When George Washington was still very young, his father, Augustine, employed a mentor, a tutor, to help George perfect his penmanship. To accomplish this his teacher would dictate some sentences to George so that he could write these words over and over again to perfect his writing. George became a very good and easy to read writer.

At the same time, George was introduced forcefully into the world of decent behavior when he was in company with other children and adults. He learned manners, customs, and behaviors that would be acceptable when in company. He learned to behave and converse with ease. It affected his character.

The rules he wrote from dictation were captured in his schoolbook. They were put back into print by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association in 1989. Yes, that’s the same Association which rescued Mount Vernon from dissolution as it had fallen into disrepair. There is a booklet entitled “”Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation” which anyone can obtain from this organization at Mount Vernos.This ladies association raised the funds and purchased the land and mansion and had it all restored to its early splendor.

I have often thought that it might be time to persuade our schools to teach not only penmanship, but to teach character as well. Teach rules of civility in company and conversation for the modern era. Some schools are returning to teach cursive writing. Why not train the students in handwriting by dictating rules of etiquette, manners, decent behavior. It seems to be missing in some of our younger generation.

Follow Augustine’s example, teach penmanship and at the same time teach some manners. It worked for George.

I hope you had a happy President’s Day!