
Home » Blog »
Tonight, sitting at our dining room table, two friends were talking with Jonathan and I about what is currently taught (or not taught, as the case may be) in public school. I mentioned that most schools have dropped handwriting and cursive writing from their curriculum. With this said, there are many studies that show that teaching cursive to a child has numerous benefits.
First, teaching cursive trains your hand to relax. Yes, relax. If cursive is taught before printed handwriting, students realize that cursive is less taxing.
Additionally, it helps with dysgraphia. Because all lowercase cursive letters begin in the same spot, it eliminates letter reversals. By learning cursive first, the pesky problem of letter reversals are eliminated right from the start.
Writing in cursive helps a child learn letter spacing. A child who learns to print first has widely varied spacing. One word can sprawl across the page and crash into the next word. Cursive eliminates this issue because each letter in the word is connected.
Finally, the best benefit of learning how to write cursive is you will learn how to read cursive. This helps you when reading grandparent’s handwritten letters.
Unfortunately, with the increased use of technology learning cursive handwriting is becoming a lost art form. I would encourage you to end this cycle. It is never too late to learn the art of cursive! There are a host of benefits that awaits you and your children!
Eva Goldstein-Meola is not only co-founder of Open Tent Academy, but an instructor as well as a former homeschooling mother. She has lived in New Jersey, Florida, Western Massachusetts, Northern Virginia and now resides just outside of Jerusalem. Eva holds a Master’s Degree as a Consulting Teacher of Reading and Writing, IEW certification and a Bachelor’s Degree as an Elementary Teacher. She has also been involved in education since 1986 as a Private Tutor, Teacher, Reading Specialist, Homeschooling Mother, Homeschooling Teacher and Business Owner of an Online Education Consortium.
Upcoming Writing, Literature, and Grammar Courses and Workshops
All About Essays Writing – LIVE – * A Week * – Wednesday – Full Year – Grades 8 – 11

It is imperative that students, with the goal of attending college, can write basic essays … Read more
Find out more »Introduction to Writing with Eva – LIVE – * A Week * – Wednesday – Full Year – Grades 4 – 6

This is an interactive, introductory class geared towards middle and upper elementary level students. In this class, students … Read more
Find out more »Powerful Paragraph Writing – A Week – Thursday – Full Year – Grades 5-8

In this “technical writing” (nonfiction) class, students will focus on exploring, brainstorming and writing strong, … Read more
Find out more »High School Research & More Writing – LIVE – * B Week * – Wednesday – Full Year – Grades 9 – 12

High School Research and More consists of two major components: College Application Essays and a Semester … Read more
Find out more »Middle School Writing – LIVE – * B Week – Wednesday* – Full Year – Grades 6-9

This fast paced, interactive class begins preparing your student for high school and (eventually) college … Read more
Find out more »Middle School Writing – LIVE – * B Week – Thursday * – Full Year – Grades 6-9

This fast paced, interactive class begins preparing your student for high school and (eventually) college … Read more
Find out more »Read Close-ly: Literary Analysis with Composition – Fall 2023 & Winter 2024 – 20 Weeks – Grades 9 – 10

This course is ideal for both the voracious and reluctant reader. Students will increase their … Read more
Find out more »Profiles in History: Leaders who Changed the World… Both Large and Small – Tuesday – Fall 2023 – 10 Weeks – Grades 2 (mature) – 6

The greatest connection we can have throughout history is the human one. Together, in Profiles in … Read more
Find out more »The First Steps with IEW Writing: People and Places – Part One – Tuesday – Fall 2023 – 10 Weeks – Grades 3 – 4

You have asked me for it over and over! Here it is! A writing class … Read more
Find out more »GOAT! Greatest of All time High School Short Stories! – Session One – Tuesday – Fall 2023 – 10 Weeks – Grades 9 – 12

