When you first discover that there is a spirit of opposition to you in a
pupil begin at once to establish right relations. The pupil who is thus
unruly has lost confidence in you as his dependable guide. Without this
confidence your work with him is handicapped. Secure this confidence by
studying his case, finding out his special needs—perhaps a book of
adventures to read, a start in studying birds, opportunity to earn a
little money, collateral reading or an explanation of some school
subject he does not like, etc. Give this aid in a tactful way. Make
nothing serious of it. When you find him alone, give your assistance as
a matter of course.
Let your chief question be, “How can I best serve this boy?” not, “How
can I coerce him into a public confession that I am his superior?”