Find out, even before school begins, if possible, who the leading
families are in the district. Study especially the children from such a
family and find what they excel in, or what they best like to do. Find a
means of organizing their followers into a sort of club. See that these
dominating personalities are elected as leaders. Dealing with the most
influential pupil, cause her to see what good she can accomplish by
contributing her time and efforts toward being a real leader in sewing,
drawing, music, composition, etc. If sewing is the particular art in
which she excels give space in the schoolroom for an exhibition of work
of that kind, ask the mothers on some Friday afternoon to inspect the
articles made. If drawing is the special subject, give a similar
exhibition. If music, let her prepare a musical program. If composition,
a contest can be arranged for best essays, poems, etc., or a school
paper edited and read.