Between the ages of five and ten avoid the young and inexperienced teacher and the amateur as you would the plague.  Unfortunately, the idea is prevalent that any one can teach a little child, but that it takes experience to teach the older pupils.  This is a disastrous fallacy.  Young and inexperienced women are too often quite ready to assume the great responsibility of teaching a little deaf child.  They rush in where angels might well fear to tread.  Unfortunately, parents, and even school superintendents, are often too ready to permit them to do this dangerous thing.

XXIV

ON ENTERING SCHOOL

Through the courtesy of the Volta Review, in which her article appeared, and of the author, Miss Eleanor B. Worcester, a teacher of the deaf for many years, and at one time the principal of a school, I am able to include the following very sensible and valuable advice for the guidance of mothers when their children enter school.

THE FIRST YEAR AT SCHOOL

BY ELEANOR B. WORCESTER

At last the time has come when you feel that it is best for your boy to study with other children.  And since your own town does not offer him a suitable opportunity, it is necessary to send the little fellow to one of the well-known boarding schools, where trained and wise men and women are devoting their thought and energy to giving every advantage of education, comfort, and happiness to the little people under their care.

You have already decided, after much thought and the writing of many letters—­perhaps after a visit to the school you incline to most—­just where it is best that the child shall go.

You have studied carefully all the directions about clothing given in the school catalogue, and have made sure that every little blouse or stocking has its owner’s name written or sewed fast on it, and that all the small garments are in perfect order and ready for use.

But have you thought how your own attitude toward this change in your boy’s life is unconsciously preparing him either to rebel against and fear school, or to look forward to going there as one of the most delightful and interesting events of his life?

I know that it is impossible for you to avoid dreading the day when your child must go among strangers, but I beg you not to let him see what your feeling is.  It will take all your resolution and all your courage to wear not only a cheerful face, but a happy one; but you must make your boy feel that a very delightful time is coming.

If you go about the necessary preparations as you might if he were going to the show or on a visit, he will enter into the spirit of things with enthusiasm; but if you once let him find you crying over his packing he will immediately jump to the conclusion that some dreadful thing is in prospect, and will be entirely prepared to be frightened at being left at school, and to break your heart by clinging to you and begging to go home again.  And, more than this, he will be far more likely to be homesick.