Notes of Lessons: Bent Framework, Class II

[We have thought that it might be of use to our readers (in their own families) to publish from month to month during the current year, Notes of Lessons prepared by students of the House of Education for the pupils of the Practising School. We should like to say, however, that such a Lesson is never given as a tour de force, but is always an illustration or an expansion of some part of the children’s regular studies (in the Parents’ Review School), some passage in one or other of their school books.—Ed.]

Subject: Bent Framework • Group: Handicrafts • Class II • Time: 35 minutes

By Elsie R. Tetley
The Parents’ Review, 1905, p. 470

Objects

I. To interest the children in the art of bent ironwork, by comparing it with the ancient art of wrought-ironwork.

II. To cultivate their power of using fingers and tools skilfully.

III. To help them to appreciate the beauty of perfect work, and stimulate their desire to produce it.

IV. To help them to distinguish between a good curve and a bad one.

Lesson

Step I.—Show that bent ironwork is a modern variety of the ancient wrought-iron, and explain the difference between them, with illustrations.

Step II.—Draw from the children the uses of bent ironwork, viz., for decoration of metal brackets, stands, etc.

Step III.—Give the children an idea of the kind of design suitable for bent ironwork, showing the necessary similarity (to a certain extent) of the designs, as they are entirely based on the “S” and “C” curves, with their varieties. Sketch these curves on the blackboard, with illustrations of two or three combinations of curves.

Step IV.—Give three methods of measuring curves—(1) by marking the length of the curves on paper, and then drawing a straight line of the same length, and measuring the iron by it (this is not a very accurate method, but useful sometimes); (2) marking a length of iron in 1/4 inches, or centimetres, measuring the curves by the number of 1/4 inches, after the curves are made; (3) making the curves in iron, and measuring them with a yard measure, putting it round the curves.

Step V.—Show the tools necessary for the work, viz., square and round-nosed pliers, and snips, with the method of using them.

Step VI.—Let each child make an “S” and a “C” curve in iron.

Step VII.—If there is still time let each child do a design for an easel, or stand for a calendar.