How to teach figures and ciphering to those who are ignorant.
I write upon the Note-Board[1] which hangs where all can see it these figures
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
far enough apart that other figures may be placed before and after each of them. Then I place a 0 before the 1 and explain to them that though the 0 stand before the 1 still the number is not increased. Then I rub the 0 before the 1 out, and place it after the 1, which makes 10, if two naughts 100, if three 1000 and so on. In like manner I show them with all the figures. When this is done, to the first figure 1 another 1 is added which makes 11, but if a 0 is placed between the two it make 101, but if after them 110; and in like manner I go through all the figures with them.
After this is finished I give them something to search for in the Testament or the Hymn Book. Those who are the readiest have something to expect either from me or at home.
Since in reading, in order to read with understanding, it is necessary to give attention to the comma, but this is difficult for those who have not had much experience in reading, I have made this regulation. Whoever among the Testament scholars does not read along, but stops before he comes to where the little point or mark stands, fails ¼, who reads over it without stopping in like manner fails ¼, and who repeats a word ½. All the failures and especially what each one has failed are marked down. When all have recited, all who have failed must step out
- ↑ The Note-Board (Noten-Blank) was a black narrow board, upon each side of which were cut the lines of three musical staves, and it was used in teaching the children music.
