In the following pages are reproduced photographs of a class of students
who are experts in the Palmer Method writing. While they knew that their
photographs were to be taken, they did not change their every-day
penmanship positions in the least particular. It was not necessary,
because they had all acquired the habit of sitting in positions that are
comfortable and which at the same time permit muscular freedom and
control.
In elementary schools in cities, space is so limited that the use of
tables or desks large enough to permit the square front position for
writing is usually impossible. If the desks are too small for the square
front position the half-right side position may be used.
=Study these pictures closely; it will pay.=
In the first picture, notice that the right elbow rests on or near the
lower right corner of the desk. This position may be occasionally
modified to suit the needs of pupils. As an example, a very fat boy or
girl may find it necessary to let the right arm rest over on the desk a
little farther.
A good rule to follow in finding the correct position of the right arm
on the desk for writing is as follows: Place the body at the desk in the
correct square front position, raise the entire right arm a few inches,
and withdrawing control, let it drop. Wherever it strikes the desk it
should remain. To draw the arm toward the side would force the right
shoulder upward into an uncomfortable, unhealthful position, or would
force the pupil to lean backward. On the other hand, to place the right
arm farther over on the desk would force the body too far forward.
These photographs show that the pupils sit comfortably in the seats;
that the upper ends of their penholders point a little to the right of
their right shoulders—usually half way between the elbow and the
shoulder; that the Palmer Method is placed at the upper left corner of
the desk—being held open at the required drill with a rubber band; that
the left forearm is on the desk in such a position as will keep the body
upright, the left shoulder from drooping, reserving the free use of the
left hand for changing the positions of the Manual and the paper as
required.
In this position it is easy to push the sheet of paper forward as
progress is made toward the bottom of the page; also to move the paper
to the left when the writing has reached a third or half the distance
across a line, and back into the first position for a new line.
The exact position of the body at the desk and the relative positions of
the left and right arms in writing are very clearly shown in
illustration two, while the position of the left arm in its relation to
desk, Manual, and paper, is best shown in illustration three.
No student who fails in the matter of position will master muscular
movement writing. Correct position is of the greatest importance, and it
should be studied and thoroughly mastered before the writing itself is
considered.
=To the Teacher=: At this point, pupils should be required to close
their Methods and show their familiarity with the preceding discussion
of position by answering questions relating to it, and also to assume
the position described several times, to prove their working knowledge
of it.
[Illustration: Position illustration number 1. Read page 7 for
instructions.]
[Illustration: Position illustration number 2. Read page 7 for
instructions.]
[Illustration: Position illustration number 3. Read page 7 for
instructions.]