dd, 7, mentioned today that she'd like to learn cursive. I feel like she needs to hold off- she still writes her letters backwards sometimes (although she is catching them herself now). She does have EXTREMELY neat handwriting, but it comes and goes depending on whether or not she's focusing. Again, seems like she needs more concentration here before I add in something else- although learning cursive actually neatened ds's handwriting. What do you more experienced folks say?
I'm a firm believer in allowing kids to learn things they are excited about learning. Also, it seems to me that A Beka???? might have children start out writing cursive. I'm sure others will respond who have started early. My dd learned between 2nd and 3rd grade.
Keep in mind that just because she asked doesn't mean you have to go right into some cursive program. You could just buy a workbook from the drugstore and give her 10 or 15 minutes a day to practice on her own. Let her pursue it as an interest of her own at this stage. Then you've got nothing invested if she really isn't ready and she learns she can pursue these things on her own without direction from you.
I would too. My oldest wanted to learn cursive early. When I told her to wait, she went to find stuff on her own on how to learn it (like the inside cover of a composition book), then she taught herself all wrong and I had to fix it when I actually gave in and taught her. I like programs like Horizon's penmenship, they teach the cursive, but then each week there is printing also. I liked that the still got the opportunity to master both. Anyway....that's my opinion. I'd do it. OH, and don't spend $$ on it... www.handwritingforkids.com has animations and worksheets and such. Great place to start for FREE.
I agree that if they are excited about something, let them learn it, if appropriate. My kids (8 & 6) wanted to learn "grown up writing", meaning cursive. My cursive is pretty nice, so all I did was print out blank handwriting sheets, and every morning they write one sheet. I demonstrate the letters of the day on the whitebord, write example words on the sheets, they trace over those until they feel comfortable, and then fill the sheet. They love it, and its only one sheet a day, so not overwhelming.
I found that you get better results if it's their own idea! Mine finally asked me this year (they're 9 & 10) if they could learn it. Even ds9 is catching on quickly and is eager to work on it. I wasn't even going to bother with it, since technology seems to be making it obsolete. But dd says cursive letters just look happier. whatever that means.
I agree...if a child ASKS to learn something that isn't dangerous, destructive, illegal or inappropriate....go for it!
Let her learn. I do copywork pages. Jan Brett has some nice coloring pages with cursive practice I am using with my six year old. My Ds does copywork now he started the tracing pages last year. And by the end of the year I hope he will do all his work in cursive because his cursive is way nicer then his printing.
I agree with the others. Let her explore this interest. My 7 year old begged to add cursive into our school time this year. He still writes letters and numbers backward sometimes too. It is very relaxed and so far he seems to enjoy it. He hasn't once written a cursive letter backward.
Dd now 11 was learning cursive in public school (grade 1)to help with her reversals.. Not that I would solely go off what public school impliments, but I've heard this from other places before too. So might not be a bad thing. I agree that if they are interested let them persue it! I find when my kids WANT to learn something they retain much more than if I'm trying to teach it when they are uninterested..
We're doing cursive this year with my 7 year old, at his request. I've seen a HUGE improvement in his printing since starting cursive. Now, wether or not it's a developmental thing or the introduction of cursive, I can't say for sure, but either way, it was a good move for us.... Plus, it won't cost you anything to teach her cursive. You can write out cursive for her to try of print off free copywork sheets from the computer. I do like momtomusketeers I demonstrate ont eh white board how to form the letters then take blank penmanship paper (you can get a pad of penmanship paper for $1) and write out what he is to copy...
