Order in School by Mrs. O. T. Burt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 6, 1906

Order in School

By Mrs. O. T. Burt

“ORDER is heaven’s first law,” and a school without order is worse than no school at all.

Many a young teacher has gone into the schoolroom with a longing desire to do everything possible for those under her care. She attempts to rule with a false conception of love, and to her surprise, she finds the reins of government slipping from her grasp. Others who have witnessed these failures go to the other extreme, wielding the rod of correction with such a firm hand that while outwardly there may be good order in the schoolroom, yet the sweet spirit of Christ seems sadly lacking. We are told by those who have had much experience in teaching that rules should be few and well chosen, but when once made, they should be strictly enforced. Never make a rule without endeavoring to get all to see the necessity of that rule.

A good way to get them to see this is to have a study once or twice a week on manners and morals. If boys and girls are made to realize that they will be considered unmannerly by the people of the world, and that they will bring reproach upon their parents as well as upon themselves, if they are loud and boisterous, they will have a desire to do better. Immediately following a study of this kind is the time to make all rules in regard to these little things which are so essential to good order. It may be necessary to have some punishment attached to the violation of these requirements, for while children may desire to do that which is right, yet they are weak in character, and need a firm hand to direct them. Punishment, as far as possible, should directly relate to the offense. To illustrate: If a pupil leaves the room in a noisy manner, he should not be allowed that privilege for a day or two. If he whispers, seat him in the farther corner of the room so that he will be unable for a time to talk to any one. Whispering without permission should never be allowed.

Do not, however, deprive the children of their recesses, as they are absolutely essential to the health of every child. The success of a day’s work in the schoolroom often depends largely upon the character of the opening exercises. Have something different for each morning of the week. For instance, on Monday let each one respond to roll-call by a Bible verse. The following mornings let different ones give a short Scripture reading, followed by one or two short, earnest prayers. This part of the opening exercise should occupy less than ten minutes. One or two mornings have current events. You will be surprised to see how eager even the little ones will be to have something to tell. Appoint some one to find a short interesting story to read to the entire school. The teacher who does everything herself makes a sad mistake.

Another way to relieve the monotony of school life and assist in the discipline is to spend five minutes each day in physical exercises. The Public School Manuals of many of the States give a good outline of this work, and when carried out, aid a teacher in getting better control of her school. Singing by the school should form a part of all general exercises.

These are little things to mention, but they all aid in securing that order which is so important in every good school.

MRS. O. T. BURT.