This boy needs no publicity as a reward for his misdemeanor; he will
sooner or later take advantage of his unexpected predicament to make
more trouble for his teacher. The penalty had no logical connection with
the prank, and only aggravated the boy’s antipathy toward school rules.
Mr. Danner advertised his lack of good discipline by resorting to this
barbarous penalty, especially when a stranger was present.
If the conduct of Adams is to be permanently improved, this one act must
be viewed in its relation to his conduct generally. As soon as Adams
feels vitally his part in making the school a success, his behavior will
improve. No pupil is so obstreperous that one need despair of winning
him by some kind of means, at least until one has exhausted his
resources.
The plan recommended above, or some adaptation of it, can be used
profitably for a pupil of any grade.