Page:Theory and Practice of Handwriting.djvu/126

108 Then the work being collected it is arranged in order of merit, due allowance for quantity being made when marking for quality.

A modification of this exercise is to write a Copy on the blackboard for imitation and repetition during a certain specified time as before. The pupils who are conspicuous for their slowness in these practices should have extra time given them for separate tuition, that they may become more expeditious. If each week the best specimens thus produced were on exhibition in the Class or Schoolroom, the writers would be encouraged to a still greater degree of effort and ambition.

Yet another variation is to get a volunteer to write a copy on the Blackboard and afterwards to criticise it himself. This variation frequently gives rise to very entertaining but also beneficial remarks. Pupils grow increasingly expert at the task and thus insensibly to themselves, the development of their mental appreciation and mechanical ability in the art of writing progresses with great rapidity. A word or two with reference to Home Work. All the labour of the teacher will be greatly discounted if not neutralized should he neglect to strictly supervise the written Home exercises of his scholars. Special marks for neatness in all written work should be awarded, and penalties of varying character be inflicted for deliberate carelessness in this matter. Where the ordinary arithmetical and written exercises are thus made to supplement and support the class teaching, results of the happiest kind will inevitably follow.

A flagrant case of scribble reproduced by the Master on the Blackboard for the adverse criticism of his Schoolfellows will generally act as a specific for either spasmodic or chronic cases, since boys do not relish the idea of being held up to either ridicule or censure from their own companions.

Many other expedients of a similar kind can be resorted to for the purpose of engendering a praiseworthy emulation amongst the writers. Every week will possess its special opportunity and supply material wherewith to point a lesson or adorn a rule. Now it may be a curious manuscript; again it will be an equally curious letter that can thus be utilized. Finally a most powerful stimulus