1. Sitting to write

The lesson, step by step

1. Look at the photographs

   Open the book at Lesson 1 and turn through the three position photographs. Point out together: feet flat on the floor, back straight, the body not touching the desk, the right elbow near the lower right corner of the desk, the left forearm on the desk holding the paper.

   SayBefore we write a single letter, we learn to sit like these children.

2. The arm drop

   This is the book's rule for placing the writing arm:

   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.

   Let your child try it three times. Arm floppy, then let it fall. It should land with a square turn at the elbow and the forearm on the table.

3. The left hand has a job

   The left forearm rests on the table and the left hand holds the paper and moves it. Have your child slide a sheet up and to the left with the left hand while the right arm stays still.

4. A quick quiz

   The book tells the teacher to close the book and ask questions. Ask:

   SayWhere do your feet go? Where does your right elbow go? What does your left hand do?

   Then have your child sit, stand up, and take the position again, three times.

5. A first specimen

   The book asks every new pupil to write a "first specimen" to compare with later. Have your child write their name and age, then a line of any capitals they know, then this sentence from the book in their ordinary handwriting:

   A specimen of my best writing before I began to practice muscular movement writing from the lessons in the Palmer Method of Business Writing.

   Date it and put it away safely. You will bring it out again at the end of the course.

6. Gentle check

   Ask your child to show you the position one last time without help. Praise one thing that is right ("your feet are flat, well done"). Fix only one thing at a time.