After finding this website I have thought back and realize with so much computer use and printing I pretty much forgot how to use cursive! Just when this came about I am not sure! A little background, I do use a pen a lot in the daytime. I work as an auto damage appraiser so most all of my damage "notes" are in my own form of shorthand. From there most everything is PC useage.

So, I am sure I am not alone in this, but how do I get back?? I mean I was taught this in school but I have forgotten a LOT now that I go back and try to use it. Can someone give me some tips for getting back??

Oddly enough, this is a bit of a shock to me!

With practice it must get better... There are some books for sale, on for example Amazon, about improving your handwriting. You could check those out, I suppose.

Good luck!

I bought one of those third grade cursive writing books (at a local Walmart) and practiced. It helped a lot.

My theory and practice is that the key is in the method. It's just like learning the piano. Set aside some time every day to practice. A journal/diary type thing is great.

Here's my method: Focus, go slow, and relax.

There are very few things that combine focus and relaxation, and it's a great combination. Allow yourself to go slow. When you practice the difficult passages on the piano, you take them in slow motion first, then gradually increase the tempo.

After you start getting better, it's time for your debut. Start writing notes and letters to friends. They'll probably tell you that they haven't received a handwritten letter in years and thank you profusely.

Oh, maybe one more element: Don't become discouraged. A good thing about keeping a journal is that when you feel like you're not making progress, you can flip back in time and see the changes in your handwriting. Your progress will go through a series of plateaus where it doesn't change, then make a leap forward toward clarity and speed.

Just something that has worked for me...

Doug

The way I changed my writing style back to cursive was by taking French lessons. My tutor insisted I write in cursive, so I did. I didn't do too well for the first few lessons, but as of now, I like cursive much better than printing.

I have recommended this site several times for those wanting to improve their writing. I hope I don't sound like a broken record...

After working with that for a while, my writing is by no means pretty, but at least I am not embarrassed to write, and I've gotten at least one favourable comment.

Upon reflection, I have to admit that I've NEVER had particularly good handwriting.

I came across some old grammar school report cards of mine. While I was essentially a "straight-A" student, the one exception was penmanship. The nuns failed in their attempt to teach me the finer points of cursive writing.

Even now, I work in a profession infamous for its poor penmanship.

that means you have a physician PhD?

Well, Erik, just *why* did your French tutor insist upon cursive?

The same happened to me. And, I grew to hate just feeding the computer

I improved my writing by just picking up a fountain pen, relaxing (which the pen helps) and making a concious effort to write.

- Mark

I figured I should mention that I have vastly improved in my penmanship. I do have a cheat card on my desk for those lapse in memory of how a letter looks. I have taken to handwriting all the addresses on files I mail out daily. (maybe 10-15 daily)

Add one more recommendation for the third-grade Walmart books!

Mine helped me quite a bit. I have the "Practice Pals" that you can use a dry-erase marker with. I'll admit to being a little embarrassed when purchasing it. But who cares - it could have been for a niece or nephew!

It seems there are many others with this trouble too. Congratulations on your willingness to try and do something about it.

Good luck!

I was a "crab hand lefty" but about three years ago, I decided to re-learn how to write.... It's kind of wierd, but I could write cursive with crab hand, but had to compleatly learn it all again.... I can't remember the web page, but it was basicaly on third grade cursive (the one with the arrows showing how to make each letter) but I just played with that for awhile (practiced).... Now, I'm writting with an early (1700's) style with a flex nib pen.... and it looks great..... (And it's fun also...)

So the third grade book from Walmart or search the internet to find how to form letters.... a nice pen so you will enjoy the process....paper and ink (in a color you like)... and just play with it for awhile...... And have fun doing so......