Cursive: Scribbles to Script

A new law led by Wayne Langerholc Jr. is bringing cursive handwriting back into Pennsylvania classrooms.

Known as Act 2 of 2026, the law requires both public and private schools across the state to include cursive writing as part of their regular writing instruction. Pennsylvania now joins 18 other states that have made cursive a required part of the curriculum.

Langerholc emphasized that this is about more than just handwriting. He pointed to the broader benefits for students, including stronger cognitive development, improved memory, and better fine motor skills. He also noted that learning cursive helps students read historical documents in their original form and prepares them with practical skills they may need in everyday life.

The law is already in effect.

Cursive writing is making a comeback in the Keystone state, and it is an exciting opportunity for teachers to help students to build both skill and confidence. Through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, students can move from simple scribbles to polished script while developing fine motor skills and a personal sense of style in their writing.

A focus on cursive encourages creativity, strengthens communication, and makes the process of writing feel both purposeful and enjoyable. It is more than just handwriting practice; it is a chance for students to slow down, express themselves, and take pride in the way their words come to life on the page.

Teachers, it's time to write on and loop, line, and learn with us during the course of the two-part Penmanship Project.

We will be meeting off-campus in areas dubbed the handwriting havens, and helping you to develop a signature style, so your students can have pretty penmanship. (Our first meeting will likely be held outside, by a lake, under a pavilion - so pack the shorts and sunscreen and forget the cell phone: this session will be the unplugged and off-line.)

Pack your Stanleys (and a lunch!) as we will hydrate and handwrite. Bring your ink and imagination, because as we are ready to take your scribbles to script! (We may even have some special guests, the cursive queens, joining us with tips, tricks, and sage advice from their collective 100+ years of teaching!)

Mark your calendars!

Dates and Locations:

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (Blue Spruce Park, 1128 Blue Spruce Rd, Indiana, PA 15701 - more info to come on specific pavilion!)

Monday, January 25, 2027 (Outdoor Discovery Center, 142 Kerr Rd, Ford City, PA 16226)

Click here (opens in new window) to register; please email Katie Monsour (kmonsour@iu28.org), or Susan Manz (smanz@iu28.org) with any questions.