The Letter Game
Prepare a series of white cards about 2 X 3 inches, larger for larger groups, on which are painted the letters of the alphabet in large black type.
For this test select a convenient spot, such as the mantel, window sill, or table edge, and place six letters upright and side by side, but do not have the letters spell a word.
Each child should be supplied with paper and pencil. All should hold the pencil above their heads. Upon a signal allow the children a five-second glance at the letters. When the five seconds have elapsed give the command "Write," at which each child will write the letters in proper sequence. When they have had ten seconds in which to write, give the command "stop." During the time for writing the letters the cards should be covered. Now the cover can be removed and each allowed to check the result.
Begin with the arrangement of about six letters and gradually increase the number and complexity of arrangement so as always to give the child something to strive for.
Only that which requires effort results in growth. Those things for which we strive are of most value to us.
A few examples for the letter game—
M D L T R X
X O M E R S
E A M N R T V
T E X R L O S
A X M E V A L R
Y A C O P T E L
Later arrange some double line combinations, and increase the complexity as the ability develops.
Y—E—O—P X—O—J—R M—P—S—Q
E—M—T—A B—Z—Y—E R—E—T—W
L—V—D—H
In some combinations use letters which make the semblance of a word and later some which spell a word. Notice how quickly and easily the combination is remembered when it conveys sense or something definite which the mind can grasp. For example—
T—E—X—O A—M—I—T C—O—C—O
B—R—A—S C—R—E—P J—U—B—S
F—I—N—O