Page:Theory and Practice of Handwriting.djvu/125

Rh, , and whilst inviting and encouraging the free expression of opinion the teacher can guide the minds of his pupils to a right and sound conclusion by his own matured views and higher knowledge.

Another valuable adjunct is Class Practice on the Blackboard. Nothing in the round of everyday School life is more appreciated by children than this interesting exercise. A certain word or phrase is proposed, and selected pupils are required to write it on the Board. (This selection of pupils should include the entire class in rotation, any preferential distinctions being invidious and quickly detected by the juveniles.) When the Blackboard is filled, or a sufficient number have written, the work of criticism begins and may occasionally be allowed to culminate in a vote as to which is the best line.

During the criticism, which in the hands of the teacher may be rendered highly educative as well as deeply absorbing, and whilst the faults, exaggerations, defects, &c., are carefully noted the scholars should be encouraged to discover the several points of excellence, as it must never be forgotten that Commendation animates the (juvenile) mind and proves one of the most powerful levers at the disposal of the teacher.

A lesson of this kind once a fortnight or so will be eagerly anticipated by the pupils, and it will prove also an efficient and agreeable relief to the ordinary routine of the writing class. A further variety consists in a given copy being written in different ways by the teacher on the Blackboard, to be inspected and criticised by the class. The zest displayed in criticising his work will be as amusing as surprising, and not the less profitable. Every defect will be keenly scrutinised, every possible shade of opinion expressed and progress proportionately stimulated.

Then again interest of a totally different kind may be introduced by occasional competitions amongst the pupils, such as racing against time or against each other. Let a certain extract be prescribed and instruct the class to copy out accurately, and well, and as quickly as possible until the signal to stop is sounded.