2018.036.004 [Slate, Writing]

During the late 1800s, writing slates like this one were used in schoolhouses in Iowa and around the world. The slates were typically placed inside a wooden frame; however, they could also be bound together in a "slate book," as this one is. Students used a pencil made of slate, which is a type of rock, to write on the slates. The slates were also easy to clean using a cloth or sponge. By the 1930s, materials such as paper began replacing slates as the primary writing material used in schools. Content can be used with the following standards: 3rd grade SS 3.28 Cultural Contributions in a lesson on Iowan schools during the late 1800s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.