ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida public school students must demonstrate proficiency in cursive writing by the end of fifth grade under a state law that took effect July 1.
The law requires cursive instruction in grades three through five, including letter formation, spacing, alignment and practice writing complete words and sentences.
Cursive was already included in Florida’s academic standards. The new law explicitly requires students to demonstrate proficiency, including the ability to read cursive.
What students must learn
Under the law, students must be able to write uppercase and lowercase cursive letters and produce legible words and sentences with proper spacing and alignment.
They must also be able to read and use cursive in ways that support literacy, including essays and assignments consistent with state academic standards.
The Florida Department of Education says proficiency is determined locally. The requirement does not establish a single statewide cursive test.
How parents can help at home
Mitchell White, co-founder of handwriting tutoring service Scribble, recommends building hand coordination through play and keeping writing practice brief.
Activities suggested by the company include:
- Drawing loops and curves in sand or paint.
- Shaping play dough into balls and long strands.
- Peeling stickers and using clothespins.
- Drawing and coloring with crayons.
- Practicing buttons, zippers and opening food containers.
Parents can support school instruction by asking their child’s teacher which letter formations and practice methods to use at home.
For younger children, the focus can be on drawing, play and handling everyday objects rather than beginning formal cursive lessons.
Keep practice manageable
White recommends praising effort rather than expecting perfect handwriting and taking breaks when children become frustrated or their hands tire.
“Milestones are met at different ages and stages and there is, as every parent knows, no one-size-fits-all method for teaching children, even siblings,” White said in a statement.
Parents with concerns about their child’s fine motor development should discuss them with their pediatrician, he said.
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