Historically this school writing slate pre-dates paper and electronic writing pads. This was used for non permanent written communication within or outside the classroom. It use was mainly as a quick temporary method and could be easily erased by cloth or fingers. As it could be used repeatedly without additional cost and was therefore a very cheap method of teaching and learning outdoors as well as indoors. This was especially relevant to country schools and outdoor excursions. It was fairly robust but could shatter if allowed to fall on the ground.This item evolved from a form of communication, that of primitive engravings on stone. This tablet was a refined writing/drawing pad that did not require any electronic/battery power input. This writing slate was so useful in an era where relative isolation (Kiewa Valley Schools) from electronic and cheap writing pads was the reality and the norm. This was a time when the hand writing and hand drawing was a basic form of non spoken communication. Students used this slate pad to reinforce their skills which would come in handy when they needed to produce temporary notices on slate information boards, e.g. rail/bus-time/route alterations.Writing slate used for Primary School classes. Wooden frame. Has hole in frame and string threaded through to allow it to be hung on a hook or nail.slate pads, chalk boards, school learning utensils

The National School Slate Co. was started in 1847 and was a world importer of slate. They made chalk boards and pencils in Slatington, PennsylvaniaTwo slate boards. The slate, commonly used in schools, is housed in a timber frame and was used for drawing and writing with a special slate pencil. (.1) lines marked on slate. .1) has 'Mary Cook' written on top in pencilschool, education, teaching, slate, black board, mary cook, slate board

The board was made from a piece of quarry slate set in a wooden frame. In early times a slate pencil (not chalk) was used to form the letters. This slate pencil was often sharpened on the school wall. The advantage of slates over paper was that they could be wiped clean and used again and again. Children had to bring a dampened cloth or sponge to school so that they could clean the slate and start again but often they would use their own spit and the cuff of their sleeve! Two rectangular slate writing boards used in schools. .1 is plain black and is unframed. .2 is wooden-framed.education slate school-equipment