The development of good business writing is dependent, first, upon
proper clothing of the writing arm; second, upon a substantial desk or
table of the right height; third, upon a good position at the desk;
fourth, upon a relaxed condition of the writing muscles; fifth, upon the
freedom of the wrist and the side of the hand from the paper; and sixth,
upon concentration, determination, and constantly repeated effort.
Teachers who cannot maintain enthusiasm throughout the writing period,
and who do not realize the necessity of constantly repeated cautions and
admonitions, must never expect to secure flattering results.
Teachers, see that your pupils are alert, watchful, and practicing under
the most favorable conditions. Force upon the inner consciousness of
every pupil the harmfulness of careless practice and the necessity for
making every stroke according to instructions and in the right
direction.
Pupils, do not vehemently assert that you are very anxious to become
good penmen, and then abuse the opportunities within your reach.
Learning to write well is not difficult to the earnest, careful,
hard-working pupil; and with such, results almost immediately follow
correct methods of practice.
Finger movement and muscular movement are antagonistic, and the student
who makes an effort to use muscular movement in the writing class only,
need not hope for success.
Home students, not having the advantage of the directing counsel of good
teachers, should frequently review the beginning lessons. You cannot
fail if you follow the instructions.
=Drill 136=
[Illustration]
Practice the above copy in sections. Repeat capital I until the form is
good when made rapidly, follow with several lines of the word “am,” and
continue to practice each word in the copy until uniformity in spacing,
height, and slant have been developed. Then write a page of the complete
copy and criticise it.
As simple as it looks, there is material for several hours’ practice in
this copy.