some neuroscientists have published books which have sections describing how handwriting affects the learning process. Two of these books are; The Hand: How its Use Shapes the Brain, Language and Human Culture, by Dr. Frank R. Wilson. His book describes in detail the pivotal role of hand movements in the developing of thinking and language capacities and in developing deep feelings of confidence and interest in the world-all-together, the essential prerequisites for the emergence of the capable and caring individual. Considering the bullying problem and the lack of empathy many teachers are noticing in their students, could it be that learning cursive handwriting has an effect on the area of the brain that develops empathy and tolerance for others? We dont know yet.
Another book is, The Brain That Changes Itself, by neuroscientist Norman Doidge. His book discusses the subject of neuroplasticity, how the brain changes and develops neuropathways in relation to habit changes and repeated actions. His research describes how handwriting and keyboarding require different actions and affect the brain in different ways. Dr. Dodge has said, When a child types or prints, he produces a letter the same way each time. In cursive, however, each letter connects slightly differently to the next, which is more demanding on the part of the brain that converts symbol sequences into motor movements in the hand. Each of these actions creates different neuropathways in the brain,
Much controversy exists regarding the importance of cursive handwriting. Evidence is building that indicates the brain is affected and changed in ways we never realized. Brain research is constantly providing new revelations. As this research is growing and available, changes in curriculum that impact how kids learn and retain knowledge need to be carefully examined and evaluated prior to being implemented. At present most school districts can still decide if they want to teach cursive handwriting. Where does your school district stand? If you think cursive handwriting is important to learn contact your childs teacher or school administrator and express your concern. Some states are reinstating cursive handwriting into their education curriculum. A white paper summarizing the research presented at this conference is available on the summit website: http://www.hw21summit.com
. For anyone interested in learning more about how handwriting and keyboarding produce different changes in the brain many published research articles are available for perusal on the internet. In addition, some neuroscientists have published books which have sections describing how handwriting affects the learning process. Two of these books are; The Hand: How its Use Shapes the Brain, Language and Human Culture, by Dr. Frank R. Wilson. His book describes in detail the pivotal role of hand movements in the developing of thinking and language capacities and in developing deep feelings of confidence and interest in the world-all-together, the essential prerequisites for the emergence of the capable and caring individual. Considering the bullying problem and the lack of empathy many teachers are noticing in their students, could it be that learning cursive handwriting has an effect on the area of the brain that develops empathy and tolerance for others? We dont know yet.
Another book is, The Brain That Changes Itself, by neuroscientist Norman Doidge. His book discusses the subject of neuroplasticity, how the brain changes and develops neuropathways in relation to habit changes and repeated actions. His research describes how handwriting and keyboarding require different actions and affect the brain in different ways. Dr. Dodge has said, When a child types or prints, he produces a letter the same way each time. In cursive, however, each letter connects slightly differently to the next, which is more demanding on the part of the brain that converts symbol sequences into motor movements in the hand. Each of these actions creates different neuropathways in the brain,
Much controversy exists regarding the importance of cursive handwriting. Evidence is building that indicates the brain is affected and changed in ways we never realized. Brain research is constantly providing new revelations. As this research is growing and available, changes in curriculum that impact how kids learn and retain knowledge need to be carefully examined and evaluated prior to being implemented. At present most school districts can still decide if they want to teach cursive handwriting. Where does your school district stand? If you think cursive handwriting is important to learn contact your childs teacher or school administrator and express your concern. Some states are reinstating cursive handwriting into their education curriculum. A white paper summarizing the research presented at this conference is available on the summit website: http://www.hw21summit.com
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Rachel Jeantel, witness at Zimmerman trial, can't read or write in cursive. Is that a big deal? [View all]
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
OP
Are most people okay with that? Do you have any feelings either way? I never liked...
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#3
I'm NOT ok with this... That means, notes on medical records, historical letters, and all kinds of
hlthe2b
Jun 2013
#7
I've worked in the field my entire life... Never have I worked with anyone who didn't use/couldn't
hlthe2b
Jun 2013
#39
i was just pointing out that you in the same sentence you referred to "read" and "use" separately
CreekDog
Jun 2013
#89
So you advocate for today's youth to be ignorant of the ability to read any kind of script?
hlthe2b
Jun 2013
#91
being able to read script is useful, but most script people will see is poorly written
CreekDog
Jun 2013
#93
I am very much aware of that as is eveyone on this thread who are arguing at the stupidity of doing
hlthe2b
Jun 2013
#142
That's one group, and maybe there is a point...but I've tested many children for readiness,
Sancho
Jun 2013
#144
Do you print your name TWICE on documents that ask you to "Sign here" and "Print here"?
WinkyDink
Jun 2013
#43
so you're saying signatures are supposed to be legible and readable as one's legal name?
CreekDog
Jun 2013
#52
Of course, but to encourage todays' youth to be ignorant of the notes written by parents/grandparent
hlthe2b
Jun 2013
#88
I agree about the utility of printing. It's the lack of being able to read and write in...
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#38
Funny, how I was expected to learn both to write in cursive AND to touch type...
hlthe2b
Jun 2013
#12
When I was a child, I was punished by a vindictive teacher who refused to teach me cursive because..
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#18
My OP wasn't meant as any slight to her. The unwritten assumption was that she was a product of...
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#65
We're all good! I just wanted to make that clear because so many people read DU, it's..
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#75
It's disturbing from an educational perspective; however, it's irrelevant to
kestrel91316
Jun 2013
#14
One of my career incarnations was as a 35mm film projectionist. I know what you mean...
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#33
I hear ya. Just...things like The Constitution are written in cursive. While I'm sure...
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#24
I think it's sad. Bad handwriting is one thing, but not being able to read cursive is a real loss,
pnwmom
Jun 2013
#21
It's not that she couldn't read cursive, it's that she couldn't read. no?
Jesus Malverde
Jun 2013
#28
See, I was under the same impression you were but I think it was JUST cursive.
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#44
If you can find an article that describes her as genuinely illerate, post a link.
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#60
The biggest shocker was that she was unable to read a letter she had supposedly written.
JVS
Jun 2013
#120
In this computer age, I don't think it matters. My cursive is almost illegible now because
fried eggs
Jun 2013
#37
Many school districts are phasing out cursive, which poses a problem to sight readers
apples and oranges
Jun 2013
#50
My son's a leftie. I was thinking about the smudge factor today after I quizzed him.
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#76
The only thing it is is an indictment of "No Child Left Behind" and "Race to the Bottom" ...
Myrina
Jun 2013
#70
According to the article, she had to admit in open court that she did not write the letter.
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#81
I had to learn Morse for my HAM radio operator's test years ago. Out of curiosity...
Poll_Blind
Jun 2013
#90
G'bye Cursive, and Good Riddance (and take the remnants of the Dewey Decimal System with you)
Captain Stern
Jun 2013
#117