Free Cursive practice video – you can pause it – try what is shown and then start the video CLICK HERE
Free Calligraphy practice video – you can pause it and try what is shown then start it again CLICK HERE
Once you are approved for the program a pen, ink, paper and envelopes will be mailed to you or if you prefer picked up by you at the campus bookstore.
Why learn cursive or calligraphic writing instead of just sending an email or printing out your typed letter? A handwritten letter proves to the person to whom it is sent that this is a personal communication. A handwritten letter means your hand has inscribed your thoughts onto the paper. A handwritten letter indicates you have taken the time to think through what you are writing and since each person’s handwriting is unique, there is the incorporation into the letter of a part of yourself. Especially for older people to whom you are writing these encouraging letters, handwritten letters mean to them that you are concerned about them and for them and makes them feel your empathy. Asking questions of the person in your own handwritten letter and letting them know you are looking forward to getting their letter builds a bridge between you in pen, ink and paper that is not a part of an email exchange. But why cursive or calligraphic writing? Why not just hand print letters? There are two reasons: 1) learning to write cursively or calligraphically increases your speed compared to hand printing each letter 2) older persons are especially going to regard cursive or calligraphic writing as more mature and expressive than hand printed letters. The speed you gain by learning cursive or calligraphic hand writing will also enable you to take faster notes at meetings, at lectures or during online training sessions. The primary reason cursive handwriting was invented was that it increased the speed of capturing thoughts and ideas and speeches.
National handwriting day – and more information about why penmanship has declined in the world of computers and the rationale for developing or improving your handwriting skills: https://www.history.com/news/a-brief-history-of-penmanship-on-national-handwriting-day January 23rd Here are other reasons to develop your handwriting skills: What Are the Benefits of Handwriting Versus Typing?
Develops fine motor skills: Handwriting exercises a complex cognitive process involving neuro-sensory experiences and fine motor skills. By feeling the writing surface, holding the writing instrument, and directing precise movement with thought, you give your brain a full workout! In contrast, typing is a simple, memory-based movement. Executing key strokes is just a repetitive movement.
Helps with cognitive development: Research shows that children who practice their handwriting have higher levels of literacy and cognitive development. This is likely because as children learn how to quickly translate mental images of letters into a physical form, they begin to understand how letters form sentences and meaning.
Boosts reading comprehension: Strong writing skills also improve reading comprehension.
Retains knowledge: Writing notes by hand helps you retain knowledge more than typing.
Increases creativity: Writing and drawing by hand increases creativity because we are forced to slow down, consider the big picture, and come up with creative ideas.
Improves spelling: Writing words out by hand instead of relying on a digital device’s spell check helps learn and retain.
Combats dyslexia: Studies show that learning cursive helps those with dyslexia create a stronger association for learning and memory.
