The Benefits of Cursive Writing in a Digital Age

Webinar Overview

Cursive writing is a skill that contributes to learning, yet in the digital age it is no longer considered a necessary part of the curriculum in America’s schools. Research demonstrates the importance of handwriting, particularly cursive, in the development of fluency, compositional complexity, and literacy skills. Because of the ever-expanding use of technology, it is necessary to understand the value that cursive brings to the thinking and writing process.
Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be introduced to a theoretical framework that supports the value of cursive writing. There are several important constructs of language development and cognitive theories of learning that provide deeper understanding of the nature of written language.
• A review of current research on the topic will be provided.
• Participants will gain insights into the resurgence of interest in cursive writing and the empirical data that supports its use in today’s classrooms.
• Why cursive for students with learning differences? What about dysgraphia – should these students use a keyboard instead? How do Rhythmic Writing and other writing techniques impact cognitive development? Answers to these questions will be provided so educational therapists can clearly articulate the importance of cursive writing.

About Your Instructor:

Dr. Tony Ryff
PCET, Academic Dean--Trinity Academy, Wichita, KS

Tony has served as an NILD instructor for 29 years and in a number of other roles across his career including classroom teacher, principal, and school superintendent. He was an NILD program coordinator for 12 years and served as NILD’s Associate Director in the late 1990s. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Liberty University. His wife, Kathy, is also an educational therapist, and she uses aspects of the NILD program in her role as a Special Education teacher in a suburban public high school. Tony and Kathy have three children and five wonderful grandchildren!