Thomas John Speer's "Public School, Senior Third Writing Course" copybook (authorized by the Ontario Department of Education) illustrates one way in which teachers hoped to drum suitable values or rules of conduct into children. While learning to write - in alphabetical order, of course - the pupils were presented with rules for good behaviour: manners, economy, self-correction, competition and respect for others. The copybook also gave detailed directions on how the writing class should be conducted. The children were to be organized according to the following instructions:
1. Prepare to write
2. Monitors distribute books and pens
3. Pass books - the teacher counts, one, two, three
4. Pass pens - the teacher counts as before
OPENING: 1. Take position; 2. Open books to copy; 3. Open inkstands; 4. Take ink; 5. Take pen; 6. Commence writing.
"Class instruction in writing [that is having entire classes instructed at once] tends to awaken the interest and stimulate the energy of pupils." Repetition was the way to learn. "Intelligent practice makes perfect".
Courtesy: Historical Collection, Toronto Board of Education
