The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1894-12-01
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE.

One OF the most difficult problems
the school teacher has to solve is how
to obtain order. We are pot ore of
those who believe that order is tha
great object to be attained in teaching;
the fact is, it is not an end, but a means
to an end. Withoutit we can accom-
plish nothing. 1t is absolutely Eeces-
sary. Many who are highly eampe-
tent in other particulars, fail in this
one. and failing in this. fail in all.
What is meant by order? Do we
mean that to have order in a school
absolute silence must reigno We think
not, though silence is not to be de
spised by any But do we not
sometimes devote too much time in
vain attempts to reduce the school
roOm to a graveyard silence. and in
the attempt make a great deal ofnoise
and create a great deal of confusion
ourselves !? Nay, do we not sometimes
become disorderly in this attempt and
make things worse by our fault-findlng
and quarreilinge
Silence is desirable and a certain
degree of it is necessary. but 1t is far
more important that the pupil should
be Taught to work IN q quiet, system
attic way, that he should have work to
do at all times IAN idle brain is the
devils workshop and that those of
the same class should work on the
same lessons at the same time in order
that the teacher NAV the more easily
direct and assist them in their work
especially in primary and intermediate
classes. When pupils have been given
work to do, see that they do it and
1t Is not necessary TO assume Il gfuiI,
unnatural tone of voice and shout ont
"John, get your lesson, sir +" or "John.
stop that talking." Speak to him kind
ly, point out TO him the advantages of
al education, and show him that these
advantages may be attained only by
industry. Show him that Won have
al interest in him, lead him to love
and respect you-and TO do this You
must love and respect him-and then
he will do for you with pleasure what
before he reluctantly did, only because
he "a forced to do it. When a boy
OF girl is thus treated, he or she will
not have to be told to stop talking. A
glance of the eye will be sufficient.
A teacher may often accomplish
more by some silent signal, as the
rGising of a finger. a motion Of the
hand, a shake of the head, than by any
words he could utter, and the beauty
Of it is the clild's feelings are net hurt
and the rest of the school are not dis
turoed. He is left in a condition Of
c~heeIfulness, and good viii towards
the teacher, ana can pnt his attention
at once on his lesson. whereas if he
had been scolded. he could not have
studied had he SO desired. which he
very probably woulG not have done
Besides this. constant scolding irIi.
tates pupils and exerts IA ininrjous i'll
~luence IN their characters, ant
character building Should be one o
the chief aims N education.
If a teacher scolds and frets anC
quarrels. he will be apt to develop
lthe qualities in his pupils, While d
he governs with love, gentleness, ane
kindness, lie a conquer the hardest
ceases" There is 10 heart 50 hare
that it cannot be affected by love
You who have tried tile old quarreling
worrying, fretting way, try this amt
see if it will not prove effectual.
Of course. you must keep your eyes
open, and your love must be genuine
and not feigned. for ii it is, your pu.
pills will find it out. J
#a