Don't Neglect Handwriting

... but why cursive?  

Cursive handwriting has been shown to offer several positive effects on literacy, particularly in the development of reading and writing skills. The continuous flow of writing in cursive helps children and adults alike develop stronger hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. These physical benefits are closely tied to cognitive development, as the act of writing in cursive stimulates brain activity and enhances memory retention. Studies have demonstrated that cursive writing helps students better understand letter formation, which can lead to improved spelling and word recognition. This is especially important for early learners who are still developing their literacy skills, as it helps bridge the gap between reading and writing.

...but they don't use cursive at school, so how could it help?

Cursive handwriting has been linked to increased reading comprehension and fluency. The unique and connected style of cursive writing enables learners to process words as whole units rather than individual letters, which mirrors the way words are recognized while reading. This holistic approach aids in improving reading fluency, as students are able to identify and decode words more efficiently. Furthermore, cursive writing encourages the development of a more personal and expressive writing style, fostering creativity and a deeper connection to the writing process. Ultimately, incorporating cursive into literacy education not only enhances practical skills but also nurtures a love of reading and writing.

Whether you print or you use cursive,

...handwriting is critical.  Our schools give very little time to teach letter formation, and many kids don't just pick it up easily.  If your student seems to write with no regard to the lines on the paper (writes over lines, in diagonals, or has difficulty lining things up if no line is printed on the paper; if they don't use correct spacing between letters in a word or words on the page, your child may have Dysgraphia.  No formal diagnosis is required to get your child the help needed to learn how to form letters correctly and correct spacing issues.  Believe me, their teachers will thank us!