Cursive writing is more than just a way to practice writing. It is a necessary skill that will help your children develop as readers and writers. Once they master cursive writing, they can take this skill and apply it to whatever they want. This article will go over the different grades that a child needs to learn how to write in cursive, based on the Common Core State Standards for English.
Grade 1-2
The first two years of a child’s education are critical in developing the skills and knowledge necessary for reading and writing. During these years, the English language will be introduced and built on through a process of natural learning. The Common Core State Standards for this grade level call for proficiency in English as well as the following skills:
- Knowledge of English grammar
- Knowledge of history
- Knowledge of geography
- Literacy
- Cursive writing
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading for meaning
- Writing
- Speaking (including reading aloud)
- Listening
- Speaking (including discussing content)
- Listening (including discussing content)
Each of these skills is necessary for your child’s education and should not be considered a “lesser” necessary skill. Instead, take this opportunity to explore the different aspects of English with your child. This will not only help them become better writers, but will also give you a better understanding of this important language!
Grade 3-5
In preparation for high school, students should be proficient in English grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Moreover, they should also have the ability to write clearly and concisely. The Common Core State Standards for this grade level include the following:
- Knowledge of U.S. history
- U.S. Government
- Technology and use of information
- Speech
- Active reading
- Writing
- Civic education
- Critical thinking
- Arts
- Creativity
Your children will have an opportunity to explore these topics in more detail during the high school years, but it is important to expose them to these ideas earlier on. Through creative writing and critical thinking, students will be better equipped for university life and beyond!
Grade 6-8
In grades six through eight, students should be building on the skills they learned in the previous grades. In addition to English language skills, students should also be cultivating the following:
- Knowledge of world history
- Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Earth science
- Microbiology
- Health
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Art history
- Sculpture
- Digital photography
- Digital video
- Video production
- Broadcasting
- Music history
- Theory of music
- Orchestration
- Score reading
- Synchronized swimming
- Aquaculture
- Invasive species
As in the previous grades, these are all necessary skills for your children’s education. They should not be considered a “lesser” necessary skill. Instead, take advantage of this opportunity to educate your children about the world around them!
Grade 9-12
In high school, students should be developing the ability to analyze information and to synthesize it into a well-reasoned argument. Moreover, they should also be improving their writing skills through composition and drafting. In addition, students should be taking advantage of their technical skills through research and data analysis. In order to do this successfully, they need to be proficient in the following:
- Finance
- Civics
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Operating Systems
- Computers
- Internet
- Software Design
- Coding
- Calendar Skills
- Accounting
- Math
- Statistics
- Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
- Trigonometry (including Linear Algebra)
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Probability & Statistics
- Financial Accounting
- Business Math
- English Language
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Cultural Geography
- Art History
- Archaeology
- Design
- Film Studies
- Radio & Television
- News Reporting
- Video Production
- New Media
- Journalism
- Non-fiction writing
- Research Techniques
- Technical Writing
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Publishing
- Online Journalism
- Digital Marketing and Social Media
- Public Relations
As your children approach adulthood, they will need to develop the ability to be independent and to think for themselves. In order to do this successfully, they need to be equipped with the following:
- Research methods
- Critical thinking
- English Language
- Art History
- Digital marketing and social media
- Public Relations
- Economics
- Business Math
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Cultural Geography
- Film Studies
- Radio & Television
- News Reporting
- Advertising
- Writing
Adult Learning
If your children are still in school, there is no need to stop learning! In fact, adults can continue their education at any time through a variety of online degree programs from reputable universities. You should feel free to explore whichever subjects you feel may be beneficial for your adult learners.
In conclusion
Writing in cursive is more than just practicing your handwriting. It is an essential part of your children’s education that will help them develop into better readers and writers. Once they master this skill, they can take this ability and apply it to whatever they want. This article will go over the different grades that a child needs to learn how to write in cursive, based on the Common Core State Standards for English.