- English Language Arts and Reading
- Grade 4
- Developing and sustaining foundational language skills
A teacher may wish to pair SE 4.7.B with SE 4.2.C and assess both SEs at the same time. Introduce two different texts to students. A variety of text genres can be used. Instruct students to read the texts independently and then collaborate to identify differences and similarities. Following their conversation, each student should submit the student’s own response explaining how the ideas in the texts are similar and different. After identifying similarities and differences, students should share their findings with a partner. Then each student should write a response (using cursive) explaining how the ideas in the texts are similar and different.
This assessment provides an opportunity for the teacher to observe student development of fine motor skills and knowledge of how to connect letters necessary to write legibly in cursive.
1. Memis, A. D. (2018). Examination of legibility and writing speeds of primary school students with respect to writing disposition and writing style. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 6(5), 1050–1059. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?q=cursive+&pr=on&ft=on&id=EJ1177822
Summary: Researchers consider a sample of 4th and 5th grade students to determine differences in legibility and speed of writing, depending upon whether students were using cursive or print (manuscript) writing. The primary focus of the research was the difference between cursive versus print (manuscript) writing in terms of speed and legibility. These researchers also considered gender preferences in their results.
2. Montgomery, D. (2012). The Contribution of Handwriting and Spelling Remediation to Overcoming Dyslexia, In T. Wydell (Ed.), Dyslexia - A Comprehensive and International Approach, (pp. 109–146). Retrieved from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/dyslexia-a-comprehensive-and-international-approach/the-contribution-of-handwriting-and-spelling-remediation-to-overcoming-dyslexia.
Summary: This research is focused on dyslexia and examines students' cursive handwriting for the light that can shed on needed interventions. The researchers conclude that increased fluency in handwriting enhanced students' reading skills even when that wasn't the focus. A checklist of key indicators for diagnosing handwriting coordination difficulties is included.