If only Buddy Ray had only known cursive

20879764-mmmainTara used her most carefully constructed cursive handwriting to express her sentiments of deep love and devotion to her beau, Buddy Ray O’Hara, but alas, the young lad didn’t know how to read cursive handwriting, so he thought it was another garbled note from his aging granny and tossed it in the garbage. Unaware of Tara’s deep love, Buddy Ray ran off the next day with the trashy next-door neighbor, Tiphanny Maree, just because she inherited her uncle’s 1956 Ford F100 pick up truck, which suddenly made Tiphanny Maree’s vast bohunkus inconsequential.

Poor Tara missed the chance for true love, not to mention the possibility of someday having the most awesome married name of “Tara O’Hara,” all because the educational system had failed to properly instruct the students in the fine art of cursive handwriting.

zaner-bloser-cursive-alphabet_322644Thanks to “Lexi’s Law,” Alabama students will now be sufficiently instructed in cursive by the end of third grade. Most other states have opted to adhere to the Common Core Curriculum guidelines that have all but kicked cursive to the curb.

With the (over) use of computers, today’s teachers have backed away from spending so much time teaching handwriting in general, and cursive specifically. Overloaded with pages and . . . click HERE to finish reading the story at al.com

15 Comments

  1. Pam Richardson on August 11, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    Leslie Anne, I am thrilled beyond words that our Alabama children will be taught cursive writing! I still cringe when I get thank you notes from high school graduates that are printed and look like a first grader has written it! Pam @ Everyday Living

    • Leslie Anne on August 11, 2016 at 7:08 pm

      Glad you agree. And glad you didn’t know my son when he graduated! Ha!

  2. Beemie on August 12, 2016 at 7:41 am

    Can I get an AMEN! If I could comment in cursive, I would because I am a true believer in cursive writing. I am not permitted to teach it; however I use it everyday in my teaching. I read it to my students as I am writing notes so that at the very least they know how to read it. So far, I haven’t been “written up” in manuscript for continuing this practice. Everyone should know how to write in cursive!!!

    • Leslie Anne on August 12, 2016 at 8:15 am

      Typing in cursive — now there’s an idea! I know there’s a font for that, so maybe I’ll have to install it! Although I love the look of cursive, my Kindergarten teaching days make me love perfect printing, but we should all know how to do and read BOTH! Good for you – for smuggling in the cursive! Your students will someday thank you! (In cursive).

      • Lelia on December 1, 2016 at 9:34 pm

        I agree that people should do the old fashion way of writing in cursive.

        • Leslie Anne on December 2, 2016 at 6:55 am

          It takes practice to be able to learn cursive, and I don’t think many people want to put in the effort or time these days.Thanks, Lelia.

  3. Lori on August 12, 2016 at 10:10 am

    Beemie, you get an AMEN, AMEN, AMEN. My daughter’s told me of cursive being removed from Texas education. I was apalled. Yay to Alabama!

    • Leslie Anne on August 12, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      You are so right. Beemie teaches real-life lessons instead of only the mandated curriculum. Who are these people making the rules anyway?

  4. Jenna on August 12, 2016 at 10:45 am

    I have been concerned for a while about the lack of basic skills falling by the wayside with the profusion of technology. Not only is handwriting threatened but simple elementary math, and of course basic English fundamentals with everyone using LOLs and OMGs. Recess, PE, music and art are all being pushed out of the way and reach of our young students. Incompetent teachers are protected by tenure and illiterate teens are graduating. No wonder college campuses now need safe zones and other such nonsense. Bravo to you and your husband for home schooling your son and keeping his education a priority. You have brought an important issue to light in a very clever way.

    • Leslie Anne on August 12, 2016 at 10:32 pm

      Every two words you’ve written could set me off on a rant. I never in a million years thought we would homeschool, but it has been absolutely hands-down the best thing we’ve ever done for our son. There’s such a difference in the school system from just three years ago when our older son graduated. It’s a different atmosphere, curriculum, and experience in general. Thanks for the encouragement.

  5. Carrie on August 12, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Love it! Thank you for speaking up and I am so proud of Alabama>

    • Leslie Anne on August 12, 2016 at 10:32 pm

      Sweet home indeed!

  6. Leslie Anne… Penmanship was the only subject that I got an A in. The saddest part of this statement is that I admit to it. Have a great week!

    • Leslie Anne on August 16, 2016 at 9:43 am

      I’ll bet everyone wanted you to sign their year book!

  7. Mo at Mocadeaux on August 16, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    I also lament the end of handwritten letters. Just as the keyboard has kicked cursive writing to the curb, email has brought about the end of even a slight chance of opening the mailbox and finding something other than bills, political ads or carpet cleaning coupons.

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