LESSON 2.

Purpose.—To show the necessity of good manners in school.

Method.—Item to be read with or without comment, or questions to be asked.

The Lesson.

Young people sometimes seem to think good manners are to be put on as fine clothes are, not for every-day wear, but for company only. Those who put this theory into practice will find that good manners fit them in company no better than garments cut for some one else. If manners really spring from a kind heart, they will be practised everywhere. Good manners in school continually practised will soon become a habit. Courteous pupils rarely need reprimand or reproof. They treat their teacher as they would a friend, and in this way help greatly in making the school pleasant and profitable. Such pupils remember their school-days with pleasure.

Questions. What is the appearance of one who is only occasionally polite?

What is the real source of good manners?

Where should they be practised?

Are good manners as important in a school-room as in a parlor?

What is the effect of good manners in the school?

LESSON 3.

Purpose.—To show that regularity and punctuality of attendance at school are signs of good manners.

Method.—Item to be read with or without comment, or questions to be asked.

The Lesson.

In all well-regulated schools, teachers and school-officers place much stress upon regularity of attendance; consequently an avoidable or inexcusable absence shows disrespect to school authority.

When a pupil enters a school-room late it interrupts and disturbs all who are present. An avoidable interruption or disturbance is, of course, impolite. Any disregard of the rules of school shows a lack of respect for teachers and school-officers. Lack of respect and true politeness never go together.

Questions. What is the rule in this school relative to regularity of attendance?

What in reference to punctuality?

What absences or tardinesses show disrespect to school authority?

How does disrespectful conduct affect the manners?

To what kind of manners do regularity and punctuality tend?

LESSON 4.

Purpose.—To show that cleanliness is one sign of good manners in school.

Method.—Item to be read with or without comment, or questions to be asked.

The Lesson.

Cleanliness of person and tidiness of dress are unmistakable signs of good breeding. The minutest detail of the toilet should be attended to. Frequent bathing and proper attentions to the hair, the teeth, the nails, are of no slight importance. The clothing also should be clean. Pupils who fail to observe these directions not only show lack of respect for themselves, but for their teachers and school-mates. Disrespect is impoliteness.

Questions. What opinion do you form of a person who is untidy?

What details of the toilet may be neglected?

How does slovenliness of dress affect the reputation of one who indulges in it?

Of what does untidiness show a lack?

Is disrespectful treatment of another ever polite?

LESSON 5.

Purpose.—To show that care for school belongings is a sign of good breeding.

Method.—Item to be read and questions asked.

The Lesson.

Proper respect for the school will deter pupils from throwing on school-grounds, or on the steps of buildings, or on the floors of the corridors or of the school-room, whatever is unsightly.

The same may be said with reference to chalk or pencil marks, or anything that defaces school-buildings or school furniture.

In stormy weather pupils should not enter a school-building without first cleaning the shoes or removing rubbers. They should enter quietly and never be noisy or boisterous inside of a school-room. Running or jumping, or stepping on the seats or desks, is not allowable.

Pupils should take care of what they use but do not own. Books or any materials furnished by the school should be carefully and economically used. Moreover, if pupils are well-bred their own books will be devoid of finger-marks or cuts, or of marks and soil of any kind except that which comes from constant use.

Questions. If pupils have the proper feeling for their school, what care will they take of the grounds? Of the buildings? Of the furniture?

How show good breeding in economy?

What rule holds good in returning borrowed articles?

How should school-books be used even by their owners?

Show how all these things are indicative of good breeding.

Show how they are one step towards good citizenship.

LESSON 6.

Purpose.—To show how pupils should conduct themselves towards their teachers.

Method.—Item to be read with or without comment.

The Lesson.

1. When pupils are placed under the charge of a teacher it is supposed the teacher knows what is for their best good; consequently a teacher’s directions should be respected and obeyed. In matters pertaining to conduct, pupils should yield their opinions to that of a wise and faithful teacher, and should do it with quick and cheerful obedience. Sulking, contradiction, or delay in obeying are not only wrong, but inexcusably rude.

2. Oftentimes pupils seem to regard it as no impoliteness to interrupt a teacher either by inattention, disorder, or questions, when a lesson is in progress. There are times when certain questions relative to lessons are in order, but irrelevant questions, or unnecessary requests, or hand-raising or shaking before a teacher has finished speaking, are just as impolite in a school-room as elsewhere. There are, of course, certain usages peculiar to a school-room which would not be considered in order elsewhere, because unnecessary; but, generally speaking, good manners in a school-room and in a parlor are the same.

3. Pupils should be kind and thoughtful in assisting teachers whenever it is possible, by handing anything needed, or by waiting upon them in any way. Boys, especially, should be quick to offer help in erasing blackboards, in lifting heavy articles, or in picking up anything accidentally dropped. All pupils should help to put things in their proper places and to keep the school-room in order. This is kindness and politeness.

4. Boys should always take off their hats before entering a school-room, and should not put them on at dismissal, until they reach the outside door. If a teacher should stand at that door, hats should not be put on until the teacher is passed. When boys meet a teacher in the street they should always raise their hats, whether the teacher be a gentleman or a lady. Both in school and out, when pupils speak to or of their teacher, they should speak the real name, and not use the indefinite title, “Teacher.”

Subjects for Additional Lessons.

Kind treatment of school-mates: when they are under criticism; when they are peculiar in dress, speech, or manner; when they are unfortunate; when they are strangers.

Respectful treatment of the janitor.

Respectful treatment of visitors.

Respectful treatment of those who address the school.

Reminders.

1. Do not fail to say “Good-morning, Miss ——” to your teacher, and “Good-afternoon Miss ——” when you leave her.

2. When you pass directly in front of your teacher, say “Excuse me.”

3. Never fail to say “Thank you” (not “Thanks”) for the smallest favor.

4. Do not continually raise the hand, and never shake it in school, to attract attention.

5. Never stand at your desk, or step forward raising your hand, and shaking it at your teacher.

6. When a school-mate is reading or answering a question, do not raise hands until he has finished.

7. Do not “fuss” with pencils, strings, pins, or anything else when you ought to give your whole attention to your lesson.

8. When your hands are not occupied with books or other things, as directed by a teacher, they should be clasped in your lap.

9. If you have a desk-mate, give him his full share of seat, desk, and shelf.

10. When you pass directly in front of your school-mates, say “Excuse me.”

11. Do not stare at strangers who enter the school-room.

12. Do not slide down in your seat nor lounge in a school-room.

13. When you stand to recite, stand erect, without leaning against the desk. Stand on both feet.

14. Do not swing the feet, nor scrape them on the floor, nor keep them in constant motion.

15. Always be provided with sponge or slate-cloth.

16. Hand a book right side up.

17. In handing a pointer, pencil, or pen, hand the blunt end.

18. Never call from the outside to a pupil in a school-room.

19. Do not call from the school-room to some one outside.

20. Do not look in at windows of a school-room.

21. Always rap before entering any school-room but your own, or any teacher’s office.

22. Do not chew gum in school.

23. Do not eat in school.

Note.—When these “reminders” are given to young pupils they should be in the form of short lessons, and the thought should be brought out by relating incidents and by questioning as in illustrative lessons.