Why Montessori Uses Cursive: A Letter to Parents

Child practices writing a cursive b

One of the questions we hear often from families is: Why does Montessori introduce cursive handwriting first? In a world where print seems to dominate, this choice may seem unusual at first glance. However, there are compelling developmental and educational reasons behind this Montessori tradition.

Cursive: A Natural Fit for Young Hands

Cursive handwriting is actually more natural for young children to form than print. The gentle, flowing lines of cursive mirror the circles and loops young children naturally draw when they first pick up a pencil. Unlike print, which requires frequent stops, starts, and lifting of the pencil, cursive allows for a continuous movement, making it easier for little hands to write fluidly and comfortably.

Helps Prevent Letter Reversals and Confusion

Cursive letters are uniquely shaped and connected, which helps children avoid common confusions between letters like b, d, p, and q. Because each cursive letter begins in a different place and flows into the next, children are less likely to reverse or misread them. This clarity supports early reading and writing success.

Fewer letter reversals b, d, p, and q

Supports Reading, Spelling, and Brain Development

Research shows that learning cursive engages more areas of the brain than print, strengthening memory, comprehension, and even spelling skills. The act of connecting letters in cursive helps children see words as whole units, which is important for both reading fluency and spelling accuracy. Writing in cursive also requires both fine motor skills and cognitive processing, stimulating both sides of the brain and supporting holistic development.

Encourages Word and Sentence Awareness

With cursive, children only lift their pencil when they finish a word, making the boundaries between words and letters much clearer. This helps reinforce the left-to-right, top-to-bottom orientation of English writing, and makes it easier for children to distinguish between individual words and sentences.

Transitions Easily to Print

Some parents worry that starting with cursive might make it harder for children to read or write in print. In fact, the opposite is true: children who learn cursive first transition easily to reading and writing print, while the reverse is not always the case. Montessori students quickly become curious about all forms of lettering and often enjoy deciphering both cursive and print.

In summary:

Montessori uses cursive because it is developmentally appropriate, supports reading and writing skills, and nurtures children’s natural curiosity and confidence as writers. By starting with cursive, we give children a strong, joyful foundation for literacy that will serve them for years to come.