This page has been validated.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
109
can be infused into the class by periodically placing the Copy Books in order of merit and exhibiting the list on the Notice Board a test of their comparative merits which finds favour immensely with the pupils, who are thus encouraged to strain every power in the desire and struggle to get well placed.
The following general instructions for class-teaching include most if not all the chief points that can arise in a writing lesson.
- Secure and maintain correct position of writers, books and pens.
- See that every pupil is provided will all necessary material.
- Remind the class at the beginning of each lesson that the writing must be uniform in Size, Shape and Direction.
- Strongly forbid all quick writing.
- Make a liberal use of the Blackboard for purposes of analysis, correction and illustration.
- Permit no pupil to remain idle or unemployed waiting for others to finish: let each writer work independently of his fellows.
- Insist upon continuity in the writing of every word save those in which the letter x occurs.
- Frequently remind the Class that writing is a kind of drawing and that the sole object is to fac-simile the Copies.
- Let your motto be approval rather than censure.
- Pens must not be wiped on the dress nor must ink be jerked or thrown upon the floor.
- Writers must not paint their letters, that is thicken or mend them after being once made.
- Always mark the writing relatively, and not apart from the age and ability of the writer.
- Avoid favouritism; encourage naturally poor writers; be severely strict with all careless pupils.
- Rather give copy books that are too easy than those which are too difficult.
- Utilize all available Competitions for your classes. The stimulus of “Prizes” or “Rewards” is universally needed in every walk of life, more particularly in a juvenile writing Class.
