How's your handwriting?

Most kids get less practice with handwriting than they did in the past. Not surprising, considering that they will probably be using a keyboard or touch screen a lot and writing less by hand than earlier generations. But lots of work is still done by hand, particularly tests, and it's frustrating to all when students (and adults!) have illegible handwriting.

A piece in the September 8 New York Times suggests that the old "Palmer" method of handwriting, and of teaching it is too difficult to do and to read, and suggests an alternate style. Inga Dubay and Barbara Getty, co-authors of a series of books on italic handwriting, suggest "American handwriting is in a woeful state. But there is hope. We can stop mumbling on the page and become legible writers by going italic." Try it out yourself!