Mexico weekly ledger., 1878-12-12
TARDINESS.

In conversations with teachers, !
am often asked how hardness may be
prevented. / believe it impossible en-
tirely to prevent it, but the duty OF
1 fighting SO troublesome a trait GER
tsfy belongs to the teacher. In the
countryschools, where times must
necessarily otter, and the homes are
too remote for the sound of a bell to
reach them-if tliSIe is any bel@ltis
a more difficult m0sttsr to secure
prompt attendance than in the town.
Teachers have tried with excellent
success reading continuously an en-
tertaining book a quarter OF an hour
before school time in the morning.
They have found other things in the
attractive way also potent. such as
singing, etc. But, like all wrong
tendencies to be overcome, it is bet
ter that pupils be earnestly taught the
necessity of forming the best habits
in the school-room. 1t is wise that
they be led to feel that hardness is a
serious drawback to success in every
thing, and that they can correct it in
themselves if they try with enough
will and persist Tor a long enough
time. We should teach those apt to
be tardy to look into the reaso for
the fault, and aiterward TO bend
every effort against what has been
in the way.
The clock has been allowed to run
down or is known to lose time.
The breakfast was late.
The wood and kindling were not
dried the day preceding and the fire
wouldn't burn.
Too short a time was allowed for
making preparations for school.
Too little time was left III which to
reach the sehool-room.
Books, pencils. paper, etc., were
mot in their places, and time was con
sumed in gathering them together.
Ii the pupil has the right spirit
about his faults, he will be anxious to
correct them and will be willing To
punish himself in some way, SO as to
.be less apt TO fall again into the same
error. Perhaps the school will vote
that every tardy Ii shall record his
name and the number of minutes late
in a certain reserved place on the
board, the list to be copied in a bool
of records at the close OF the day.
One very successful teacher requir
ed the pupils who came after time Il
state verbally to the school their ex
} cuse, as they were disturbed by thu
|, arrival of any one out of time.
The keeping Of a faithful record
a great help to securing promptness
provided any use is subsequent,
made of the same. Monthly report
of the department, Rotations, tardi
, ness, etc, SEN home to the parents
occasionally serve TO correct faults a
home as well as in school.
: The summing mp of term records
and publication in the town paper c
!. Il list of such names as have a clea
page for the entire time, is anothe
valuable aid. A roll of honor mad
up Of such names, framed and hun
{ in the school-room, is also helpful.
G Where tardiness is a chronic dis
d ease, and prevails in q school to a
e alarming extent, it may be the hes
TO use as severe q remedy as lockin
I" the doors for a time. THIS, however
i. is apt to bring trouble, and is onl
Il advisable when deemed best by th
acting school board.
% When parents are evidently I
). blame for their children's tardiness,
70 visit to the home, and q long tai
,e about the annoyance and its cure o
is most always bring reformation.
r. Educational Weekly.
Some of the suggestions above a
excellent. Let our teachers try the
7? and endeavor to root out this evil.