asked the Minister for Education if print type writing is now the only type of handwriting taught in many primary schools in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Handwriting in Primary Schools.
24.
Mr. R. Burke
I do not have the type of statistics which would enable me to reply precisely to the Deputy's question. I can, however, quote for his information the following extracts from the Teachers' Handbook issued in 1971 with the New Curriculum for Primary Schools:
The use of print script during the early years is considered worth while, because the child avoids the difficulty involved in learning diverse shapes or different letters of the alphabet, and perhaps more important, because it enables the closer integration of the beginnings of reading and writing. From the outset, children can compare their own work with the printed word, and detect errors, particularly in letter formation.
It is advisable to select one system of handwriting for use through the school. When children have mastered the beginnings of reading and writing to a degree where the use of print script no longer brings special advantage, the question of transfer to cursive writing may be considered. Some schools never make such a transfer, since the fluency and grace of well-shaped print script allow for speed and for style in handwriting.
The Minister will agree that there are many schools using only print script and that there are children leaving these schools who cannot sign their names.
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy is asking me to agree to what may be a vast generalisation.
Will the Minister investigate if I give him a few examples?
Mr. R. Burke
Certainly. I should like to.
Deputy Gibbons would say that the man who wrote that last sentence got honours in English in the Leaving Certificate.