Why Cursive?

Have any of you heard about Cursive Logic??

From their website:

Cursive makes sense with CursiveLogic

CursiveLogic is different from other handwriting methods because, instead of relying on rote memorization, CursiveLogic relies on the inherent structure of the cursive alphabet. The CursiveLogic instruction method contains two key features:

 

Letters grouped by shape ― Four foundational shapes underlie the entire lowercase alphabet. Rather than teaching the letters alphabetically, CursiveLogic groups the lowercase alphabet into four groups based on the shape of the initial stroke of the letters and teaches all of the similarly-shaped letters in a single lesson.  Letters are also taught in a specific order that reinforces the pattern.  By teaching all of the similar letters together, CursiveLogic captures the natural synergy of the alphabet itself, allowing each letter in the series to reinforce the proper formation of all the others.

Letter strings ― CursiveLogic captures the flow of cursive by teaching all of the similarly shaped letters in a connected string rather than as individual letters. CursiveLogic’s letter strings teach students to connect letters from the first lesson, allowing students to internalize the flow of cursive handwriting even before they have learned all 26 letters.

CursiveLogic also uses visual and auditory cues to reinforce the shape patterns:

Theme colors — Each shape string has a color—orange ovals, lime loops, silver swings, and mauve mounds—that reinforces the formation of the basic common shape.

Verbal task analysis — Students learn a simple, rhythmical chant that describes the path of the writing instrument as the letter shapes are formed.  The process of verbally describing a motor task while performing it aids the acquisition of new motor skills. 

And CurisiveLogic is fun!  Students young and old love tracing and writing our shape strings.  CursiveLogic is the only handwriting curriculum that has an “element of fun” that comes from the alphabet itself.  No cartoon characters, songs, or gimmicks needed!

From ME:  I have ordered this as a backer on Kickstarter.  I also received another copy in a early review that I submitted to Kaylee's second grade teacher.  We have all come to the conclusion this is a great way to learn cursive handwriting.

There is much discussion lately on the importance of hand writting and cognition.  There is a great TED talk from Jake Weidmann

If you have ever thought about teaching your youngin' to scrawl on a sheet of paper - give this a go.

D