Have you noticed that not all cursive handwriting looks the same? Some styles look elegant and fancy, while others are simple enough for young students. In fact, these styles are the types of cursive, and each one has its own history, look and purpose.
First, you will learn five main styles, who made them and how they differ. Next, you will see how cursive fonts differ from handwriting, how to choose a style and how to practice.
What Are Types of Cursive?
Cursive is handwriting in which the letters in a word connect with flowing strokes. So the types of cursive are the different systems that teach this connected writing. All of them join letters, but they differ in letter shape, slant, loops and teaching method. For example, some were made for schools, some for business and some for decorative writing.
Why Learn Cursive Writing?
Even in a digital world, cursive still has uses. For example, it can:
- Build fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Help you read old letters and historical documents.
- Give you a smooth, consistent way to sign your name.
Also, many schools still teach cursive, although the rules vary. Therefore, the style you learn often depends on your school.
Types of Cursive Styles at a Glance
Use this table for a quick look, and then read about each style below.
| Style | Who made it and when | Main features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spencerian | Platt Rogers Spencer, 1830s | Fancy, decorative curves | Calligraphy and art |
| Palmer Method | Austin N. Palmer, 1880s | Plain letters, arm movement, speed | Fast everyday writing |
| Zaner-Bloser | U.S. school program, 20th century | Print first, then cursive | School instruction |
| D’Nealian | Donald N. Thurber, introduced in 1978 | Slanted print that leads into cursive | Moving from print to cursive |
| New American Cursive | Iris Hatfield, published by Memoria Press | Simplified letter forms | Beginners |
The 5 Types of Cursive Explained
Spencerian
Platt Rogers Spencer created Spencerian handwriting in the 1830s. It was among the earliest widely used cursive systems in American schools, and people consider it quite fancy. Also, calligraphers and people who love historical penmanship still enjoy it today.
Palmer Method
Austin Palmer developed the Palmer Method around 1888 and described it in his 1894 book, Palmer’s Guide to Business Writing. In fact, he meant it to simplify the Spencerian style. Instead of moving the fingers, students used the larger muscles of the arm, which Palmer called “muscle motion.”
Supporters valued its plain letters and speed, and it became popular for business writing and in U.S. schools. However, the Zaner-Bloser method replaced it in the 1950s. Also, for more history, read the Palmer Method article on Wikipedia.
Zaner-Bloser
Zaner-Bloser became one of the most influential handwriting systems in American schools during the 20th century. First, it taught print writing before cursive, and many classroom programs followed that order. As a result, many adults today learned cursive this way.
D’Nealian
Donald N. Thurber, a Michigan primary school teacher, developed D’Nealian between 1965 and 1978. Also, it builds on the Palmer Method. Students first learn a slanted print form, then add small tails to the letters, and then join the letters into cursive. Therefore, the goal is a smoother move from print to cursive. However, some people think the extra tail step makes teaching more complicated.
New American Cursive
Iris Hatfield developed New American Cursive, and Memoria Press publishes it. Also, the program uses simplified letter forms and multi-sensory teaching to build handwriting skills. The publisher also says that students can begin cursive at a younger age, but that is the publisher’s own claim.
Types of Cursive Fonts vs. Handwriting
Cursive handwriting is written by hand. In contrast, cursive fonts are digital designs that imitate handwriting. For example, a wedding invitation may use a font that looks like Spencerian writing, even though nobody wrote it with a pen.
Next, designers often sort script fonts into four kinds:
- Formal script: elegant letters for invitations and certificates.
- Casual script: relaxed letters that look like everyday handwriting.
- Brush script: letters that look like they were written with a brush or brush pen.
- Vintage script: letters that copy old penmanship styles.
Because fonts are made for design work, they are not meant for handwriting practice.
How to Choose From the Types of Cursive
However, the best style depends on your goal.
| Goal | Good choice |
|---|---|
| Learning cursive for the first time | New American Cursive or D’Nealian |
| Moving from print to cursive | D’Nealian |
| Traditional school practice | Zaner-Bloser |
| Fast everyday writing | Palmer Method |
| Decorative lettering | Spencerian |
| Graphic design projects | Cursive fonts |
Instead of guessing, check which style your school or workbook uses first. Also, following one style from start to finish keeps your letters consistent.
How to Learn Cursive Step by Step
- First, learn the lowercase letters one at a time before you try uppercase letters.
- Next, practice joins such as an, in, on, me and be.
- Then write short, familiar words.
- After that, copy short paragraphs to improve your spacing and rhythm.
- Finally, build speed slowly, and focus on neatness first.
While you practice, you can also work on spelling. For example, learning the types of syllables helps you break long words into parts. Likewise, knowing what a root word is helps you spell and understand new words.
Common Mistakes When Learning Cursive
- Pressing too hard with the pen.
- Writing too quickly.
- Changing the slant from letter to letter.
- Making letters too large.
- Skipping the connecting strokes.
- Holding the pencil awkwardly.
- Practicing only once in a while.
Instead, practice in short, regular sessions, such as 10 to 15 minutes several days a week. Because short sessions build habits, this works better than rare long sessions.
Tips to Improve Cursive Writing
- Use lined handwriting paper.
- Sit with good posture.
- Relax your grip on the pencil.
- Practice difficult letters on their own.
- Trace a sample alphabet before you write freely.
- Compare today’s writing with last week’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of cursive?
First, the five main styles are Spencerian, Palmer Method, Zaner-Bloser, D’Nealian and New American Cursive. Also, cursive fonts are a separate group made for digital design.
Which types of cursive are easiest to learn?
No single style is easiest for everyone. However, D’Nealian was designed to ease the move from print to cursive, and New American Cursive uses simplified letter forms for beginners.
Are cursive fonts the same as cursive handwriting?
No. Cursive handwriting is written by hand, while cursive fonts are digital designs that imitate it.
Is cursive still taught in schools?
It depends on where you live. The 2010 Common Core standards did not require cursive. However, an EBSCO overview of teaching cursive reports that 26 states required it in public school curricula by 2026. Therefore, ask your school what it teaches.
Can adults learn cursive?
Yes. Adults can learn cursive at any age with regular practice and handwriting worksheets.
Key Takeaways on Types of Cursive
Learning the types of cursive is not about finding one best style. Instead, it is about choosing the one that fits your needs. Students may prefer a simple school method, while artists often enjoy a decorative script.
First, start with basic letters. Next, practice short words every day. Then move on to longer passages. As a result, your cursive will become faster, smoother and more comfortable over time.
