With the advancement of technology, some old practices are starting to become fashionable or even go viral. Take handwriting, for example. With the technological advancements of recent years, writing letters, taking notes with pen and paper, or writing in a notebook have become practices that have faded away. Now, the governor of New Jersey wants to revive some of these “old” traditions. Governor Phil Murphy signed a law requiring New Jersey school districts to incorporate cursive handwriting instruction into the third, fourth, and fifth grades, according to a press release. This new handwriting law will help dozens of young Americans refine their ability to create joined letters.
The reason for the new law is more profound
And like these, many other skills have been lost. Specifically, cursive writing hasn’t been taught in schools for over 15 years, following its removal from mandatory state standards. Now, the measure, identified as S1783/A3865, takes effect immediately and will be implemented starting with the next full school year. This isn’t just a whim; the reason for the new law is more profound. This measure is part of a major state initiative to keep children away from phones and reduce unnecessary distractions in schools. While it may seem difficult, this initiative aims to allow children to focus on a task that requires attention and the use of their hands for a reasonable amount of time.
This initiative will help children develop their brains while educators combat the rampant fraud of artificial intelligence
This measure is just the beginning, as in a few months, a ban on cell phone use in schools will also be implemented. Many governments are starting to put restrictions in place, such as the limitations on social media in Australia. Now, a generation of children studying in New Jersey will soon relearn cursive writing. The decision reverses a trend that began after the adoption of the Common Core standards in 2010, which removed cursive from the curriculum—a change that several states are now correcting by highlighting its educational benefits. In addition, this initiative will help them develop their brains while educators combat the rampant fraud of artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, and other tools readily available to everyone.
States like California and New Hampshire have already adopted similar measures
With this initiative, the art of cursive will return to elementary schools thanks to this state law, championed by Governor Phil Murphy, as mentioned above. “The return of cursive instruction is especially significant as New Jersey celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, giving students the skills necessary to read foundational documents and perform tasks such as opening a bank account or signing a check, in addition to providing cognitive benefits,” Murphy stated regarding the new law. Furthermore, according to the official bulletin, states like California and New Hampshire have already adopted similar measures.
Many who have supported this law speak of the cognitive value that its implementation in classrooms can bring. Children today are growing up with a screen in front of them; many learn to use a smartphone before they learn to eat on their own or speak. This trend is of great concern to educators, psychologists, and learning experts. There are certain brain skills that need to be developed and that require time and space, not technology to solve problems for us. Regarding this, New Jersey Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer stated that “ensuring that all students learn cursive writing reinforces not only a traditional skill, but also developmental foundations that support fine motor skills, literacy, and student confidence.”
Therefore, we can now welcome a new facet to New Jersey classrooms. Senator Angela McKnight, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the law would empower students to “build self-confidence and maintain a vital connection to written communication in the increasingly digital age.” It remains to be seen how this new law, which revives old traditions, will be received.