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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Apr 1978

Vol. 305 No. 7

Written Answers. - Script Writing in Primary Schools.

433.

asked the Minister for Education his policy concerning the development of proper "script" writing by children, especially in primary schools.

My Department's policy concerning development of "script" writing by children in primary schools is largely contained in the following extract from the Teachers' Handbook issued in 1971 in connection with the New Curriculum for Primary Schools:

The use of print script during the early years is considered worthwhile, 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 beginning 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.

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