Never urge the children to tell on one another until all other resources
have been exhausted. After assuring yourself who the culprit is, talk to
him privately in such a manner as this:
“Hapgood, for several mornings lunches have been taken from the
dressing-room,” and since you know the boy to have been truthful in all
other dealings with him, say, “Do you know anything about this?”
(On the other hand, if you deal with a boy who has lied on several
previous occasions, say, “Every evidence in this case points to you. You
can not wriggle out of it in any way.” Then proceed to tell him why you
know he is guilty, giving him no chance to defend himself.)
Knowing that Hapgood is a spoiled child and has never been put on his
own responsibility, say, “Hapgood, you know you were not playing fair
with those boys whose lunches you took. Supposing you had to go without
anything to eat, how would you feel?”
“Now, Hapgood, I know you didn’t think what a serious matter it was when
you did this, so I am not going to say anything about it to the rest of
the pupils. I am going to treat you like the honorable boy that I know
you want to be, but I expect you to _be_ honorable hereafter.”