Introduced in the 1970s, the D'Nealian method represents a modern attempt to streamline handwriting instruction by addressing a persistent problem: the difficult transition from block letters to cursive. By designing manuscript letters that closely resemble their cursive counterparts, D'Nealian aimed to create a more fluid, natural writing progression for students.
A Response to Learning Friction
Developed by educator Donald Neal Thurber (hence the name), the D'Nealian system was created in response to the challenges many students faced when shifting from print-style letters to cursive. Traditional manuscript letters, like those used in Zaner-Bloser, often differ significantly from cursive forms — leading to confusion and the need to relearn basic shapes. D'Nealian addressed this by designing slanted manuscript letters with subtle hooks and tails. These "pre-cursive" forms help children internalize the flow and direction of cursive writing from the beginning. The system promised fewer learning gaps and a smoother, more intuitive transition between writing stages.
Educational Adoption and Controversy
In the decades following its introduction, D'Nealian gained traction in schools across the United States and abroad. Educators who adopted the method praised its logic and continuity, while critics argued it added unnecessary complexity to early handwriting instruction. Some questioned whether slanted manuscript was harder for young learners to read and write. Despite the mixed reviews, D'Nealian has become a recognizable alternative to traditional systems, and it remains in use today in many schools that value a connected approach to writing development.
Part of a Larger Conversation
D'Nealian reflects a broader trend in handwriting pedagogy: the desire to simplify, streamline, and modernize instruction while preserving fluency and legibility. Like Palmer, Spencerian, and Zaner-Bloser before it, D'Nealian belongs to a lineage of systems shaped by changing views on education, cognition, and the role of handwriting in daily life. Though technology has transformed how we communicate, D'Nealian continues to influence how students put pencil to paper — reminding us that even small design decisions in letterforms can have lasting impacts on learning.
To explore the method D'Nealian was designed to improve upon, read our previous article: "Zaner-Bloser: Standerdizing Penmanship for the Modern Classroom."
Or, trace the story back to the beginning with the ornate beauty of Spencerian Script, where American handwriting found its flourish.