Does my child need to learn cursive writing?

Parents often wonder if teaching their children cursive writing is worth the effort in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. With tablets and laptops becoming standard tools in both schools and homes, some feel cursive has lost its relevance. Yet, others argue it still provides important developmental and practical benefits. Let us explore both sides of the discussion, looking at why cursive is sometimes seen as unnecessary, what advantages it can bring, and how you can support your child if you decide it is worth pursuing.

Why some people think cursive is unnecessary

Before we dive into the benefits, it is important to understand why many parents and educators consider cursive writing outdated. For them, it is less of a priority compared to other modern skills.

Outdated

Some people believe cursive writing has no place in today’s digital world. With most communication happening through emails, text messages, and typed documents, the need for flowing script seems minimal. Children are more likely to be asked to type an assignment than handwrite one, which makes cursive feel like an old-fashioned skill from a time when pen and paper were the only tools available.

Waste of time

Another common argument is that learning cursive consumes time that could be spent on more practical skills. Class schedules are already full, and many schools prioritise subjects such as mathematics, science, and digital literacy. Parents may worry that spending hours on perfecting loops and strokes takes away from learning content that feels more relevant to the future. For these reasons, some choose to skip cursive altogether.

Benefits of learning cursive writing

Even though it is easy to dismiss cursive as unnecessary, it still holds value for many children. Beyond neat handwriting, it provides several educational and personal benefits that can enrich a child’s learning journey. Cursive writing helps strengthen fine motor skills through its flowing, continuous motion. The act of connecting letters requires coordination, rhythm, and concentration, which in turn improves overall hand control. Studies have shown that writing by hand also stimulates brain activity, supporting memory retention and creativity.

Another overlooked benefit is personal expression. Every child develops a unique style in cursive, turning writing into an art form that reflects individuality. Moreover, learning cursive can make reading older texts easier, preserving a link to historical documents and traditional forms of communication. While not every child will use cursive daily, those who learn it often gain skills that extend far beyond the page.

Learning cursive writing in Singapore

In Singapore, the approach to cursive writing has changed over time, and may well change again in future. Currently, it's considered best practice to devote some time to cursive writing in Primary 3 and Primary 4. While many students may not adopt it as their main form of writing, they all will have some exposure to it.

Parents who want their children to learn cursive outside of school sometimes introduce it at home. In this way, cursive becomes an additional skill that supports broader academic growth without conflicting with classroom learning. Whether a child learns cursive formally or informally, the focus is usually on making it a smooth and enjoyable process rather than a stressful requirement.

When to begin learning cursive

Timing is important when it comes to cursive. If introduced too early, children may become frustrated, but if introduced too late, they may lose interest.

A good rule of thumb is to start when a child is already comfortable with print writing. This usually happens between the ages of six and eight. At this stage, their fine motor skills are mature enough to handle the flowing movements of cursive, and they are less likely to feel overwhelmed by the challenge. Introducing cursive as a natural progression from printing makes it feel like an exciting step forward rather than a difficult task.

How to help your child learn cursive

Parents play an important role in making cursive enjoyable. With the right approach, you can turn practice into a rewarding activity rather than a chore. Here are some practical ways to guide your child through the process.

• Start with tracing: Use worksheets where your child can trace letters before attempting to write them independently.

• Introduce letters gradually: Focus on one set of letters at a time, such as those with similar loops or curves.

• Use fun materials: Colourful pens, markers, or decorative paper can make practice more engaging.

• Keep sessions short: Practising for ten to fifteen minutes is more effective than forcing long study periods.

• Encourage posture and grip: A relaxed grip and proper posture reduce fatigue and make writing more comfortable.

• Apply learning to daily life: Encourage your child to use cursive in everyday tasks, such as writing thank-you notes or labelling their belongings.

• Celebrate progress: Praise their effort and growth, not just neatness. Progress in cursive takes time, and encouragement builds confidence.

• Add creativity: Incorporate cursive into art projects, personal journals, or designing signs. This helps children see writing as fun and expressive rather than purely academic.

Conclusion

The question of whether your child needs to learn cursive writing does not have one clear answer. While some see it as outdated or a poor use of time, cursive continues to offer benefits that are worth considering. It builds fine motor skills, encourages creativity, supports memory, and allows children to express themselves uniquely. In Singapore, cursive is introduced to varying degrees, but parents can always choose to support it at home. The best time to begin is when a child is confident in printing, typically around ages six to eight. With short, fun, and encouraging lessons, cursive can become a valuable skill rather than a burden. Ultimately, cursive writing may not be essential in the digital age, but it gives children something meaningful: the ability to write beautifully, think more deeply, and connect with a tradition of communication that has shaped human history.