However, before children can write anything, they must learn printing or cursive handwriting. Despite the influence of new technologies, the computer and the word processor have not replaced the need to learn how to print or write. Surveys indicate that it is generally in kindergarten or first grade where children are first taught to print. Cursive handwriting is usually introduced in late second or third grade. Instruction typically takes place as a group activity rather than as individualized, diagnostic-prescriptive instruction, even though some research supports the latter approach.
Group lessons take place daily in grades one to four, but after that they are less frequent.
Materials and methods for teaching printing and cursive handwriting abound. In addition, handwriting and printing have been successfully taught through educational television, computers, and animated flip books. One primary justification for teaching children to print is that the printed letters look more like the typeset letters found in books. This rationale was taken on faith when the schools taught only traditional printing, called manuscript, which does not slant the letters as cursive handwriting does. Some schools now teach newer styles of printing, italic and D'Nealian for example, which slant the letters.