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Susan Mackert's avatar

Would prefer to leave a handwritten response, but this will have to suffice. I was eager to learn cursive so I could join my four older siblings in this ‘advanced’ form of communication. In my Catholic school (moons ago), writing was introduced in third grade. It signified growth. I echo the previous comments on your addition of news commentary. There’s a plethora of stories, theories, concepts awaiting your thoughtful, unbiased assessment.

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Judy Nichols's avatar

I absolutely love the case you make for beautiful handwriting (and its gradual fading from our educational system). I read more carefully (and keep) ANY card or letter that is handwritten. (I probably haven’t received a handwritten letter from anyone since my mother died in 2006.)

And I also love the educational news summary. Please keep that coming, if you have the time and energy to do it.

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Noah Mackert's avatar

Thank you, Judy. We used paper and pencil at Democracy Prep, and a stack of hand-written notes and assignments from students is one of my prized possessions.

I will keep doing the news section! Send any interesting articles my way.

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Judy Nichols's avatar

Will do!

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Chris Bannon's avatar

Loved this! Could use even more commentary about the news stories, in fact. I also wondered where penmanship is being taught *well* (I have terrible lefty penmanship).

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Noah Mackert's avatar

Thank you, Chris! I pared those news reactions down severely. Helpful to know they could hold interest in fuller form.

It’s still probably best in Catholic schools. Taken most seriously. I also encountered great handwriting instruction at the Windward School in Westchester, which is a private school for kids with learning disabilities.

Overall, though, a whole post could be written about how little we actually know with regard to what handwriting instruction, or any instruction, looks like in schools.

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