When Alyssa, a bright-eyed 7-year-old, brought her homework home, her mom expected to see the usual spelling words and math problems. Instead, she was shocked to find a stern note in red ink scrawled across the top of her daughter’s worksheet:
“Stop writing your name in cursive. You have been warned several times.”
For Alyssa’s mom, this wasn’t just about a homework assignment—it was about her child’s freedom to learn and express herself.
Sure, not every school places a big emphasis on cursive these days, but shouldn’t kids still be allowed to practice it if they want to? Writing in cursive takes focus, patience, and effort—all skills Alyssa was eager to develop. So, why shut her down?
Cursive is more than just fancy loops and swirls. It’s a skill that builds perseverance and concentration. And let’s be honest, aren’t those exactly the traits we want to encourage in kids?
Instead of leaving harsh notes like this, teachers could try a different approach—something positive and constructive. Imagine how much more motivated Alyssa would feel if her teacher had praised her efforts while guiding her in the right direction.
This incident has sparked a bigger question: Are we doing enough to support kids as they navigate their learning journeys? Positive reinforcement can work wonders. A little encouragement goes a long way in helping children grow, both academically and emotionally.
So, what do you think? Was this teacher too harsh? Or should cursive be left in the past? Share your thoughts—and maybe this story—with a friend who has strong opinions about handwriting!
