Cursive for Teens: Reading and Writing in Cursive (Ongoing)

Cursive handwriting is truly a life skill that has been forgotten about in many places. Knowing how to sign your name, read old historical documents, and read and write cards written in cursive are all important skills. In this fun and interactive class, I will teach students how to read and write passages written in cursive. The class will be paced according to the progress of the students. 

There are different styles of cursive. The style that I prefer, and will be teaching is Zaner Bloser. I learned this method as a child and this method was reinforced to me in college, as I studied Early Childhood Education. Since this is an advanced cursive class, we will only shortly practice the strokes. The majority of the class will be reading and writing letters, poems, and journaling together in cursive. In each class, there will be a journaling prompt or other activity involving cursive. 


Suggested Learner Supply List:
-plenty of pencil, eraser, colored pencils
-A 3-ring binder with lined notebook paper inside 



Class 1: 
We will review all of the uppercase and lowercase cursive letters, review the basics with watercolor strokes, and I will access each student's cursive level. We will read together, Have You Seen Elephant?, by: David Barrow.

Class 2: 
Using the book, How to Write a Journal, by: Cecilia Minden, we will focus on the content in Ch. 1, "All About You." I will teach that having fun and using creativity to tell about oneself is key! Students may have fun by doodling with fun colored pens beside their cursive writing. They may illustrate the journal entry. If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class. 
If additional time is available: Using the book, How to Write a Journal, by: Cecilia Minden, as a reference, students will focus on Ch. 2, "Write About a Place." Students will write about a place they like to go in the summer. If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class. 

Class 3: 
We will use the book, How to Write a Poem, by: Cecilia Minden and Kate Roth, as a reference. Students will learn how to write an acrostic poem to add to their journal. If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class.

Class 4: 
We will continue to use the book How to Write a Journal, by: Cecilia Minden, as a reference for our class. The focus will shift to the content in Ch. 3, "Write About an Event." (using the 5 senses, following chronological order) If time allows, they may illustrate the journal entry. If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class. 

Class 5: 
Using How to Write a Poem, by: Cecilia Minden and Kate Roth, as a reference, students will learn how to write a holiday senses poem to add to their journal. If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class.

Class 6: 
We will continue to use the book How to Write a Journal, by: Cecilia Minden, as a reference for our class. This class will focus on the content in Ch. 4, "Write About Your Feelings." If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class.

Class 7: 
We will continue to use the book How to Write a Journal, by: Cecilia Minden, as a reference for our class. This class will focus on the content in Ch. 5, "Write About Your Opinion." (likes, dislikes) If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class. 

Class 8: 
We will continue to use the book How to Write a Journal, by: Cecilia Minden, as a reference for our class. This class will focus on the content in Ch. 6, "Write About Your Wishes and Dreams." If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class. 

Class 9: 
We will continue to use the book How to Write a Journal, by: Cecilia Minden, as a reference for our class. This class will focus on the content in Ch. 7, "Keep Writing." Students will continue journaling by writing a gratitude journal post. If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class.

Class 10: 
The focus of this class is writing a thank-you letter. Thank-you letters are very special and meaningful, especially written in cursive. As a reference, we will be using How to Write a Thank-You Letter, by: Cecilia Minden and Kate Roth. I will walk students through the steps of writing a quality thank-you letter. If they need to, they may refer back to their gratitude post for ideas. If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class. Students will be encouraged to mail their thank-you letter.  

Class 11:
The focus of this class is writing a letter. As a reference, we will be using How to Write a Letter, by: Cecilia Minden and Kate Roth. I will walk students through the steps of how to write a friendly letter, by having a greeting, body, closing, and signature. If students feel comfortable, they may read theirs aloud to the class. Students will be encouraged to mail their letter.