Spacing: To relieve the eye, and make easy reading.
Slant: To make writing attractive and easy to read.
Neatness: To further a civic need.
Tracing: To visualize and thereby assist in acquiring correct form.
Movement drills: Ovals for curves, strokes for slant, small letters for traveling movement.
PROGRESS LESSON
Time: Friday or the last lesson of the week.
Conditions: Class must know how to study. Class must work fairly well independently. Class must have had all drills demonstrated.
Method: Place problems on the board, numbered, not less than two nor more than four, unless the class is very efficient. Each pupil starts with No. 1. Teacher passes down aisle, gives a progress check if work is satisfactory, if not, a criticism. (A rubber stamp marked “Improving” is very effective.) If checked, pupil takes next drill; if not he practices the same drill until the teacher comes again. In a fifteen minute period the teacher can check up the room at least three times. Those who receive a check every time receive special recognition.
Object: To encourage initiative; to impress upon each pupil his rank in the writing game; to crystallize the week’s work; to give each pupil an opportunity for individual help.