Should Kids Learn Cursive Writing? And Teaching How To Write in Cursive

Less than half of US states currently require that kids be taught cursive writing in school. But most parents still want their children to learn the skill.

Here's a question we would have never thought to ask 25 years ago: Should kids learn cursive writing?

In a world that increasingly relies on technology, there's no question that kids can—and should—learn to type on a keyboard. But after some internal debate among the Mommy Poppins team, we wanted to know: Do parents still want their kids to learn how to write in cursive?

The answer to our highly scientific social media poll is an overwhelming yes! About 90% of parents responding said they do think kids should learn cursive writing. About 8% didn't care, and only 2% didn't think it was necessary anymore.

Here's what our readers said about why they think cursive writing should still be taught in schools, as well as some tips on teaching kids how to write in cursive. Stay on top of other hot parenting topics with our Mommy Poppins Parenting Guide, which includes everything from types of parenting styles to parenting tips from dads.

St. Patrick's Day Weekend 2024 in Orlando: St. Patrick Parades, Spring Break Bash, and More Things to Do

On certain days in March, Island H2O Water Park comes alive for spring break fun! Photo by the author

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this St. Patrick's Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day all weekend with family-friendly events taking place in Oviedo, Winter Garden, St. Cloud, and Sanford. Spring festivals are in full gear, including the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival and the Mount Dora Spring Festival. This Saturday, kids can make and fly their own kite at Avalon Park's Kite Day. Read on for all the details, and for more spring break ideas, check out our Spring Break 2024 Orlando Events Roundup!

The Academy Museum Offers Free Workshops, Accessible Screenings, More for Kids

With family-friendly exhibitions, workshops, and screenings, the Academy Museum welcomes visitors of all ages. Photo courtesy of the Academy Museum

From catching a free movie screening to creating an animation cel to experiencing winning an Oscar, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a great spot for kids to explore the wide world of cinema.

As an LA native who grew up in an “industry” family, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has long been on my bucket list. With kid-focused exhibitions, drop-in workshops, and weekly movie screenings, the Museum Row gem welcomes visitors of all ages–and with free tickets for those under 17, a family trip is that much more appealing. Sensory-friendly hours and screenings make it especially accessible.

While there’s certainly something for everyone at the Academy Museum, some exhibitions and attractions do skew towards more grown-up cinephiles. So, read on for my rundown of the most fun and engaging family attractions and a list of tips to review before booking your tickets.

30 Great Movies That Teach Kids About Climate Change & the Environment

Arctic Tale is the story of a polar bear cub and a baby walrus surviving in the face of climate change. Photo courtesy of National Geographic Films

Climate anxiety is real! Climate change and environmental disasters have become part of the world our kids are growing up in, and a pretty scary part. One way to help kids understand both the issues and how they can actually affect change is to start a conversation in an entertaining way.

From flicks with nature themes to climate change documentaries, these environmental films will get kids thinking, talking, and interested. Grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and dive into a world of eco-friendly entertainment.

If you’re looking for even more movies to watch with your budding cinephile, why not check out our list of the 75 best movies for kids? Or, if these movies and shows inspire them to take action, check out our Earth Kids Guide, packed with ways kids can help save the planet.

This Cool New Hudson River Playground Lets Visitors Climb Inside a Fish

Pier 26 in Hudson River Park has added a brand-new, marine-science themed playground to the waterfront green space. Photo courtesy of Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park has no shortage of places to play, but there's always room for more. And so it is that Pier 26—already an educational wonderland—is home to a brand-new playground.

A pair of colorful, larger-than-life sturgeon beckon local kids and passersby to stop and romp. Go inside these whimsical sea creatures with us and find more fun places to play in our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Top Preschool Birthday Party Places in NJ

Kidville in Montclair offers action-packed parties for preschoolers and toddlers.

There are tons of great birthday party spots across New Jersey that cater to preschoolers and toddlers, since big-kid birthday party places can be a bit too grown-up for this age group. 

Read on for a list of cool play spaces, play cafes, and kiddie gyms that specialize in birthday party celebrations for the 6-and-under set. Find even more ideas for birthday party fun in our Guide to Birthday Parties in New Jersey.

21 Things To Do in Astoria, Queens with Kids

Socrates Sculpture Park is home to incredible, interactive public art like the multi-sensory Lionel Cruet’s Reverb Space. Photo by Scott Lynch and Sara Morgan

Astoria, Queens is having a moment right now, especially for kids and families. This vibrant corner of Queens is filled with amazing places to play, great places to stay, and awesome eats that will make you say, “no way.” Indeed, when it comes to family-friendly fun, Astoria, Queens has it all.

Read on for our favorite things to do in Astoria, Queens, and find more local haunts on our list of the best things to do in Queens.

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