[Sidenote: Folding Papers]
The superintendent of a village school often brought visitors to the
primary room and asked the teacher to have the children fold papers. The
pupils had been taught to fold their arms after each step of work had
been taken. When all arms were folded, a new command was given. These
commands were given in a low tone of voice and it required only a very
little effort to obey each one. The directions were something like this,
“Lay your paper on the desk before you.”
“Take the edge next to you and fold it to the edge farthest from you.”
“Open the paper,” etc.
The teacher waited every time until the pupils all sat with folded arms
before the next command was given. This work was enjoyed by all, largely
because each command was so clearly stated that it was easy to obey.
There was no room for inattention.