On Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 7:08:28 PM UTC-5, Janet wrote:
>
> We were taught to write alphabet letters on a sand tray; then write
> them on a slate with chalk, and finally write them in pencil on paper.
> The paper was lined and each letter had to fit between lines in a
> uniform size. When we had got the hang of that, we were thrilled to be
> issued with dip pens, a piece of blotting paper and an inkwell each,
> filled with ink (the inkwells were brought round on a tray, and each
> desk had a hole to put one in.) We often blotted our work until we
> learned to control the nib. Then we were taught, in ink, what we all
> called "joined up writing
> At the end of each writing lesson the inkwells were collected up again.
> The ink in them, was made by mixing powder with water in a jug. It smelt
> terrible.
>
> Only when we had mastered cursive writing with a dip pen, were we
> allowed to use a fountain pen.It was a proud day when the teacher wrote
> in your handwriting excercise book "You may bring a fountain pen to
> school."
>
> I still use a fountain pen to sign typed letters and personal cards.
>
> Janet UK
>
>
I guess each country, province/state all had their ways of introducing us
to cursive writing. I was introduced to it in the third grade and re-
member the lined paper but no dip pens, ink wells, sand trays, or slate.