Quick question

If you wanted to gather (in a permanent way) samples of handwriting what would you ask people to write? It seems to open ended to say "write anything" or "choose your favorite poem" but what?

A recipe? A passage from a book (what book?)? Just their signature? (too short, I think). I want to see something like an 8.5x11 sheet of paper mostly filled if the writing is largish but what should the words be. I wish I were religious; I'd say passages from the Bible. But I'm not. So that's out.

Comment if you have an idea...can't get this concept out of my brain at the moment.

Oh, and in general, thank you to everyone who ever comments here. You're all so nice! It always makes me smile to get a comment. Thanks!

Comments

[Laura]

Lyrics from your favorite song? What are you doing this for?

[Christy]

Ask them to write out their favorite quote, along with the author's name. That should give you a good grouping of letters, and plenty of inspiration too. :-)

[Swistle]

You could choose a favorite book and have them copy from a random page.

[Kristinc]

Depends on what it's for...

Shel Silverstein
A list (colors, articles of clothing, school subjects?)
Daily horoscope

[Melissa Haworth]

So funny--my coworker also came up with horoscopes and I loved it and you had the same idea. I also like the idea of lists. that would be perfect. Thanks, Kristy!

[nanann]

I immediately thought of the Gettysburg address -- didn't most of us have to memorize that at one point? But not that interesting of a written sample to have about...

I like the song lyrics idea -- they could do part of one of their favorite happy songs, like It's a Wonderful World. (neat art projects could come off of that song too...)

[Melissa Haworth]

I like the idea of a random page (and me choosing the book)--takes away the pressure--but makes it cohesive. Thanks!

[Melissa Haworth]

I kind of like the idea of copying an important document--declaration of independence or something...hmmmm