After more than a decade off the curriculum, cursive writing is making its way back into some US public schools. If you’re not familiar, cursive is that flowing, connected style of handwriting that’s designed to make writing quicker, but that’s not the what all cursive has to offer!
UPDATED: Number of States Requiring Cursive Writing Hits 25
Cursive used to be a big deal in classrooms across the US. But when computers became the norm in workplaces, schools started shifting focus. Typing took priority, and by the 1980s, cursive started losing its spotlight. Even though most states still taught it, the emphasis just wasn’t the same.
Then in 2010, the Common Core Standards set a unified curriculum for English and Math in grades K-12 across 46 states. While typing skills got a big thumbs-up, cursive writing didn’t even make the list.
At first, many were on board with the change. They saw it as a step forward, giving kids time to learn modern skills like coding and typing. Some even called cursive outdated!
But not everyone agreed. Teachers and researchers pointed out that cursive wasn’t just about fancy writing. It’s also about learning. Being able to write in cursive helps students read historical documents like the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights. Plus, studies showed that handwriting plays a huge role in a child’s overall development.
For example, a 2019 study found that learning to write by hand was essential for academic success. Another study in 2020 showed that handwriting boosts memory and keeps kids more engaged.
This renewed interest is driven by several key arguments in defense of cursive writing:
Cognitive and Motor Benefits
Research has shown that learning cursive writing can improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The process of writing in cursive also engages different parts of the brain compared to typing, potentially enhancing cognitive development and memory retention.
Historical and Cultural Literacy
Understanding cursive is crucial for reading historical documents, many of which are written in cursive. This knowledge helps students connect with their cultural heritage and understand important historical texts in their original form.
Personal Expression and Creativity
Cursive writing allows for a more personal and expressive form of communication. Each individual’s cursive handwriting is unique, offering a way for students to develop their own style and identity.
Educational Benefits
Studies suggest that students who learn cursive may perform better in reading and writing. Cursive writing can help reinforce learning in other areas, such as spelling and composition.
Wasting Their Time On Social Media
In an era where students spend increasing amounts of time in front of screens, scrolling aimlessly through social media when they can use this screen time to learn an skill like cursive writing. The break from social media and trying a different mode of learning and creativity with the devices they’re already interested in is a win.
States that require schools to teach cursive writing
Hover over or click on the state to see details
By today, June 24 2026, 25 states have brought cursive writing back to elementary school classrooms. It seems that the “old-fashioned” skill is proving its worth once again and we could not be more excited about it!