California schools bring back cursive writing for better learning

admin 2024年5月6日

Beginner

Health & Lifestyle, Health & Lifestyle - Beginner

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Has the learning experience in your country been influenced by the rise of technology, particularly computer keyboards and tablets?
Have you ever encountered cursive handwriting before, either in educational materials, documents, or other sources?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

handwriting /HAND-rahy-ting/

[noun] – the particular way in which someone forms letters with a pen or pencil
Her neat handwriting on the thank-you card was admired by everyone.

former /FAWR-mer /

[adjective] – of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past
In her former job, she worked as a graphic designer before changing careers.

skill /skil/

[noun] – an ability to do an activity or job well, especially because you have practised it
Her excellent cooking skills make her the go-to chef for family gatherings.

historical /hi-STAWR-i-kuhl/

[adjective] – connected with studying or representing things from the past
The museum is home to a vast collection of historical artifacts, showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.

tablet /TAB-lit/

[noun] – a small, flat computer that is controlled by touching the screen or by using a special pen
She uses a tablet to read e-books and browse the internet on the go.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

California’s elementary students are bringing back cursive writing. Assembly Bill 446, a new law, requires cursive handwriting lessons for the state’s 2.6 million students in grades one to six, aged 6 to 12. Starting from the third grade, students must learn cursive. The law, sponsored by former teacher Sharon Quirk-Silva and signed in October, aims to revive the declining tradition of cursive writing.

Experts support the move, stating that learning cursive enhances cognitive development, reading comprehension, and fine motor skills. Teachers at schools like Orangethorpe Elementary in Fullerton have embraced cursive instruction. Despite initial challenges, many students find joy in the elegance of cursive and the ability to decipher historical documents, like the U.S. Constitution from 1787. Cursive writing declined because of computers and tablets, and it was not part of the 2010 education rules. California is now the 22nd state to bring back cursive. Sharon Quirk-Silva hopes students will be good at both reading and writing cursive by the end of sixth grade. She says it is not just about writing but also helps with thinking skills in the digital age.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

Cursive writing was part of the 2010 education rules.
The law requires cursive handwriting lessons for students in grades one to six.
California is the first state to bring back cursive writing.
The law was signed by former teacher Sharon Quirk-Silva in October.
The law applies to students in grades one to five.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

handwriting

former

skill

historical

tablet

Students in the history class were assigned to analyze and interpret various __________ documents to understand the context of past events.
The teacher assigned daily __________ practice to improve the students’ penmanship.
The town’s __________ mayor now enjoys a quiet retirement after years of public service.
The artist sketches digital illustrations on a graphic __________ connected to their computer.
The pianist showcased incredible __________ during the concert, leaving the audience in awe.