Thursday, January 21, 2016

Throwback Thursday - Cursive and National Handwriting Day


January 23 is National Handwriting Day.  This is a day dedicated to good old fashioned handwriting.

When I was in elementary school, handwriting class was part of our daily lessons.  Teachers would have charts that pulled down, and more charts on top of the blackboard, and we would practice writing on lined paper - first printing (in the younger grades) and then cursive.  I really struggled with the traditional cursive, slanted right, everything connected and uniform.


My natural writing is straight up and down, and loopy.  It is a combination of printing and cursive.  It's neat and very legible.  I like to write with a felt pen (often a sign pen) on paper.  It gives a bold, clear appearance that I like.  I also love fountain pens and have a couple of them here. 


There is a trend in some school systems to no longer teach cursive.  I personally think that there is value in writing long form.  I was a creative writing major, and find that writing long form vs. writing on a computer is a different process, and produces different results.  I write poetry in long form.  I journal in long form.  I blog and write articles on the computer.

There is also something about the beauty of a handwritten letter.  This is something unique and rare in today's world.  When I receive a handwritten letter, or a card with a handwritten note, I treasure it.


Here are a few suggestions on how to celebrate National Handwriting Day:

Write a letter.
Write a poem or short story in long hand.
Write in a journal.
Write a list of your goals.
Write a gratitude list (things that make you happy).
Practice your signature.
Write your signature and then doodle around it.  Make it into art.

Do you remember learning cursive in school?  Do you still write in long hand?   Will you be doing anything to celebrate National Handwriting Day?   I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.