Cursive handwriting is a form of hand-writing that used to be prevalent in America. It has been described as “a style that evokes wisdom, elegance and old-school charm”. For centuries, people have been using it to write letters, add notes to thank-you cards, and share with the world their thoughts.
The art of cursive had its golden age in the U.S. in the late 1800s. The form was taught in schools as early as the 17th century, and had been encouraged by the American founders. President James Madison is credited with coining the words “Letters, Memoirs, and Journals” as part of the Bill of Rights, which contained the first ten amendments.
As time passed, the art of cursive began to fade. The advent of electricity and the prevalence of typewriters and word processors made handwriting less necessary. Many people, however, have always held a special place in their hearts for the art of cursive, and have tried to maintain it in various ways, including through letter writing and through calligraphy, which is the art of handwritten lettering. Today, there is hardly any circumstance where handwriting is not appropriate. From social media to business letters to online shopping orders, handwriting connects people. It is a universal language that transcends time and space.
Why Should I Learn How to Write Cursive?
Even in the 21st century, handwriting is not something that is easily replaced by computers or tablets. According to the American Institute of Stress, writing by hand is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. It has been shown to increase heart rate variability, which is a measure of the balance between the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest system) and the sympathetic nervous system (the alert and alarm system). Just a few minutes spent scribbling on a piece of paper can improve focus and reduce tension.
Writing by hand is also an excellent tool for people who have to take their medication differently than prescribed or who need to keep a record of what they are taking. It is a common issue for people who have had trouble with medications in the past, and one that can be easily addressed with the help of a personal organizer such as a Moleskine notebook. Keeping medications organized and in sight is an excellent way to prevent medication errors and dangerous situations due to misunderstandings or errors in dosing.
How Do I Learn How to Write Cursive?
The first step towards learning how to write cursive is by learning how to read it. One of the best resources for learning to read cursive is the Curls app for Android. Available for free from the Google Play Store, the app was designed by a doctor to make it easier for people to learn how to read cursive. Features like a built-in timer and random flashcard sets for practice make learning how to write cursive an engaging and convenient experience.
After learning how to read cursive, the next step is to learn how to write it. There are multiple apps and websites that can help with this. The American Institute of Stress suggests starting with these basic tutorials, then moving on to more in-depth lessons and programs that can help you find your own handwriting style.
Where Can I Practice?
As with anything else, there are certain places where you can practice and become better at writing cursive. This includes your home, community centers, and schools. If you live near a lake, river, or bay, chances are there is a park nearby with a writing desk or a large table. If you have a large wall in your home that you could use for practice, or if you have an area in a spare room that could be used for writing and drawing, there are numerous opportunities for you to practice.
If you are looking for a program that could help you find your own handwriting style, you could take a look at the Curls app or website. They have multiple levels of membership, allowing you to practice and get feedback on your work, as well as detailed tutorials that can help you learn how to write in different styles.
Ultimately, you have to find what works best for you, but there are some basic guidelines you should follow when practicing handwriting. Ensure that your hand is relaxed and not strained. Make sure that your pen is of good quality and comfortable to write with. Practice at night, as bright light is harmful to your eyesight, which is necessary when learning how to write.
In addition, it is important to take breaks regularly when practicing. Just like any other muscle in your body, your hand needs to rest and recover, especially if you are practicing for long periods of time. You should do this both deliberately, by taking a break and going for a walk, or by accident, due to overuse and inflammation.
The End Result
When you practice writing, you will see improved handwriting and better coordination. Like any other muscle in your body, your hand will get stronger with practice. In time, you will be able to write faster, with less strain, and be more efficient. This will, in turn, allow you to spend more time with your family and friends, or simply on your personal projects. At the very least, you will no longer have to worry about your handwriting looking like a child’s messy scrawl, but will instead be able to join the exclusive club of people who can write with grace and elegance.
Learning how to write cursive is not as hard as you might think. With the right resources and a little bit of practice, you will be able to join the prestigious club of writers and artists who can write beautifully and impress others with your work.