Copybook is a time-honored learning
activity in which students copy Scripture, maxims, poetry, and other
literature selections. Copybook, like memorization, is a forgotten
skill in modern education. However, like memorization, copybook
is a beginning skill that is indispensable to the development of
good language skills.
In Copybook, students practice
penmanship, spelling, reading comprehension, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Students develop the habits of accuracy, neatness, attention to
detail, and patience; they practice correct grammar and good writing
style; they develop an appreciation for what is good, noble, and
beautiful in literature.
Copybook is not the only way for
the young student to practice each of these skills--but it is the
only exercise that develops all of them at the same time. Copybook
is concrete and physical; it complements and completes the mental
exercise of memorization and reading. Copybook is so simple and
obvious that we overlook it.
Even though penmanship is hard
work for the young student, he should come to delight in the physical
act of creating a beautiful page of writing. Because the student
is not burdened by trying to compose his own words, he is liberated
to concentrate on copying the immortal words of others. The young
student who is not able to think great thoughts of his own can
grow in wisdom by thinking great thoughts of others. And as a reward
for completing his copybook exercise, he can illustrate the words
he has copied with his own drawing. After the discipline of copybook,
he can exercise his imagination and creativity; the original drawings
of children are the perfect companion to copybook.
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