A Comprehensive Review of Cursive Handwriting Workbook For Kids by Sujatha Lalgudi

📖 Introduction: Why Cursive Still Matters

In an era dominated by keyboards and touchscreens, the art of cursive handwriting often feels like a relic of the past. Yet, studies show that learning cursive improves cognitive development, fine motor skills, and even reading comprehension. Cursive Handwriting Workbook For Kids by Sujatha Lalgudi is a fantastic resource designed to reintroduce children to this elegant and practical skill.

As a parent or educator, you might wonder: Is this workbook effective? Is it engaging for kids? Does it make learning cursive enjoyable? After thoroughly testing this book with my own child, I’m excited to share an in-depth review that answers these questions—and more.

📝 Book Overview: What’s Inside?

This workbook is structured as a step-by-step guide for beginners, making it ideal for kids aged 6-11. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find:

  • Letter Tracing: Each letter (uppercase and lowercase) is introduced with dotted lines for tracing, ensuring proper stroke formation.
  • Word Practice: After mastering individual letters, kids progress to writing simple words in cursive.
  • Sentence Writing: The final sections encourage composing full sentences, reinforcing fluency.
  • Fun Exercises: Engaging activities like fill-in-the-blanks and short writing prompts keep learning interactive.

The book’s gradual progression ensures that children build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

✍️ Writing Style & Educational Approach

Sujatha Lalgudi adopts a clear, structured, and child-friendly teaching method. The instructions are simple, avoiding unnecessary jargon, which makes it easy for kids to follow along independently (with occasional parental guidance for younger learners).

Key Features That Stand Out:

✔ Repetition Without Monotony – The exercises reinforce muscle memory without being tedious.
✔ Visual Guidance – Arrows and numbered strokes help kids understand the correct letter formation.
✔ Encouraging Tone – The workbook includes positive reinforcement, such as “Great job!” prompts.

Compared to other cursive workbooks, Lalgudi’s approach feels more intuitive and less rigid, making it a standout choice for reluctant writers.

🎨 Design & Usability: A Kid-Friendly Experience

A well-designed workbook can make or break a child’s interest. Here’s what works (and what could be improved):

✅ Strengths:

  • Large, Clear Fonts – Easy on young eyes.
  • Ample Practice Space – No cramped lines; kids have room to experiment.
  • High-Quality Paper – Thick pages prevent ink bleed-through (a common issue in cheaper workbooks).

⚠️ Minor Weaknesses:

  • Limited Creativity Sections – While the exercises are effective, a few more free-form practice pages (like writing a short story in cursive) could enhance engagement.
  • No Digital Supplement – Some parents might appreciate printable PDF versions for extra practice.

Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent resource.

🧠 Thematic Depth: More Than Just Penmanship

At first glance, this is just a handwriting book—but it subtly teaches patience, discipline, and pride in one’s work. Watching my child progress from shaky letters to fluid sentences was incredibly rewarding.

Why Cursive Still Matters:

  • Cognitive Benefits: Research suggests cursive writing activates different brain areas than typing.
  • Historical Literacy: Many historical documents are written in cursive—future historians need to read them!
  • Personal Touch: Handwritten notes carry emotional weight that texts simply can’t replicate.

This workbook doesn’t just teach letters; it fosters a lifelong skill.

📚 Comparison to Other Cursive Workbooks

How does this stack up against competitors like Handwriting Without Tears or Scholastic’s Cursive Practice?

Feature Lalgudi’s Workbook Handwriting Without Tears Scholastic Cursive Practice
Step-by-Step Guidance ✅ Excellent ✅ Good ⚠️ Less structured
Engaging Exercises ✅ Fun prompts ⚠️ More repetitive ✅ Creative tasks
Visual Aids ✅ Clear arrows & strokes ✅ Simple illustrations ⚠️ Fewer guides
Price 💲 Affordable 💲💲 Mid-range 💲 Budget-friendly

Verdict: Lalgudi’s workbook strikes the best balance between structure, engagement, and affordability.

👶 Who Is This Book For?

✔ Parents looking for an effective, no-fuss cursive introduction.
✔ Teachers needing supplementary classroom materials.
✔ Homeschoolers seeking a self-paced curriculum.
✔ Older Kids & Adults (if completely new to cursive).

Not Ideal For:
❌ Kids who already have advanced cursive skills.
❌ Those who prefer digital learning tools.

💬 Memorable Moments & Quotes

While this isn’t a narrative-driven book, some of the encouraging prompts stood out:

“Every great writer started with a single letter. Keep going!”

“Your handwriting is as unique as you are—make it beautiful!”

These small touches make practice feel personal and rewarding.

🔍 Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✅ Pros: Well-structured, engaging, high-quality, affordable.
❌ Cons: Could use more creative free-writing exercises.

If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use cursive workbook, this is one of the best options available. It turns what could be a tedious task into an enjoyable learning experience.

🔗 Get the Book:

📖 Amazon

💬 Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • Do you think cursive is still necessary in the digital age?
  • What was your experience learning cursive as a child?
  • Have you tried this workbook? What did your child think?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from fellow parents and educators! 🚀

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.