The Cecil Whig., 1874-05-16
How Should Writing be Taught in Com.
mon Schools
BY W. WARNER.

This question is often asked by teachers,
and having seen no answer that gives any
real help, offer a few suggestions which
may be of some use to the teacher who is
able to make correct letters with chalk on
the blackboard. The proper method of
holding the pen should be taught first, and
required with such firmness that no pupil
will think of evading or disobeying the
requirement. A correct method of hold
ing the pen is of the greatest importance
to those acquiring handwriting. 1t en-
braces the position of the pen-holder in the
hand, and also the position of the hand
and arm with regard to the law of move
ment. There is no excuse for neglecting
to give proper instruction upon this SUBJ
ject, as correct rules are printed upon the
covers of nearly every writing book used
in the schools. The next subject in order
is movement in writing. Formerly the fin
ger movement was all that was required of
beginners, and it was also the principal
movement used by business writers gener-
ally, but now no business writer, educated
within ten years, uses it by itself. Instead
of using it as primary in practice, it is
combined with the muscular movement as
secondary. In teaching do not refer to
the finger movement as an independent
movement; but use and teach the muscu-
lar and combined movements, and these
movements are used and taught by every
author and teacher of business writing in
the country. AS the object of our schools
is to prepare the young for business pur-
suits, great care should be taken to teach
those movements, which are essential to a
good business handwriting, that what is
taught may be right so far as it goes. To
make the muscular movement, rest the
arm on the muscle near the elbow (the
fixed rest) and the hand on the ends of the
nails of the third and fourth fingers (the
sliding rest); then slide the bone of the arm
on the tissues of the muscle which forms
the fixed rest, sliding the hands on the
nails. This will give the movement. To
teach the popularity of this movement,
require the pupil to take hold of the right
arm, near the elbow, with the left hand,
and hold the muscle firmly, and, at the
same time, turn the right hand first ono
way and then the other, and also push it
and draw it back, thus showing that it is
the bone of the arm that gives the move
ment. The combined movement is the
harmonious action of the muscular and
finger movements. The fingers are used
as help in forming the loop and capital let
ters. Teaching writing in ungraded
schools differs frem the same exercise in
graded schools in the fact that in ungraded
schools there are necessarily all classes of
writers, from beginners to advanced in the
same school. If the teacher is skilled at
the blackboard, these different grades may
be successfully taught at the same time,
while giving instruction on holding the pen
and movement, as they will require the
same instruction, and, at first the same
drill exercise in movement. These exer-
cises should be put upon the board, and
the pupils should use loose paper These
drill exercises should represent all the vari-
Gus movements necessary in writing, and
they should be gradually changed from the
simple straight line and curve, to the most
complex exercises that the class may gain
command of the hand. Should the more
advanced master the holding of the pen
and movement sooner than others, they
may practice the drill the first half of tho
lesson, and use the rest Of the time in prac-
GlCc III tuc Copy -uooh. but 0o uot Uc III .
hurry to have pupils writing exact forms.
BE sure that they hold the pen and make
the movement when trying to make correct
letters. This may be tested each day by
giving a word or sentence at the board,
requiring the pupils to write it, and fast as
they show the ability to do it well, give
them the book. The influence of this will
be good on the class. When these points
are well established and books are used,
the drill exercises may be combined on
loose paper part of the time of the exer-
else each day; but the teacher must use
his judgment as to the length of time they
should be combined. The best time for
the writing exercise is just before recess
in the morning or afternoon. Thirty or
forty minutes will do very we'll; but, if
this amount of time cannot be had, then
give the drill exercise one day and write
the exact forms the next. The free use of
the pen is of first Importance. The ability
to write rapidly a plain hand is much more
to be desired than beautiful hand that is
slow. A rapid and legible hand is all the
business requires; this should be first ac-
quired, and then beautiful writing, if time
can be given to acquire it. 1t is very COM
forting to be able to write beautiful
hand. To write plain hand at the rate
of twenty or to forty words minute will
require long and patient drill; therefore,
drill; drill often and long; drill for free
movement; drill for speed; drill for good
rapid hand.-Nationdl Teacher.