At what grade should close to perfect cursive handwriting be expected?

Question

I am especially interested in hearing about countries other than America.

I ask because I teach second grade, and my boss says that in "every other country besides America" perfect cursive is done, and expected, by mid year second grade. I find this ludicrous for two reasons: 1) Their fine motor skills are not developed enough yet, and 2) They are only introduced to cursive writing in second grade!

Answer 1

The simplest answer is Never.

"perfect" cursive handwriting is an ideal that only a computer or penmanship textbook can possibly attain.

Small children's hands are too small and not dexterous enough to achieve "perfect" handwriting right away.

Older children begin developing personal flourishes and variations according to their own personality and sense of aesthetics--most of which are not approved of by texts.

Adults simply don't care to take the time to even attempt uniform penmanship. They use a combination of their adolescent style and any number of "shorthand" substitutions.

Answer 2

Cursive is so completely out dated. Honestly, I am 23 and University educated and the only time I use cursive is to sign papers. I think children would benefit more from learning additional math and science (which is poorly lacking in America) vs. spending hours copying the alphabet in cursive on a chalk board!

Answer 3

In the 5th grade

Answer 4

I had perfect cursive at around.......4th, maybe 5th. But still, if u want perfect cursive hand writing......honey, there aint no such thing as perfect:)

Answer 5

I was taught it in 2nd grade, so I would assume, 5th at the latest.

Answer 6

5th

Answer 7

9th grade.