Keep Cursive Current Monongahela librarian offering handwriting class for youngsters
Tiffany Fleet, librarian at Monongahela Area Library, demonstrates how to write an “i” and “t” during a “Keep Cursive Current” class at the library.
Jeremiah Thorpe, 15, an eighth-grader at Monessen Middle School, practices writing a “p” in cursive at Monongahela Area Library.
Librarian Tiffany Fleet watches 15-year-old Jeremiah Thorpe of Monessen practice a few letters during a “Keep Cursive Current” class at Monongahela Area Library.
MONONGAHELA – After hearing parents’ complaints about the elimination of handwriting instruction in many schools, librarian Tiffany Fleet decided to turn the activities room at Monongahela Area Library into a classroom, where twice a month she is offering “Keep Cursive Current” for local youngsters.
Although educators and psychologists have mixed opinions on the significance of continuing to teach cursive handwriting in today’s technology-dependent world, Fleet remains adamant in her conviction.
“It’s terribly important, not only to write it with your own hand, but you will have to be able to read it,” said Fleet, noting that Madonna Catholic Regional School is one of the few schools in the area that still includes handwriting in its curriculum.
Fleet also was irritated when she read online that a teacher had deducted points on a test because the young girl signed her name in cursive.
“I was angry, and she was not even my child,” Fleet said. “She should have given her exta points, not take them away.”
Fleet argues that people who can’t read cursive won’t be able to research old documents and deeds at the courthouse, or, perhaps more importantly, read letters and correspondence written by their ancestors.
And for those who don’t have direct deposit, like Fleet, they won’t be able to sign their paychecks.
Jeremiah Thorpe, an eighth-grader at Monessen Middle School, has attended two of the classes at the library, and was quite proud Wednesday evening when he was able to read a worksheet about pilgrims that was written in cursive. This is the same boy who, according to his grandmother, not long ago asked if a birthday card with a name written in cursive on the envelope was for him. It wasn’t.
“If you don’t learn it, you will not recognize it when you see it,” said Jeremiah’s grandmother, Donna Thorpe. “When I first learned to write, I had to make circles.”
Jeremiah first learned to write in cursive in second grade, but by sixth grade, he was no longer exposed to it. So for him, the class at the library is a refresher course.
“It’s fun for him, and it’s fun for me,” Fleet said.
Fleet admits that even she needed a little refresher on how to write a few letters before teaching the class.
“When I was doing it, I had to stop and think about it,” she said.
Some research has shown that cursive writing helps students comprehend better and retain information. Cursive handwriting also has been shown to improve cognitive development, self-esteem and academic success. Those with special needs also may benefit from cursive handwritting because it can help children overcome motor challenges.
In addition, it reduces distractions and inspires creativity, and it keeps the brain busy, lowering the rate of cognitive decline.
“It was so important for so long,” Fleet said. “It’s really important to learn this.”
The next “Keep Cursive Current” class will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 22. For more information, call the library at 724-258-5409 or email monongahelalib@gmail.com.