Make only such resolutions and statements at the beginning of the term
as you know you will be able to carry out. If you should happen to make
a remark that the children may be likely to interpret too literally, be
sure to amend it immediately, so that your idea will be clear to them.
Do not claim greater powers than you possess nor hope to prevent
deception on the part of the pupils by practicing deceit upon them.
If you find out that a certain pupil has cheated in his work, give all
the children a short talk, every word of which is constructive. That is,
do not speak on the negative topic “Deceit,” but on the positive
opposite virtue, “Honesty”; it will be much more effective. Illustrate
each of your statements by an actual experience showing the desirability
of possessing a strictly honest character.