At the British International School of Boston (BISB), we strive to provide our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success both academically and personally. While technology plays a significant role in learning, we also value the importance of foundational skills like cursive handwriting. In today’s digital age, it may seem cursive is less relevant, but research shows that learning cursive can have a lasting impact on a child's cognitive development and learning experience.
Here are some key benefits of cursive writing for your child:
Enhancing Fine Motor Skills
Cursive writing requires students to coordinate movements in a continuous flow, which strengthens their fine motor skills. This fine motor development helps students with other essential tasks, such as using scissors, typing on a keyboard, or even playing musical instruments. It’s a great way to build hand-eye coordination and dexterity at a young age.
Strengthening Memory and Cognitive Skills
Studies suggest that writing in cursive can improve memory retention. The process of writing letters in cursive activates different areas of the brain compared to printing or typing. This kind of active engagement strengthens a child’s ability to process and retain information. At BISB, this skill becomes especially important as students learn new concepts across the curriculum.
Supporting Literacy Development
Cursive handwriting encourages students to focus on the shape and formation of letters. This deepened attention to detail helps children recognize letter patterns, which can improve their reading comprehension and spelling. Cursive writing at BISB is integrated with literacy instruction, making the connection between writing and reading stronger for our younger learners.
Boosting Confidence and Self-Expression
Mastering cursive writing is an accomplishment that students can be proud of. The fluidity and elegance of cursive often lead to a greater sense of ownership and pride in their work. At BISB, we celebrate each student's progress, ensuring that cursive becomes a way for them to express their ideas confidently and creatively.
Fostering Focus and Patience
Learning cursive is not something that can be rushed. It requires patience, focus, and practice. At BISB, we encourage students to take their time to form each letter correctly, fostering a sense of discipline that translates into other areas of their academic journey. This focus on precision also helps students develop the mindset of resilience, one of our BISB personal goals.
Bridging the Past and Future
While digital tools dominate modern communication, the ability to write in cursive connects students with the past. Many historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and important literature, were written in cursive. At BISB, we believe it’s valuable for students to appreciate this link between traditional skills and modern advancements, nurturing a balanced educational foundation.
How We Teach Cursive at BISB
At BISB, we incorporate cursive writing as part of our lower school curriculum. Our teachers introduce it at a developmentally appropriate stage, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed. Through engaging activities, practice sessions, and individualized instruction, students gradually build their cursive skills, all while having fun along the way.
We encourage you, as parents, to support your child’s cursive learning at home. Practice can be as simple as writing grocery lists or personal letters. Not only will this reinforce what they are learning at school, but it’s also a great way to spend quality time together.
By incorporating cursive handwriting into the curriculum at BISB, we aim to provide our students with skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. Whether it’s enhancing their motor skills or boosting their self-confidence, the lasting effects of learning cursive are both meaningful and invaluable.
Let's continue to work together to ensure our children’s success in every aspect of their education.
