PENCILS
If pencils are used in the first or second grade they should be large, and cylindrical in form (never octagonal), and of medium soft lead. The writing period should not be taken up with the sharpening of pencils. Erasers should not be allowed. Lead pencils are not at best conducive to movement beyond the ovals and strokes. The use of the cheap tablet, the bane of the teacher’s life, and the poor quality lead pencil do much to hinder application of the correct writing habit in the lower grades.