How to write in cursive

Written By: Shaun Marsh
Published On: April 3rd, 2023

Cursive writing is a style of writing where the letters of a word are connected together in a flowing, joined-up manner. It is also known as script or longhand writing. In cursive writing, the pen or pencil is usually not lifted off the paper while writing each word, creating a continuous and fluid stroke. Cursive writing is often taught in schools as a form of handwriting, and is commonly used for formal writing such as in invitations, letters, and documents. However, in recent years, the use of cursive writing has declined in some areas as more emphasis is placed on digital communication.

What are the types of cursive writing

Cursive writing refers to a style of writing where the letters are connected together in a flowing, continuous manner. There are several types of cursive writing, each with its own unique characteristics and history. Here are some of the most common types of cursive writing:


Palmer Method:
Developed in the late 19th century by Austin Palmer, the Palmer Method became one of the most widely used forms of cursive writing in American schools. It features loops and curves that are easy to write and connect.
D'Nealian Script:
Developed in the 1970s by Donald Thurber, D'Nealian script is a modern form of cursive writing that is used in many American schools. It is designed to make the transition from print to cursive writing easier, as the letters are similar in shape to printed letters.
Zaner-Bloser Script:
Developed by Charles Zaner and Elmer Bloser in the early 20th century, Zaner-Bloser script is a style of handwriting that is still widely used in American schools. It features rounded letters with simple loops and curves.
Italic Script:
Developed in Italy during the Renaissance, Italic script is a beautiful and elegant form of cursive writing that features slanted letters with flowing, graceful lines. It is often used for calligraphy and other decorative purposes. Each type of cursive writing has its own unique history, style, and characteristics. Some are more popular than others, depending on the time period and location, but all of them share the common goal of making handwriting easier, faster, and more beautiful.

How to learn writing cursive

Learning cursive writing requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. Here are some steps to help you learn cursive writing in detail:

Familiarize yourself with the cursive alphabet: The cursive alphabet looks different from the print alphabet. Look for examples of cursive writing and practice writing each letter until you feel comfortable with the shapes and connections.
Start with simple strokes: Cursive writing is all about connecting letters, and it's essential to start with simple strokes. Practice basic cursive strokes, such as loops, hooks, and curves.

Practice connecting letters: Once you feel comfortable with individual letters, start practicing connecting them. Focus on the connections between letters to ensure that your cursive writing flows smoothly.
Use guidelines: It's helpful to use guidelines when practicing cursive writing. You can use lined paper or create your guidelines using a ruler and a pencil. Guidelines can help you maintain consistent letter size and spacing.

Take your time: Learning cursive writing takes time, so don't rush the process. Practice a little bit every day, and focus on improving your technique.
Experiment with different writing tools: Different writing tools can affect the way your cursive writing looks. Experiment with pens, pencils, and even calligraphy pens to find the writing tool that works best for you.

Seek feedback: Ask someone you trust to look at your cursive writing and provide feedback. They may be able to offer suggestions on how to improve your technique.

Remember, learning cursive writing takes time and practice. With patience and dedication, you can develop beautiful cursive handwriting.

What are some hacks to learn cursive writing

Learning cursive writing requires practice and patience. Here are some hacks that can help you learn cursive writing in detail:"
Start with the basics:
Before starting with cursive writing, make sure that you know how to write each letter in print. Cursive is essentially a connected form of print writing, so having a solid foundation in print writing can help you transition to cursive more easily.
Use a guide:
Many cursive writing guides are available online or in books. Use these guides to learn the basic strokes and letter shapes. Practice tracing the letters until you can do them without looking at the guide.
Practice consistently:
To master cursive writing, you need to practice consistently. Set aside some time each day to practice your cursive writing. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the length of your practice sessions.
Focus on muscle memory:
Cursive writing requires muscle memory, so it is important to focus on the physical aspect of writing. Pay attention to the way your hand and fingers move as you write each letter. Over time, your muscle memory will improve, and your writing will become smoother and more natural. Experiment with different writing tools:
Try using different pens or pencils to find the one that feels most comfortable for you. Some people find that a fountain pen or a felt-tip pen works best for cursive writing.
Write in cursive whenever possible:
The more you write in cursive, the better you will become. Look for opportunities to write in cursive, such as when taking notes or writing letters.
Get feedback:
Ask a teacher or someone who has good cursive handwriting to give you feedback on your writing. They may be able to offer tips and suggestions for improving your technique.
Remember, learning cursive writing takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if your writing doesn't look perfect at first. Keep practicing, and you will improve over time.

What are the objects/ things needed to practice cursive writing

To practice cursive writing, you will need the following objects:
Pen or Pencil:
You will need a pen or pencil that is comfortable for you to use. Some people prefer to use a fountain pen, while others prefer ballpoint or gel pens. You can also use a pencil if you prefer.
Paper:
You will need paper that is suitable for writing. Some people prefer to use lined paper, while others prefer blank paper. It's important to use paper that is smooth and doesn't bleed or smudge easily.
Writing Guide:
A writing guide is a sheet of paper with lines and arrows that shows you how to form each letter. You can find writing guides online or purchase them from a stationery store.
Patience and Practice:
Cursive writing requires practice and patience. Set aside time each day to practice your writing, and be patient with yourself as you learn.
Overall, these are the basic things that you will need to practice cursive writing. With practice and consistency, you can improve your skills and develop a beautiful handwriting style.