Evening star., 1870-02-12
School Discipline.

Mr.. EDITOR: The subject of discipline in our
public schools, is one of great importance, and [
suppose that there is none less understood by
those SO directly interested are the parents of
the pupils attending them. Iapprehend that the
chief difficulty lies with the parents themselves
who are oftentimes unable to control their own
children, but expect the teacher to do so without
using any means distateful to the most indul-
gent parent. A moments reflection, think,
will convince any interested person that the
abolition of corporal punishment in our schools
is a step in the right direction toward securing
not only better discipline, but more knowledge
for the pupil. l said, L thought the chief diff
Guilty lies with the parent; and the more think
sion is a correct one. Hear how they agree: "If
my boy does not behave himself want YOU to
punish hm.give him good whipping, and tell
him whipped, but punish him by keeping him
ln;" sDO not keep him in, but let me know and
L will punish him." "Giye him an extra task
to do in school" ," says another. "My boy is a
good boy, and know the teacher is to blame;
she is nothing but a girl, and is unfit" &c. s'
prefer a male teacher, as they can control bet
ter. prefer female teacher, as they are
more kind" &c. "Punish him." saws another
a" by making him write thousand words or sO''
Never keep my boy from his dinner.D az
never knew my boy to tell a story" 81 know
my boy is not very good. but think the teacher
is to blame IN tbs case.'' In fact, Mr.. Editor, /
could I'LL column of your paper with the
various views OF parents in regard to discipline
Now what is to be done, in view Of these facts,
Cs
please few or more than one Of those enume-
rated? Do yOu begin to see the difficulties
which hedge the path of those who have to do
with the discipline of the public schools? Very
well.
In your issue of the 10th instant appears a
communication from m.'JuliaArchibaldH Holiness"
now come to her knowledge OF a boy who ha,
been sent home (suspended) for 81 some inatten-
non TO his lesson-PtaytnG ,1,h string" '.Play-
ing with string Mr. Editor; is very trivial
m h1lt
the hair that broke the camel's back, how
then? Let that be understood. This is case
where tie parent requested the teacher to fog
the pupil, and i understand offered to furnish
the instrument "a cOwhide) for the purpose.
How is that for parental discretion, Mr.. Editor
In the communication above mentioned, it is set
forth at length by the writer that the child :" is
more than ordinarily well behaved, and ea)
well-gOverned boy; has been carefully trained
by Christian mother, and is entirely free from
the vices OF swearing, nsing, tobacco, lying,
think, MIR. Editor, this a rather mi1ed case for
we have here paragon of boy with a co,c-
hiding Christian mother. 1t is misrepresented
case, sir. and the lady above named has been
grossly imposed on, especially SO when she
makes the statement that g the mother has, al
together. spent about three iceeks in obtaining
permits for her children TO attend school,"
One thing more, Mr.. Editor, want 10 quote
the concluding paragraph of the communica-
ton and make brief explanation "Thc prac-
tice OF turning children out of school is wrong
III ~ IiHcipc, ds Wcii az peTnlclOuS anu altogether
depiOrable in its results, both toward the child
and the community" A pupil is suspended lin
one Of the dstricts) for repeated and persistent
disObedience or misconduct and the parent re-
ceives notice, as does one or more of the trus-
tees Of the fact. What is the first impression on
the mind of the pupil THAT his conduct will be
brought to the notice of both parent and trustee,
and that ample separation must be made before
he can re-enter the schOol,-nO cowtide exhibi-
ton here, in presence OF the school with the
teacher on one end and the pupil Oh the other
often. No indignant parent putting i'm
an appearance with the teacher in pres
ence OF the school, and expressing a desire
to "tear every hair out of her head" for
daring to .'lay her hand on her bow"
but usually the greatest anxiety of the pupil to
make proper amends to the teacher and come
back again,-morol sudsion call il, MIR. Editor,
more labOriOus to the trustee I'll admit, but
more effectual in maintaining discipline Enog.
How long, MIR. Editor, before parents will inform
themselves concerning the rules and regulations
governing the public schools? How long before
they will take as much interest in the education
OF their own children as is now taken by those
who have the matter in charge? How long be-
fore they will sympathise and appreciate the
efforts made by teachers In whose behalf?
l here present the few somewhat disconnected
ideas on this all important subject, written has
tly, but nevertheless Cuisines is meant"
EnUPTu