The teaching of penmanship by Houston Harry 1867-

Author:Houston, Harry, 1867- [from old catalog]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Penmanship
Publisher: [New Haven, Press of S. Z. Field]
Published: 1913-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

INCENTIVES

The ability of the teacher to write well and to give good instruction are the best incentives to good work. Alany teachers need to use no others. Handwriting is in such constant use, that many find it difficult to arouse sufficient enthusiasm to bring about good results. Many things can be done that will arouse interest and cause pupils to put forth unusual efforts. Incentives that single out a pupil are not the best kind. A prize for the best writer may be won by a pupil who is naturally a good writer, and who does not have to put forth a great effort to outstrip the others. This prize is not likely to arouse the poorest writers to greater eft"orts.

Incentives that appeal to a greater number are to be preferred. Something that will interest the poor writers, and cause the entire class to be stimulated to greater eft'orts, is needed in many schools. Competition between classes or schools is a good incentive, if entered into in the right spirit. Many teachers have found it helpful to have other teachers visit their rooms and judge the proficiency attained in some particular line that has been the subject of special eft'ort. For example: Miss Smith says to her class that Miss Brown is coming in next week to see how many are perfect in position, penholding or movement. Committees of pupils may do this kind of work.

Another good plan is to have two captains appointed, who choose sides as for a spelling match. Coaches or helpers may be appointed to help the poor writers and, in general, to get the team ready for the contest. As much time as possible should be taken ii'. preparation for these events, as it is the preparation and not the contests that is of the most value.

Considerable help and inspiration has been gained by having a committee of pupils or an entire class visit another school or room where particularly good work is being done.

The same writing lesson may be given to dift'erent rooms, the papers from both put together and marked. Each room can then determine its mark.

Exhibiting specimens on charts or bulletin boards is an incentive that should not be overlooked. The specimens should be put up for improvement as well as for the best writing. The work should be changed frequently. Exchanging specimens or letters with other schools has a stimulating: effect.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.