Verna Gielow was a black-haired eight-year-old, who made progress in her
school work none too easily. She had only brothers at home with whom she
played out-of-doors nearly all of her spare time.
[Sidenote: Dramatizing Effectively]
At school came her first serious lessons in courtesy. Miss Johnson, the
primary teacher, had her whole room organized as a family, father and
mother, aunts and uncles and children. It was a birthday celebration for
grandmother, there were songs, a “piece” to speak and a “dinner” to be
eaten. Only thirty minutes were devoted to the whole thing, and no extra
school time preparation was needed. The “dinner” was made up of dishes
produced by the imagination. The necessary instructions as to good
behavior were given as needed.
The event passed off with great satisfaction to pupils and teacher. All
that was needed for Verna was special supervision and commendation, as
she was given the place of mother, which she represented with hearty
eagerness.