Treat with redoubled kindness the child who is doubly handicapped by not
only being suddenly thrown into new surroundings, but by being obliged
to meet this ordeal without the active encouragement and sympathetic
coöperation of members of his home. During his first year his attitude
toward school is being formed for all future years. The teacher then may
well make a special effort in behalf of such a child in order to win his
confidence and secure his hearty coöperation in the daily lessons.
All the while the teacher is working to gain the child’s liking for
school, he may encourage the child with little expressions of approval,
play with him on the schoolground and see that he enjoys himself in
school. The teacher can walk home with him and tell him fascinating
stories, or it would not at all be out of the way to give him some
little favor as candy, pencil, or a picture. There can be no question
that the child will learn to like school if the teacher tactfully uses
this method.
Never try to conquer a child’s dislike for school by punishments.
Unhappiness can not be cured by adding more unhappiness.