We spoke with Dr. Sarah Fischer, Associate Professor of Literacy Education, and Dr. Kerry Hasler-Brooks, Associate Professor of English and Chair of the Department of Language, Literature, and Writing, about Pennsylvania’s new law requiring cursive handwriting instruction in schools. The conversation explored how cursive connects students to historical documents and deepens their ability to read and interpret primary texts, while also encouraging slower, more reflective thinking in a fast-paced digital age. The professors also discussed the role cursive plays in elementary literacy development, including its impact on cognitive growth, fine motor skills, and reading fluency. Together, they highlighted how handwriting is more than a nostalgic practice — it’s a meaningful bridge between history, literacy, and critical thinking in contemporary education.

Also on the program

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is pleased to announce the honorees for their 37th Annual Tribute to Women of Excellence, all of whom will be celebrated at an event on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Over the last 37 years, the YWCA has honored more than 800 extraordinary women for their contributions to our region, both professionally and philanthropically. This year, they honor 28 women who dedicate time and talent to making a difference in Central Pennsylvania. 

We spoke with Dr. Sarah Fischer, Associate Professor of Literacy Education, and Dr. Kerry Hasler-Brooks, Associate Professor of English and Chair of the Department of Language, Literature, and Writing, about Pennsylvania&rsquo;s new law requiring cursive handwriting instruction in schools. The conversation explored how cursive connects students to historical documents and deepens their ability to read and interpret primary texts, while also encouraging slower, more reflective thinking in a fast-paced digital age. The professors also discussed the role cursive plays in elementary literacy development, including its impact on cognitive growth, fine motor skills, and reading fluency. Together, they highlighted how handwriting is more than a nostalgic practice &mdash; it&rsquo;s a meaningful bridge between history, literacy, and critical thinking in contemporary education.
Also on the program
The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is pleased to announce the honorees for their&nbsp;37th&nbsp;Annual Tribute to Women of Excellence, all of whom will be celebrated at an event on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.&nbsp;Over the last 37 years, the YWCA has honored more than 800 extraordinary women for their contributions to our region, both professionally and philanthropically. This year, they honor 28 women who dedicate time and talent to making a difference in Central Pennsylvania.&nbsp;

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.