Zaner-Bloser vs. D'Nealian: The Key Differences in Cursive Writing

Zaner-Bloser and D'Nealian are two of the most widely used cursive writing styles in the United States. While they share some similarities, such as being used to teach handwriting to elementary school students, they have distinct features that set them apart. This article explores the differences between Zaner-Bloser and D'Nealian cursive to help educators, parents, and students understand and appreciate each style.

Zaner-Bloser and D'Nealian are both distinguished by their approach to teaching handwriting. However, they differ in the slant of the letters, the size of the lower-case letters, and the style of the capital letters. Zaner-Bloser cursive is known for its vertical slant, which is easier for many students to execute. It also has a consistent size for both lower-case and capital letters, making it less complex for young learners.

Zaner-Bloser Cursive: Slant and Size

One of the most noticeable differences between Zaner-Bloser and D'Nealian cursive is the slant of the letters. Zaner-Bloser cursive features a vertical, 0-degree slant, which is corneal with the eye and easier for many students to write. This slant is achieved by writing on a line within the red margins of the lines on the paper.

Another key difference is the size of the lowercase letters in Zaner-Bloser cursive. The lowercase letters are considerably larger, making them easier for young learners to read and write. This size consistency, along with the vertical slant, makes Zaner-Bloser cursive a popular choice among educators and students.

Zaner-Bloser Capital Letters

Zaner-Bloser cursive capital letters are unique in that they are equal in size to the lowercase letters. This consistent size helps students with reading and writing. The capital letters also have a distinctive rounded style, which is despised by some but loved by others for its unique charm.

Zaner-Bloser's capital letters maintain a consistent width, regardless of the letter, which can be helpful for students with fine motor skill difficulties. The style also employs a technique called 'diagonal entry' where students start their lines at a specific point on the line, moving diagonally up to the baseline, helping to improve accuracy and fluency.

D'Nealian Cursive: Slant and Size

D'Nealian cursive, on the other hand, has a 30-degree slant, which some educators argue is more natural and comfortable for students to write. The lowercase letters in D'Nealian cursive are smaller than those in Zaner-Bloser, and the capital letters are taller, which can make reading and writing them slightly more challenging for some students.

The D'Nealian style emphasizes a smooth, continuous flow when writing, encouraging students to lift their pencils less often. This can help improve writing speed and reduce fatigue. D'Nealian also uses a unique 'lazy eight' shape for the letter S to teach students about starting and ending strokes, making it less likely for students to form reversals.

D'Nealian Capital Letters

D'Nealian cursive capital letters are taller than their lowercase counterparts, which can make them more challenging for younger students to read and write. However, this size difference can be helpful for students learning to distinguish between capital and lowercase letters.

D'Nealian capitals maintain a consistent width, similar to Zaner-Bloser, but the letter style is more rounded and can be less distinctive. D'Nealian also emphasizes body, entrance, and exit strokes, which helps students learn when and how to lift their pencils. This can result in more fluid and connected writing.

In the world of cursive writing, Zaner-Bloser and D'Nealian both have their merits and challenges. Zaner-Bloser's vertical slant and consistent letter size make it easier for many students to learn, while D'Nealian's natural slant and emphasis on flow can lead to more effortless writing. Understanding the unique features of each style can help educators, parents, and students make informed decisions about which cursive style to use.