The lost art of cursive writing

Today, keyboards and tapping on screens have become the norm; cursive writing is often seen as a quaint relic of the past. However, this seemingly old-fashioned skill holds surprising benefits for our brains, contributing to development and fostering neuroplasticity well into our later years.  When I was young, I remember spending hours and hours practicing cursive writing; every school in my country would give students the same booklets, which contained blank pages that we filled with letters. I now understand it is more than just a skill — it is a brain-building powerhouse.

Cursive writing is not just about penmanship; it's a complex task involving cognitive and motor skills. When we write in cursive, our brain engages in mental exercise vastly different from typing or even printing. Cursive writing requires integrating hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and complex thought processes. This integration activates multiple brain areas simultaneously, including those responsible for language, memory, and cognitive and critical thinking.

This type of writing is an exercise in creativity. The act of forming fluid, connected letters not only makes the writing process more artistic but also aids in memory retention. Studies have shown that students who take notes in cursive recall information better than those who type or print.

The movements in cursive writing stimulate the brain, whereas typing does not. These movements encourage the development of neural pathways essential for efficient brain function. Maintaining these pathways is crucial for keeping our brains sharp as we age.

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, doesn’t stop as we age. Engaging in activities challenging our brains, like cursive writing, can help maintain and improve cognitive function in our older years.

Given its myriad benefits, it's time we reconsider the role of cursive writing in our digital age. Schools, in particular, have a unique opportunity to reintroduce this skill to foster cognitive development in students. Most schools in the US today are technology-based, so this may be hard to implement or follow, but at home, with parents, this can be an incredible activity between parents, children, and siblings. Also, as a reminder, writing is not just for kids—adults can also benefit from picking up a pen and reconnecting with this timeless art.

Cursive writing is more than just a communication method; it's a bridge to better brain health. In a world dominated by digital communication, let's remember the power of a handwritten cursive letter, not just for its sentimental value but for its ability to keep our brains active, creative, and healthy.