Cursive Future Uncertain In Classrooms

SIOUX FALLS, SD - iPads and computers are quickly becoming the norm in US classrooms and cursive handwriting is slowly becoming a lost art. Some schools no longer teach it, but the writing style still has plenty of support in Sioux Falls.

At John Harris Elementary, Micah Siegle's third graders are learning the loops and curls of cursive handwriting.

"They love it, they love that time," Siegle said. "It seems a little creative almost when they are using the different strokes."

Cursive, however, could become a lost art as more writers opt to print or type on a keyboard.

"The big controversy, I think, a lot of people feel like, do we spend time on teaching this art, or do we use our time more wisely in other subjects?" Seigle said.

Learning cursive is required in Sioux Falls schools.  But it's an option in South Dakota and 23 other states. Hawaii and Indiana eliminated cursive altogether in their classrooms.

But in Mrs. Siegle's class, the kids look forward to it.

"I like learning cursive because I like to learn new letters and I kind of feel like I'm growing up and getting more mature," student Kayla DeBeer said.

"I like it because it's really simple to write," student Jack Hughes said. "All you have to do is just make some curves and stuff."

Cursive is known to improve overall penmanship, and Siegle insists her students write neatly.

"I think if you pick up a paper that’s a mess, you automatically form an opinion of that person, even if they're not of lower intelligence," Siegle said.

But will they stick with it? If they're proud of their work and enjoy it, Siegle says yes.