The Palmer Method of Business Writing · Lesson 27 · Part 5: First words, M and N
27. Drill 28: Moon
Goal: Your child writes "Moon" six times on a line, spelling it aloud, at an even speed.
You'll need
- Wide-ruled lined paper (several sheets)
- A sharp pencil or a smooth gel pen
- The book open at today's page
- A watch, clock or phone timer that shows seconds (only for the optional speed check)
What's in the book
Lesson 27 is drill 28, the word "Moon" written in two styles: with the M's last stroke dropped below the line and the pen lifted, and with the M joined straight to the o.
The lesson, step by step
Warm up
Three to five minutes: compact ovals (drill 3), a line of small o (drill 11) and a line of small m (drill 14). This is the book's daily opening from now on.
The book scolds gently: perhaps you were about to begin without the ovals, small o and m. Don't forget them!
Look at the model
Open the book page. Look at drill 28: "Moon" six times on each line. In the first line the M ends below the line and the pen lifts before "oon"; in the second the M joins straight on.
Spell as you write
Write along with your child, spelling aloud in rhythm: "M-o-o-n, M-o-o-n." This is the book's way to keep the speed even.
Never attempt to use the count for individual letters when practicing words; it is confusing.
Lines of Moon
Three lines in the first style, then two in the second.
Optional speed target: fourteen to seventeen words a minute.
Gentle check
Six words on each line, like the copy? Are the two o's closed and the same size?
Finish
Write "moon" in a short sentence of the child's own, such as "I see the moon."