Just a thought on cursive handwriting. You could impose it on the reluctant 9 year old boy, with dismal results. You could make that 9 year old write row after row of poorly shaped letters while he (and you) holds back the tears of frustration; and you could do this day after day.
Or, you could forget it until he's 12 or 13, enduring the comments made over and over by well-meaning grandmothers who know other children who write in cursive by now. Then, at nearly 13, you can hand him a cursive template, and watch him get it in an afternoon. And just try to get him to move on to another subject. Just try.
Your choice, if you homeschool.
ETA: Paul's choice for first copywork in cursive? The Yak by Hilaire Belloc!