Early primary-aged children need lettering that is like the manuscript form they are learning in handwriting classes. Commercial letter patterns can be very helpful to the primary teacher. Captions can be printed on a strip of paper and pinned to the bulletin board. As children learn to read, many shapes and forms can be used to express feelings and ideas.

The teacher who feels secure in cutting letters freehand can use the following ideas:

1. Cutting letters from special materials

2. Cutting letters that show moods

3. Using the computer to create interesting patterns and enlarging the letters with the overhead projector.

Felt tip markers can be used to write letters of many types by utilizing the various sides of the pen. Lettering brushes can be used to make captions on strips of tag board that are easy to pin in place. A pencil can be sharpened to make a variety of lines. Use a knife to flatten the graphite. Make broad and narrow lines with the new tip.

Lettering should contrast with the background color. If color choices are too similar, letters can be outlined with a felt tip pen for a nice effect.

Sometimes it is effective to call attention to a key word within a title. This can be achieved by cutting that word larger or using a contrasting color. With older children, a term can be slanted or dropped vertically but this is confusing to a beginning reader.

The type of lettering used often sets the tone for the whole bulletin board. Letters may be cut from different materials and filed to be used when needed. Patterns for letters can be made from oak tag and kept in the file. Some ideas for lettering materials are letters cut from cardboard, contact paper, foil, felt, newsprint, cork, plastic, cloth, construction paper or magazine print.