Short Stories

Stories

Previous Stories (71) | Next Stories (73)

such a case, fully, so that it would explain itself; and I should like
to have you, if you are willing, make out yours a little more
distinctly."

Accordingly, after a little additional explanation, the boys made
another attempt, and presently returned with something like the
following:

"The committee for counting the nails report as follows:
Number of nails. . . . 35
Room for more . . . . 15."

The other report was very similar, though somewhat rudely written and
expressed, and both were perfectly satisfactory to the preceptor, as he
plainly showed by the manner in which he received them.

I need not finish the description of this case by narrating particularly
the reading of the reports, the appointment of a committee to assign the
nails, and to paste up the names of the scholars, one to each. The work,
in such a case, might be done in recesses, and out of school hours; and
though, at first, the teacher will find that it is as much trouble to
accomplish business in this way as it would be to attend to it directly
himself, yet, after a very little experience, he will find that his
pupils will acquire dexterity and readiness, and will be able to render
him very material assistance in the accomplishment of his plans.

This, however--the assistance rendered to the teacher--is not the main
object of the adoption of such measures as this. The main design is to
interest the pupils in the management and the welfare of the school--to


Previous Stories (71) | Next Stories (73)

Stories Index