Page 60 - 1916 February - To Dragma

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 139

sleeved gowns, and thin waists, which not only were out of place
in the schoolroom, but also made it embarrassing f o r the poorer
girls. The Association decided upon, and effected this: N o girl
should be allowed to come to school i n any dress other than a wool or
cotton middy or sailor suit, or a very simple skirt and plain waist.
The rule wrought havoc in the schoolroom at first, but is now work-
ing well.

L E O T A K I R L I N , Tau ' 1 4 .

Teacher of English, Marion, S. D.

A STORY PLAY

There is nothing so r e s t f u l as handing the reins over to the
children and being a child yourself. D i d you ever try it?

A Story Play is not only enjoyable and instructive, but it frees
one f r o m the restraint of teaching, and disciplining. Just relax,
enjoy every bit of it by putting all the responsibility on the children,
and let them do whatever they wish with the Story. Don't interfere
ever. I n this way you w i l l learn of the marvelous dramatic instinct
of children, and p a r t i c u l a r l y of your children.

T h e worst boy i n the class was pointed out to me by a l l the
teachers on m y first day i n schooL H e was of f o r e i g n b i r t h , and
poorly clad, a sad thing that often reflects on one's manners, yet he
was never bad w i t h me. I discovered an accomplishment. H e could
crow marvelously like a rooster. I never have heard a more perfect
imitation, nor had the children who looked upon him with respect
and pride. I t was this that gave h i m a position i n the school
w o r l d , and one must live up to one's position. I s i t not so?

There is no such t h i n g as a "bad c h i l d , " but there is such a t h i n g
as a good child doing bad things. T e l l him that and see i f his
attitude is different.

I S A B E L L E H E N D E R S O N S T E W A R T , Sigma ' 0 5 .

HOW T H E TEACHING OF LETTER-WRITING WAS

MADE INTERESTING

M y freshman class i n rhetoric, at the beginning of the year,
seemed hopelessly disinterested i n its work. I t was almost entirely
composed of boys, who, though good students i n their other classes,
could not see the practical side of rhetoric. W h e n we took up the
subject of letter-writing, early i n the year, I procured f r o m some of
the business men of the town, letters of application, and other busi-
ness letters. M y students examined these and chose the ones they
considered best, giving reasons f o r their choice. H a v i n g actual