Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 39.djvu/61

Rh Henry. I am willing.

Teacher. How many are willing? (All but the largest lad signified their willingness.) Why are you not willing, John?

John. I do not think the boys have had a fair chance. (I then became aware that two boys belonging to the class were absent. During the remainder of the lesson these boys, whom we will call Frank and Ward, were frequently referred to by name.)

Teacher. What do you mean? You know I have spoken to them repeatedly. They know they hinder the progress of the class by their conduct. How have they not had a chance?

John. I don't believe any of us have talked with Frank and Ward.

Teacher. How many have spoken to them about their conduct? (Not one hand raised.) How many have done anything to signify disapproval of it? (One of the older girls, with serious and even anxious expression, raised her hand.) What have you to say, Mary?

Mary. I have not spoken to the boys, but the other day when Ward was doing wrong I shook my finger at him like this.

Fanny. I have not spoken, but I have shaken my head at Frank.

Teacher. Two out of nineteen have expressed disapproval of conduct which interrupts the work of our class. I am glad two have tried to help by the warning hand and the warning head. It is a question of the removal of Frank and Ward from this class, where they hinder, to a room where they may learn to be helpers—may learn by more severe measures than we use here to control themselves. Only one in this class has been sent to that room; he may tell us if being placed in it helped him. (The lad referred to rose and stated frankly that he had been helped by being in the room named.)

Teacher. For whose good would Frank and Ward be put in that room?

Pupils. Theirs and ours.

Teacher. Yes. Then why not vote to place them there?

John. I think the class ought to try to persuade them to do better before they are sent away.

Teacher. So do I. I saw a policeman step up to a disorderly man on the street, put his hand on his shoulder, and quietly say: "You better go on, better go home; if I find you doing this again, I shall have to gather you in." The policeman was giving friendly warning to the man. How many of you are willing to warn Frank and Ward? How many are willing to talk to them about their wrong-doing? (All hands but John's raised.)

Teacher. How is this, John? You are not willing to have the boys taken from the class, and you are not willing to talk to them.