Neatness by Page | AdventAI

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 3, 1908

Neatness

By Page

TAKE special care that the schoolhouse and its appurtenances are kept in good order. This is a part of every teacher’s duty. He should have an eye that is constantly on the alert to perceive the smallest beginnings of injury to any part of the premises. It is often painful to see a new schoolhouse, that has with much care and expense been put in perfect order, very soon cut and otherwise disfigured by the pupils,—the glass broken, the ceiling soiled, the desks and floors stained with ink, and everything bearing the marks of youthful destructiveness. The teacher should be held accountable for such results; for he can by proper vigilance prevent them.

Some of his first lessons to his pupils should be upon the subject of practical neatness, in regard to everything that pertains to the school. They should be impressed with the belief that he holds neatness as a cardinal virtue. Daily should he watch to discover the first violation of propriety upon the premises. This first violation should be promptly met. There is great wisdom in the adage which enjoins us to “resist the beginnings.”

So, too, he should exercise an oversight of the books belonging to the pupils. Many books are speedily destroyed by children for the want of a little care of the teacher,—probably more than are worn out by use. He should also occasionally inspect the desks, with a view to promote a commendable neatness there. The teacher has an undoubted right to inspect any part of the premises,—but by a little adroitness he can interest the children in a reform of this kind, and then they will desire that he should witness their carefulness.

I may add, further, that the children should not only be taught to respect the schoolhouse and its appurtenances, but they should be taught to regard the sacredness of all property either public or private. The neighboring garden or orchard should be held to be inviolable. The teacher may not have the authority to compel compliance with his direction or

advice beyond school hours, but he should endeavor to exercise a moral influence in the school which will be more powerful even than compulsion. So in regard to public buildings, such as churches and court-houses; and all public grounds, as parks, commons, and cemeteries,—the teacher should inculcate not only the duty to abstain from injuring them, but a commendable desire to see them improved and beautified.—Page.