Usher guests quietly into the room, and place chairs, or allow pupils to
place chairs for them in some part of the room where their presence will
not interfere with school activities. Talk to them, if at all, so
quietly that pupils will not be disturbed in their work. Go on with
school work as though guests were not present; they want to see the
school routine. Your own quiet acceptance of the presence of guests will
help the pupils to regard the visit as less of an event. If the children
stare at guests, attract their attention by some exercise or talk to
them about their work, or let them do some favorite task that appeals to
them strongly. Then, when the company has gone, talk to them frankly
about the matter of staring, and show them how much more courteous it is
not to look at people intently. Never talk about your pupils to
visitors, unless you can say something pleasant of them; and even
compliments should be paid with caution, as the sweet grace of
unconsciousness is easily spoiled in little people. By your own easy,
matter-of-fact politeness to guests, set the pupils a good example to
imitate.