In literature, characters become our friends. We can sympathize or celebrate with them. We feel their joys, … Read more
Find out more »Literature Study: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson – Wednesday – Fall 2023 – 10 Weeks – Grades 5 – 7

Bridge to Terabithia is a classic story that teaches about friendship, love, and loss. This amazing … Read more
Find out more »Grammar Rocks – Wednesday – Fall 2023 – 10 weeks – Grades 3 – 5

In this weekly adventure, we will have plenty of time to explore a broad range … Read more
Find out more »Speak Up: Loud and Proud – Public Speaking – Wednesday- Grades 5 – 10 – Fall 2023 – 10 Weeks

Many students are nervous to speak in front of others because they do not feel … Read more
Find out more »The One and Only Ivan – Grades 2 – 5 – Fall 2023 – 10 Weeks

This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired … Read more
Find out more »Perspectives: Combining Classic Short Stories with IEW Writing – Session One – Thursday – Fall 2023 – 10 Weeks – Grades 7 – 9

In literature, characters become our friends. We can sympathize or celebrate with them. We feel their joys, … Read more
Find out more »Profiles in History: Heroes of America’s Growth and Freedom – Tuesday – Winter 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 2 (mature) – 6

The greatest connection we can have throughout history is the human one. Together, in Profiles in … Read more
Find out more »The First Steps with IEW Writing: People and Places – Part Two – Tuesday – Winter 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 3 – 4

You have asked me for it over and over! Here it is! A writing class … Read more
Find out more »GOATS! Greatest of all Time High School Short Stories! – Session Two – Tuesday – Winter 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 9 – 12

In literature, characters become our friends. We can sympathize or celebrate with them. We feel their joys, … Read more
Find out more »Literature Study: Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan – Wednesday – Winter 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 5 – 7

Esperanza Rising is an incredible story of overcoming and perseverance. On one level Esperanza Rising is … Read more
Find out more »Spinning a Web with Charlotte: Combining STEAM with Literature – Grades 2 – 5 – Winter 2024 – 10 Weeks

In this ten-week course, students will explore Fern, Wilbur, and Charlotte’s world by reading the … Read more
Find out more »Perspectives: Combining Classic Short Stories with IEW Writing – Session Two – Thursday – Winter 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 7 – 9

In literature, characters become our friends. We can sympathize or celebrate with them. We feel … Read more
Find out more »Creative Writing Workshop: Fan Fiction on the Book of Genesis – Thursday – Winter 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 8 – 10

Books and movies that we love often leave fans wondering about questions that are left … Read more
Find out more »Profiles in History: Stories of those who are Worthy of Remembrance – Tuesday – Spring 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 2 (mature) – 6

The greatest connection we can have throughout history is the human one. Together, in Profiles in … Read more
Find out more »Essay Intensive – YES – INTENSIVE! – Tuesday – Spring 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 7 – 11

This class is INTENSIVE. Let me say that again – INTENSIVE! For students to be successful … Read more
Find out more »You Can’t Stop the Beat! Exploring the Musical – Hairspray! – Tuesday – Spring 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 6 – 10

It’s 1962 – the fifties are out, and change is in the air. In Baltimore, … Read more
Find out more »Literature & Writing: Friday Night Lights – Tuesday – Spring 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 9 – 12

Named Sports Illustrated’s best football book of all time and a #1 NYT bestseller, this is the classic story … Read more
Find out more »Literature Study: Blended by Sharon Draper – Spring 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 5 – 7

Eleven-year-old Isabella’s parents are divorced, so she has to switch lives every week: One week … Read more
Find out more »Little House in the Big Woods – Grades 2 – 5 – Spring 2024 – 10 Weeks

Can you imagine growing up in a log cabin? Hunting for and growing all your … Read more
Find out more »Geeking out on Greek Mythology – Thursday – Spring 2024 – 10 Weeks – Grades 4 – 7

Using D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, together we will explore various myths together. In this … Read more
Find out more »