Page:Comenius' School of Infancy.pdf/109

children confidence and love towards their future teacher, and this may be done in various ways; for instance, making mention of him as amiable, calling him father’s friend, mother’s friend, or a good neighbor, and generally praising up his learning, wisdom, kindness, and benevolence; that he is a distinguished man, knows many things, and yet is kind to children and loves them; and though it be true that some are punished by him, yet that these are only such as are disobedient and wicked, and deserve to be punished by everybody, but that he never chastises obedient children; besides, he shows children many things, how to write, to draw, how to learn by heart, etc. By conversing in a childlike manner in this or some such way, parents may remove all fear and dread from them. Sometimes, also, they may be questioned thus: “Will you be obedient?” If the child answer “Yes,” it should be told, “Assuredly, then, your schoolmaster will affectionately love you.” And in order that the child may acquire some acquaintance with the future teacher, and discover that he is an able man, and so be confirmed in the opinion, the father or mother should send occasionally some little present to the schoolmaster by the child, either alone or with a servant; the teacher, if he is mindful of his duty, will speak kindly to the child, showing him something that he may not have seen before,—a book, a picture, some musical or mathematical instrument, or anything pleasing to a child. Sometimes, also, he may give a writing tablet, a pen, a penny, a piece of sugar, some fruit, or the like, to the child. However, that this may not be at his own expense, the parents, whose interest it really is, should remunerate him, or previously send the gift. In this way child will readily acquire a love for, and joyous anticipation of, the school and teacher, especially where the disposition of the child is generous; and the work so well begun is now half done; for when to chil-