THE EXTRA LESSON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue IX, 21 August 1897, Page 287

THE EXTRA LESSON.

Recitations were finished early in Miss Whitney’s room, and she told the children that they would have twenty minutes of ‘ dont’s and do’s.’ ‘You know, children,’ she began, ‘ the schoolroom is onr little world and we are all citizens. Tell me, Mary, one thing that good citizens don’t do.’ Mary spoke with feeling as she replied : ‘ Miss Whitney, they don’t rub the girls’ faces with snow.’ ‘ And,’ put in Harriet, ‘ they don’t rush to the dress-ing-room so fast after school that they push down smaller children.’

Jeanette’s hand was up, and she added : ‘ They don’t snatch the first rubbers or mittens they see, no matter to whom they belong. ’ ‘ I know,’ said Ernestine, ‘ that polite children don’t take the biggest piece if they are invited to share some one’s lunch.’

‘Very good,’ said Miss Whitney. ‘I would like to add that loyal scholars don’t stay on the playground till the last minute, they come in and hang up their wraps as soon as the first bell rings. And certainly kind children, in school or out, don’t make fun of any peculiarity about another child, or criticise any dress not as good as their own. Now for the do’s!’

Fred spoke up: ‘ If there are visitors we place chairs for them and we do try never to pass in front of them ; if absolutely necessary we say, “ Please excuse me.” ’ ‘I think,’put in Arthur, ‘that good school citizens keep their books clean and their desks free from marks.’ Morris had a ‘ do ’ ready. ‘ They behave just as well when the teacher is out of the room as when she is with them, that’s honour!’ Miss Whitney now remarked : ‘ I hoped that someone would say that our model citizen stands straight when he recites, instead of leaning against the desk ; and he does not put his hands into his pockets.’ She finished with one of her sweet smiles : ‘ Please remember that the teacher is here to help you and not as a police-officer; and for the sake of your school be sure to

tell the exact truth about anything that is done in the schoolroom or on the play ground.’ When the children were dismissed, Edward said : * O Miss Whitney, nobody said, •' Don’t chew gum !” * ‘No,’ said'Miss Whitney, quickly, ‘that, like eating with the knife, is not necessary to mention to well-bred children.’ Arthur Emerson told his father all about the * extra lesson.’ * That’s sensible !’ exclaimed Mr Emerson. 'Live up to that lesson and it will do you more good than a week’s arithmetic. Prescott Bailey Bull.