21.1.11

Polaroids from Paris: {Cursive as an Art Form}






Apparently cursive writing is taught properly here in France. From my understanding, there is a right way and a wrong way to write cursive letters. I recall my elementary school days where we had cursive writing practices on large pads of paper. I remember wanting to write a cursive "T" different than how we were instructed, one of my classmates discovered my rebellious act and told on me. My teacher came over to look at my "T" and let me continue as I pleased. But as far as I have collected, the same scenario would have been much different had I gone to school here in France.
For example, the little girl I watch actually cried when she discovered that my cursive was not done properly. Another example comes from another au-pair friend of mine, she was reprimanded from her little girl when she was caught breaking the cursive rules. We both got on this subject while we were in this little stationary store. All sorts of fountain pens with an array of different tips, a variety of colored inks, and many types of paper to write on. There was this pretty little book filled with exercises to improve one's cursive. I don't know if the adult world is different from the school-child's world here in France, but I do know that cursive seems to be a whole other art form from the kid's perspective.
Bisous,

4 comments:

  1. I just discovered your lovely blog. I'm just new into blogging & have just finished off my own blog on fashion & interior design.
    scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
    I had a lot of fun putting it together. I would love your feedback on it if you've got a spare minute.
    x
    Melissah

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  2. Yes, cursive writing is becoming a lost art ... not even taught in public schools anymore! But the shop you have in these photos is a treasure. We were in Paris in Fall 2009. We by chance stopped at Melodies Graphiques and met the owner, Monsieur Detugny, who is an expert is a calligrapher. I also had posted some photos of his shop on our blog. Thanks for the recalling our memory of this treasured place. Bob

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  3. How fun, Reba! I remember being taught cursive writing long ago (over 50 years) by a rather strict nun. I was also taught the proper use of diagraming sentences. That is truly an instructional way to learn proper English grammer... Oh, what a wonderful lost art!!

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  4. Ahh. Is it too late to learn? I want to create beautiful script in ink. Lovely post and experience, Reba.

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