Local handwriting expert hopes 'neglected art' of penmanship survives digital age

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — After multiple cyber security attacks this summer forced people to revert to pens and paper, local penmanship efforts are stressing the importance of teaching handwriting as students return to school.

Pamela Rodey, with the Chicago Calligraphy Collective, told WBBM she hopes penmanship is somewhere on the class schedule this year as students return for the fall session.

She said handwriting, especially cursive, has become a neglected art form.

“It is very discouraging that kids can't read cursive,” Rodey said. “I think that is an issue. The standard birthday card from grandma …  they can't read what she said.”

Rodey described handwriting as a form of “lovely self expression,” but she was keen to note that penmanship can provide an extra benefit over typing.

“When you're writing out words, it's really engaging your whole brain,” she said.

For those who want to improve their handwriting, Rodey had a few simple suggestions.

"Write somebody a card,” she said. “You want to write a journal. You want to do something that's meaningful, so that you're encouraged to practice because the only way you can improve is by practicing.”

WBBM's Terry Keshner contributed to this report.

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