CursiveLogic {Schoolhouse Crew Review}
Today’s review is for CursiveLogic. This is a program that was created originally for adult learners who don’t have the time to learn cursive the way school children originally did- slowly and over a long period of time. It’s designed to move quickly, using only the CursiveLogic Workbook to master the alphabet.
CursiveLogic is different because it teaches letter formation in four groups. The idea is that the lowercase letters can be broken down into groups based on a basic shape, and all letters are a variation of one of these four shapes. Instead of teaching letters alphabetically, they are taught in sequence by shape.
One of the things that I really like about this program is that it uses multiple memory tools to help kids remember the letters and how they are formed. Not only are they grouped by shape, they also are color coded. According to CursiveLogic “Each shape string has a color—orange ovals, lime loops, silver swings, and mauve mounds—that reinforces the formation of the basic common shape.”
Letter formation is also reinforced with a “rhythmic chant” which helps kids remember how the letters come together. Having the kids say the chant while forming the letter engages the student more to help everything stick.
We used this program with my oldest child, who already knows cursive, but could always use more practice. One of the strengths of this program is that it doesn’t include anything cutesy or goofy. It does have pretty colors and a handful of chants, but it was clearly designed for an adult. It absolutely can be used for children (and we did use it) but I think it’s strength is really in the simple, direct, quick teaching that an older child or adult really needs.
In theory, an older student could master this program in about a week, and them continue to practice their new skills while working on their other subjects. My kiddo completed this book in about three week, working daily. His handwriting did improve during that time, although he complained a little bit about the large size of the lines. He has been learning cursive with another program, and felt that the size made it seem like a program for younger students, although the words and quotes to copy are definitely directed to older students.
I would recommend this program for middle schoolers and older especially who want to learn cursive, quickly. They’ll learn the lowercase alphabet in four lessons, and be able to practice with real words right away. The practice quotes included in the book are things like the preamble to the constitution and quotes from American leaders, all of which are culturally important and will appeal to older students.
