Two bells should be rung for dismissal. Let the first be a signal for
the children to pass to the dressing-room for their wraps. Let them pass
in single file, second row following the first, and so on. Let the
second bell be a signal for leaving the room. Here again, the seating
should determine the places in line. Stand at the door leading out into
the hall. Then give the signal for passing. “First row, second, third,”
and so on. See that no child violates this rule.
When the children are once thoroughly familiar with the order and with
the meaning of the signals, the first pupil in each row may be entrusted
with the leadership of that row and the signals may thus be dispensed
with.
Fire drills should be held at least once a month. Make the occurrence as
unexpected as possible. The regular method of formation of the lines
should be rigidly followed.
When the gong rings, each teacher should immediately drop the work at
hand and say,
“Attention! One, two, three!”
The word “Attention!” signifies a definite attitude of body and mind.
The work at hand should be immediately dropped, the head raised and the
hands at rest, while waiting for the next command. Do not give the
second command until you have the undivided attention of every child in
the room.
“One” signifies to turn in the seat; “two” to rise; and “three” to pass.
In case it is your week for corridor duty, take your stand immediately
at the head of the stairs.
The lines of the four upper grades should be already formed on the
second floor and stairs leading to the floor below, ready to follow the
lines of the first floor, or signal from the teacher on duty there.
It should take no longer than five minutes to vacate a building holding
fourteen hundred pupils.