This article discusses the use of a ruler and compass in the subject of Geometry and Drawing in primary school for the period of the First Republic. Educational programs of the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Sergipe, Goiás and Rio Grande do Sul are privileged sources of analysis. It is inferred that constructions with ruler and compass can represent pedagogical practices for teaching Geometry and Drawing in elementary school, in addition to the state of São Paulo, considered as a model.
teaching of geometry; teaching of drawing; elementary school; geometric constructions; ruler and compass