The matter contained in this volume is arranged with special reference to its value to the teacher of manual training, woodwork, or carpentry, and to the normal student preparing to teach these subjects. To the latter, it offers many suggestions for the discussion of equipment and courses, and of conditions that exist in the classroom. It gives also a preview of some of the obstacles met in leading pupils in the way of manual righteousness, and suggests methods of surmounting these obstacles.

The contents of Chapters I and II, although separated into manual training and carpentry, may be applied to the teaching of either subject or both. A few items mentioned in Chapter II, however, may be omitted in teaching a class in educational manual training, as they apply entirely to carpentry or joinery. It would be unwise, for example, to spend time upon the steel square, estimating, or extended practice in sawfiling, as these are subjects for the prospective workman.

While the Suggestive Courses are courses in woodwork, the hints and discussions may be easily adapted to the teaching of any branch of handwork, since classroom conditions vary no more in the different branches of manual training than in the different branches of academic studies.

The sketches of models are intended to be only suggestive as to dimensions and degree of difficulty, leaving it to the student to work out details and to make any changes that his taste may dictate.

In the courses are included some of the standard models which have been in use in manual-training schools for years, but many of the models have been designed and worked out in the class-room in preparation for this particular work.