Page:Theory and Practice of Handwriting.djvu/128

110 #Make a special study of any hopelessly bad writers: never despair of entirely reforming such.
 * 1) Post the names of the best writers and of the most diligent writers on the walls of the Class or Schoolroom.
 * 2) Caution the class against plunging pens to the bottom of the inkwells.
 * 3) Guard against writing too long at once; relieve by rests in which theory may be illustrated on blackboard.
 * 4) In writing, more than in any other subject, strive to keep the pupils in a good humour.

We shall conclude this chapter with a few hints to writers.


 * 1) Write vertically.
 * 2) Write continuously.
 * 3) Write uniformly.
 * 4) Write plainly.
 * 5) Write slowly.
 * 6) Discard all flourishes.
 * 7) Make the simplest capital letters possible.
 * 8) Avoid heavy or thick writing.
 * 9) Make short loops.
 * 10) Don’t grasp the pen tightly.
 * 11) Keep the fingers’ ends clear of the nib.
 * 12) Use plain penholders not fancy ones.
 * 13) Avoid striking pen to bottom of inkstand.
 * 14) Use a wet sponge for penwiper.
 * 15) Always keep the thumb slightly bent up.
 * 16) Write evenly with both points of the nib.
 * 17) Push up the book as the writing descends.
 * 18) Sit easy and erect before the book.
 * 19) Avoid all twisting of the body.
 * 20) Keep both arms free from the sides.
 * 21) Point the pen towards the elbow.
 * 22) Keep the fingers easily straight.