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How to Make Better Readers The word “cursive” comes from a Latin word meaning “to run” and is the form of writing that quickly connects separate letters together to form a smooth, flowing writing motion. Many historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, are written cursively so studying them requires that we be skilled in cursive. Most importantly, continuously blending letter shapes together as we write a word is like blending letter sounds together as we speak a word. Many studies have shown that pairing cursive writing with reading aloud increases the performance of both skills and that they should progress hand-in-hand throughout a curriculum. Both block printing and keyboard typing disconnect letters from one another and cannot promote the sequential relationships established by the blending that occurs in cursive writing with oral reading as taught in all Classical Charter Schools of America. Latest Research on Cursive Handwriting
Just Write! National Handwriting Day was founded 45 years ago by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) to keep the enthusiasm of handwriting and handwritten materials alive. It is celebrated each year on January 23, John Hancock’s birthday. He is best known for having the first and most prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence, and as a result, a person’s signature is sometimes referred to as a “John Hancock.” After teaching cursive for many years, CCS-America began hosting a Handwriting Competition in 2019. Students in all grades are given a phrase to copy and a prompt to answer in their neatest handwriting with a cursive requirement in grades 4-8. First-place winners and honorable mentions will receive a cash prize! Additionally, classrooms that display overall handwriting excellence receive a door medallion. Our judges this year are Stephanie Fisher (K-3 Dean), Jessica Lopez (Dean of Classical Humanities), and Baker Mitchell (Founder and CEO). According to WIMA, “The benefits from handwriting are numerous, ranging from information retention and creativity to socialization and intelligence.” Read more about how handwriting helps memory and cognitive development here. See Previous Competition Winners
1992: Parents Revolt As we approach School Choice Week, let’s reflect on the history of the charter school movement. In 1992, parents revolted against the failing Minnesota state-run schools and the first charter school was established in St. Paul. The legislature allowed privately operated groups to establish schools under a contract or “charter” with the state. In 1996, North Carolina approved its own charter school law. What started as a small, local citizens’ revolt has blossomed into a national movement. Presently, 45 states and the District of Columbia permit charter schools, which provide education to approximately 3.3 million students. COVID-19 and opposition to Critical Race Theory have accelerated the charter school movement. Charter schools offer parents a voice in what type of education their child receives. At state-run schools, parents often have no choice in what or how their students learn. For 20 years parents have been choosing our schools. Thank you; and we appreciate YOUR CHOICE.
CCS-Wilmington Participates in the MLK Parade Classical Charter Schools of Wilmington, formally Douglass Academy, strives to make a positive impact in our community. Our founder, Baker Mitchell, wanted to open a school that would provide an exemplary education to every child regardless of their socioeconomic status. Since our doors opened in 2013 it has been our privilege to serve our community. One way our school gives back is to participate in celebrating the birthday of a true American hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King’s contributions have positively shaped our country. In homage to his life, for the past 9 years we have been honored to walk in the MLK Jr. Day parade and teach our children about the positive impact he has had on our lives.
Students of the Month Character education is an important part of the CCS-America curriculum. Each month, students are recognized for displaying a specific character trait that they are not only learning and practicing, but also recite daily in our Pledge. December’s character trait was Generosity. Students who shows generosity are careful with what they have so they can share with others. Generosity is seen in the School Pledge as “I pledge to be virtuous in all my deeds”. These students apply these words to their everyday lives and do good for others without seeking anything in return. Congratulations to all of these students who demonstrated exemplary generosity. Check them out on the links below! |
