Wow, I didn't realize this topic was such a big deal. I've never thought about it until I had kids. My daughter is in the fifth grade now, and is still printing. I thought that was weird, so I started asking around a little bit, and they've taken handwriting out of their curriculum entirely.

I'm a southpaw. For some reason, I have a fantastic handwriting. Same with my sister. I get comments all the time on my handwriting. I remember the schools just DRILLING it into our heads in the fourth grade! My fourth grade handwriting teacher was a mean old witch and I still can't stand her. She used to single me out in front of the class because I was left-handed and "turned my paper the wrong way." DUH!!!

Now my son is getting a lot of grief at school over his handwriting. Poor kid is in second grade, and yes, his print is messy, but he's doing the best he can! Last night he literally burst into tears while we were doing his homework because he got so freaked out. He is completely obsessive about his letters, and wants them to be perfect. It worries me a lot.

Anyway, I digress. I'm just surprised this is such a controversial topic.