The pen vs. the keyboard

This note from Carolyn Reams Smith speaks for itself.

” The keyboard, for youngsters who have learned typing by trial and error, is not so much an instrument of thinking as it is a gateway to other activities.

“Cursive writing, on the other hand, is an instrument of thinking — one that has few distractions. Once a student has cursive skill, that great trio — the pen, the hand, and the page — activates the brain and offers opportunities for storytelling, organizing, self-reflecting, and critical thinking. These activities help our students become successful adults because it helps them understand themselves and the world around them.

“Cursive writing prompts reading. The two tasks are flip sides of the same coin. … Ohio wants to guarantee that students can read by third grade. One step in that direction is to have them write more. Developing literacy is a thoughtful process. Teach young students cursive to give them a calmer, flowing process for reading, writing, and thinking. Their brains and our world will benefit.”

Your turn: email rrollins@coxohio.com.

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