Cursive vs Print

There is debate about print vs. cursive. But my thought is that the debate will never win one side or the other. Why? Because, as with all things, it depends what the purpose is?

• Are we teaching writing just to get our kids able to communicate with the world via papers and books?
• Are we trying not to lose a "dying tradition"? (which is really an art)
• Are we wanting to make our two year olds academically competent?

Either route we go, I don't think writing should be forced. When kids feel stressed, their brain can't store memory long-term. That is why games and fun avenues for approaching learning (like stories and songs) are best for children.

I also feel that writing shouldn't be pushed too early. Cursive probably requires more hand control and shouldn't be approached too early. What are the building blocks of writing? lines and curves. In waldorf they first focus on drawing vertical and horizontal lines. They practice all sorts of designs they can make and patterns...with just simple lines. Then they move on to adding a curve, like a "c". They make lots of types of desins with curves. Then they combine the two into simple drawings and patterns, almost mimicing letters....without ever saying they are. And before you know it, the kids are ready to put them together into actually letters, confident they can creat. Otherwise kids just see random messes of lines and writing doesn't make sense. So first, give the line and curve experience to your children. Build their "drawing confidence." Let's not push handwriting before we've helped our kids gain experience and love for art along those "lines?" hehe.

That said. You can't gracefully pull off something you haven't mastered. Print, to me, is writing without that grace. Is that bad? No, but it misses something that could be that much more. Like basic writing, vs. poetry.

Is poetry all that we should read? no. But the rhythm and beauty of the words are felt and have a more multi-sensory approach. It's effect on the brain is more whole in that it helps cross and use both left and right brain hemispheres together. This helps learning stick and is healthier cognitively. It is the same with cursive. 

If you feel "off" (like too analytical or too right-brained), then reading a little poetry (or cross-crawling if you're into Donna Eden's energy work stuff or brain gym for us all, but especially those with special needs) helps reset the brain. You can read other articles about brain specifics if interested.

I love in Waldorf how they first introduce letters via a picture that has the letter shape in it as an organic part of the picture. And they normally do it through a story. So the child can connect a visual and remember in a whole-brain way.

So, in order to personally answer this question I think it important to know your purpose for teaching writing. Then take that into account with the ages of your children and their needs. How can you teach and learn writing in a fun way without stress?