George Washington Learned Civility and Etiquitte Through Handwriting Exercises

George Washington, as a youth, maintained a commonplace book entitled Forms of Writing. This most common practice allowed youth to not only practice their handwriting skills but also to learn etiquette, manners and civility in the process. The lessons being learned in this manner went way beyond handwriting skills; the handwriting seemed less arduous also. Among the many items listed in this booklet are 110 'Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation'. The exact origin of the content of this booklet is unclear but seems to be attributed to the work of sixteenth century French Jesuits. The rules are worded a bit differently than we are used to but the lessons are just as relevant today as then. There is no need for handwriting practice to deter anyone from reading through a few of the maxims.

Rules 90 - 103 relate to food, drink, and etiquette

90^th Being Sat at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.

94^th If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.

96^th It's unbecoming to Stoop to one's Meat. Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them in a Corner of your Table Napkin.

97^th Put not another bite into your Mouth till the former be swallowed let not your Morsels be too big for the jowls.

99^th Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after Drinking wipe your Lips, breathe not then or Ever with too Great a Noise, for it is uncivil.

Downloadable Resource

If you are interested in a booklet that has been created using a few paraphrased maxims from Forms of Writing follow this link to a free down loadable booklet entitled George Washington's Rules of Civility. The booklet may be printed in a form that allows hand binding (or stapling) to make a useable writing aid. This is a wonderful resource for both language arts and history. Parents and grandparents will find this booklet helpful for children.

No matter if you view the entire Forms of Writing or the small George Washington's Rules of Civility booklet you may be surprised at the usefulness of these documents.

Resources:

Schott's Food & Drink Miscellany, Ben Schott 2003, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc., London

Internet research