The Washington weekly post. (Washington, D.C.) 1878-1916, 1899-09-26

this matter, and If seats of proper height
should not be found in the schoolroom,
look elsewhere in the building for them or
make a request for them TO the proper
persons.
Sometimes this defect could be tempo
rarily remedied by homely arrangement
of a block or large book on the seat or a
brick or block under the feet to allow them
a firm resting place. Often the sight suf-
fers from imperfect light, requiring the
pupil to look too closely at the work be-
ing done, or the light may come from the
front causing a direct glare, or from the
right side, causing the hand to shade
what is being written. DR.. Powell also
called their attention TO the great danger
of allowing other pupils to come in contact
with children having sore or in1amed eyes,
asking that no trouble be spared in ad-
iusting the blinds In such manner as
would be best for the greatest number of
children and those suffering from defect
i've sight. Ii necessary, neglect other
tasks, but always look to this, though it
should require a readjustment many times
during the school hours.
The hearing of many pupils, he said,
was defective, and teachers, not knowing
this, might attribute listlessnes5 and lack
of attention 10 stupidity or want of care
for school duties, while defective hearing
was the real cause. When a pupil was
found inattentive he urged them 10 look
for the cause and remedy it as far as lay
in their power. Seating such children
near the teacher will often entirely over
come this so far as the schoolrOom Is
concerned, and instead of a dull, listleSs
attitude the face will brighten up. the in
tellect be awakened, and there Will be a
full reward for the trouble taken.
He also urged that the teacher look to
the temperature of the room, changing the
windows as many times a day as neces-
sary. The cleanliness of the schOOlrOOm
was spoken of, and a request made that
they make it as bright and attractive
as possible. There was an interesting
talk on the general welfare of the pupils.
and a request that teachers observe close
", know the children. If there was a
suspicion that a child was improperly
clad, see the reason for it, and act judi
ciously. If a wan face Indicated the lack
of sufficient breakfast or luncheon, look
into the matter. III disease was suspected,
investigate.
Often a teacher would feel a triae dis
concerted when child put In tardy APP
pearance. They would show 1t by frOwns
or some small way that would be sufficient
rebuff TO the child to prevent its explain
ing the matter intelligently. BE patient;
learn the cause. Ii might be that a sick
and overworked mother caused the delay,
or fretful sister or brother needed care.
or an urgent errand called them out, and
going upon the principle OF better late
than never" the little one had come.
Find out the reason and act accordingly.
kIndne.s of Teachers.
DR.. Powell called attention to the great
care shown by most OF the public school
teachers with their pupils. especially the
helpless ones Of the lower grades. The
teacher helps them off with their wraps,
and after school helps them on again,
using the time that would otherwise be
her own; struggling with the little wraps
that are Oftentimes TOO small, and that
require skill and tact TO adjust. and help
ing on with oyershOes that are equally
Hl-ftting The writer has often visited
the lower grades OF the public schools
and observed with what great tenderness
these tasks were performed.
In the first grade OF a school located In
the old part OF Washington, the writer,
in visiting the school, noticed the tender
but apparently unconscious attention
shown to d poor boy whose garb would
fttingly have adorned a wheat-field scare
crow His face clean. but full Of the
twists and snarls OF perverted good for
tune. shOne with happiness when she
called him up for little duties that ar'
| considered special faVoFs by the lttl,
ones. The lesson inculeated BY this teach
| er will never be lived down in the futures
| OF her pupils They Will have learned
| vel that seeanly Taiment gains no pre-
| ferment in the world, but That the polite
| thoughtful, attentive boy Or girl will b.
| the one sOusnt Tor.