Mrs. Steward taught a room of pupils in the fifth and sixth grades. Near
the end of the second week she felt that she had the confidence of her
pupils and could count upon their coöperation.
[Sidenote: Taking a Vote]
On Friday morning just before recess she said, “How many of you would
like to try to have no whispering at all between now and recess time? It
is only ten minutes.” A majority of the children voted that the trial be
made. The silence was really restful. Just before dismissing for recess
she asked how many liked the silence. Again a majority of them held up
their hands. About twenty minutes before noon she again allowed them to
vote as to whether or not all should refrain from whispering until noon.
This time more even than before voted for silence. Half an hour before
school closed they again decided against whispering for the rest of the
day.
On Monday one or two sessions were voted upon with success. Before the
end of the third week the children from choice had voted whispering out
of the school for the rest of the term because they liked complete
silence better.
They followed the teacher who used the method of leading suggestion.
Thereafter when someone forgot and whispered, they were reminded,
kindly, that they were not following the wish of their fellow-pupils. On
this subject of majority rule, stories were told of its value in human
history.
Many teachers make use of the honor system in determining deportment
grades, especially asking for self-reporting on whispering and similar
offenses.