Cursive Handwriting: Cursive Vs Continuous Cursive, Explained

Compare The Two Cursive Models

What Is Cursive Handwriting In UK Schools?

In UK schools, cursive handwriting means a joined letter style, taught after or instead of print, in which each letter has strokes that lead into the next. The everyday name is joined-up handwriting.

The word "cursive" comes from a Latin word meaning to run or flow, and the idea is a flowing movement. What "cursive" means in a particular school varies, so ask which model is meant. There is more on the terms in joined-up handwriting.

What Are The Two Types Of Cursive Handwriting?

Two models are common in UK schools. They differ in how each letter begins.

Cursive With Exit Strokes

This model keeps the print start points. Each letter finishes with an exit stroke, so joins are added once letters are secure. Many schools reach it by way of pre-cursive handwriting.

Continuous Cursive

In continuous cursive, every letter starts on the base line with a lead-in stroke, and the joins run through the whole word. Some schools teach it from Reception. The DfE writing framework says there is no expectation that schools teach lead-ins for joined handwriting from the start, and the National Curriculum does not require it.

Is UK Cursive The Same As American Cursive?

No. UK school cursive models are simple and have few loops, while many American cursive models use loops on tall letters and decorative capitals. Sites that show one alphabet for everyone often show the American style, which is why a child's homework can look different from a chart found online. See cursive alphabet for the UK forms.

How Do You Teach Cursive Handwriting?

Teach letter formation first, then joins one at a time, in pairs before words. The DfE writing framework says joined handwriting should not be taught until pupils form print letters "correctly and consistently".

1. Secure print. Every lowercase letter formed correctly, at a consistent size.
2. Add exit strokes or lead-ins. Whichever your model uses.
3. Teach one join. Start with the diagonal join in pairs like in, an and ai.
4. Move to words. Words from this week's spelling list.
5. Build fluency. Short, timed practice, then real writing.

Teach Handwriting suggests children are ready to join when all 26 lowercase letters are formed correctly, sized consistently and positioned on the line, and says most begin between 6 and 7. The order of joins is in handwriting joins.

What Are The Benefits Of Cursive Handwriting?

The benefits that hold up are modest, and some popular claims are weaker than they sound. The table separates them.

What the sources do agree on is that a fluent, legible hand matters. The DfE writing framework calls fluent handwriting "a significant predictor of positive writing outcomes".

What Are The Disadvantages Of Cursive Handwriting?

Three concerns come up in the literature:

• Readiness. The National Handwriting Association says the right oblique stroke needed for entry strokes is "emerging between the ages of 4 and 5", so some young children struggle.
• Unlearning. Letters that finish at mid-height, such as o, r, v and w, naturally join horizontally, so a baseline entry can mean children unlearn a movement.
• Motor difficulties. For some children, mainly those with special educational needs, printing may be more appropriate. Teach Handwriting says learning to join is "just not appropriate" for some.

See dyspraxia and writing for support.

Should Continuous Cursive Be Taught In Reception?

Neither the EYFS framework nor the National Curriculum requires continuous cursive in Reception, and the National Handwriting Association advises securing letter formation first. The NHA's Pam Hulme calls entry strokes at ages 4 to 5 "unsupported pedagogically". Some schools still start with continuous cursive, and the DfE writing framework says lead-ins are not expected from the start. See handwriting in the EYFS.