
Blackboard Drawing - A MONOGRAPH - BY - FREDERICK WHITNEY
Foreword
BLACKBOARD DRAWING
In this lovingly restored monograph, a seasoned teacher shares a series of articles that first appeared in an early twentieth‑century education journal. The original pieces were praised for their timely advice and for the striking photographs of real blackboard work, which together form a visual guide unlike any other. By compiling them into a single volume, the editor hopes new generations of educators will rediscover the art of turning a plain slate into a living teaching surface.
The book opens with a clear argument that drawing is a natural language for children, then extends the same principle to teachers themselves. Step‑by‑step instructions introduce simple chalk strokes, pressure techniques, and basic shading, each illustrated with plates that can be practiced in minutes. Readers are encouraged to experiment with these fundamentals, applying them to subjects such as geography, literature, and science to make abstract ideas concrete.
Beyond the technical drills, the author stresses the classroom benefits of an ever‑changing blackboard: it breaks monotony, sparks curiosity, and reinforces learning through visual expression. The concise exercises invite both novice and experienced instructors to incorporate quick sketches into daily lessons, fostering a habit that keeps the board lively and the mind engaged.
Language
en
Duration
~20 minutes (20K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2010-06-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1858–1949
Best known for lively books on drawing and classroom art, this New England artist-teacher helped make creativity feel practical, playful, and within reach. His work captures an era when blackboards, handwork, and design were central to everyday learning.
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