The compact oval is the repeated form of a large capital O. Keep this
constantly in mind, and learn at once to criticise it with special
reference to the slant, width, and general formation of a capital O a
little more than twice the size used in writing.
Mind and muscle must work in perfect harmony to secure the best results.
Before beginning the practice of any drill or letter, study its form
closely, part by part, and as a complete whole. In what direction does
the pen move to make the first line? See that the pen moves in that
direction before coming in contact with the paper. Be sure that the
speed is neither too fast nor too slow, but such as will make two
hundred complete ovals to a minute. Do not guess about the speed, but
use a watch.
If the oval is too wide, it is because of too nearly circular motion,
and you should use more of the forward and backward motion of the
straight line exercise. If too narrow, it is because too much of the
straight line motion was used, and the movement should be more nearly
circular. Remember the connection between mind, muscle, and motion.
When the oval is too narrow, repeat to yourself, “Wider, wider, rounder,
rounder, rounder, rounder,” until it is wide enough. If the oval
presents a back slant appearance when finished, it is because the
downward strokes were made toward the right elbow instead of the center
of the body.
On the other hand, if the oval slants too much, it is because the
downward strokes were made toward the left shoulder instead of the
center of the body—always providing that instructions relating to
position have been strictly followed.
=Drill 3=
[Illustration]
When pupils make the ovals fairly well, they are ready to begin to apply
muscular movement to words and sentences. The ovals given above are
twelve-sixteenths of an inch high, and the letters in the word “mine”
(called minimum letters) are about one-twelfth as high, or one-sixteenth
of an inch. Thus, these ovals are twelve times as high as the minimum
letters; therefore little force is required to make a minimum letter,
compared with the muscular effort used in making ovals. To make the m
and n round at the top, the over-motion must be used, while to make the
connective lines of the i and e the use of the under-motion is
necessary. In the words “uses” and “sell” the under-motion is used in
forming the first lines in all letters as well as in connective lines.
The speed should be such as will permit good formation, and produce
sharp, clear-cut lines.
Good practice speed for these words is “mine,” eighteen; “uses,” twenty;
and “sell,” twenty-two, to the minute. These words should be practiced
now until they can be written well, and should be reviewed frequently.
Practicing them at this stage with muscular movement will give students
confidence and should encourage them to use, constantly, muscular
movement in all written work. Other easy words may be selected from the
Manual and practiced occasionally. It is a distinct advantage to study
frequently at this stage lessons 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, and 32, and to
practice drills 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 33.