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Analysis of Google search data reveals that online searches for “cursive writing” in the US exploded following The Today Show’s on January 20th segment on cursive handwriting, and that momentum has continued well beyond the initial broadcast. In the segment, they highlighted that a growing number of states are reintroducing cursive instruction in schools because it is believed to support brain development, literacy, and fine motor skills.
- Searches for “learn cursive” saw an unusually high level of interest compared to typical search activity.
- Interest in “cursive writing” has increased, showing renewed attention toward handwriting skills.
- Related terms like “learning cursive online”, “blank cursive writing practice sheets” and “abc in cursive writing” gained traction with some showing signs of sudden interest.
The topic continues to gain attention across the U.S., with several states recently moving to reintroduce or mandate cursive instruction in schools.
Parents weren’t just nostalgic; they were immediately searching for practical ways to teach their children.
Dr. Beverly Moskowitz, a pediatric Occupational Therapist and founder of Real OT Solutions®, says, “What’s surprising parents most isn’t about handwriting. It’s about brain development.”
When asked which benefit of cursive writing tends to surprise parents the most, her answer is immediate:
“In a word… READING!!! Followed closely by LEARNING!! There is irrefutable neuroscientific evidence proving the benefits of writing by hand versus See and Say learning or keyboarding. MRIs taken of children’s brains while they are in the process of writing by hand show huge spikes of electrical activity in the reading centers of the brain.”
According to Dr. Beverly, parents are starting to recognize that their children are not as proficient in reading as they may have expected, and they’re noticing that their older children’s printing continues to look immature and illegible despite their advanced grade.
So what’s changed? “More than just lamenting its demise, there is activism among parents and a reactionary stance among decision-makers,” says Dr. Beverly. “Whether in response to parents’ demands or their own recognition of the glaring oversight in balanced and holistic learning, the departments of education in numerous states have begun mandating the reintroduction of cursive handwriting in the curriculum.”
