CHAPTER VIII.
HINTS FOR CONDUCTING AN INFANT SCHOOL.
_Classification--Getting the children into order--Language--Lessons on objects--Rules to be observed by parents--Daily routine of instruction--Opening prayer and hymn--Object or developing lessons--Synopsis of a week's instruction--Cleanliness--Never frighten children--Guard against forgetfulness--Observe punctuality--Be strictly accurate in your expressions--Guard against the entrance of disease--Maxims for teachers--Resolutions_.
* * * * * "Whate'er is best administer'd is best."-- _Pope_.
* * * * * Having had considerable practice in teaching children in the various parts of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, it may be necessary to give a few hints on the subject of organizing an infant school.

I have generally found on opening one, that the children had no idea of acting together.

In order, therefore, to gain this object, it will be found necessary to have recourse to what we call _manual lessons_, which consist in the children holding up their hands all at one time, and putting them down in the same manner; throwing the right or the left foot out; putting their hands together, or behind them; or rising from their seats all at one time; clapping hands, which is a very good exercise; holding up their hands and twirling the fingers; holding up the forefinger and bringing it down on the palm, in time to some tune; imitating the action of sawing wood, and the sound produced by the action of the saw; doing this both ways, as it is done in the saw-pit, with both hands, and by the carpenter with the right; imitating the cobbler mending shoes, the carpenter plaining wood, the tailor sewing, and any other trade which is familiar and pleasing to children.
This we do in the first instance, because it is calculated to please the infants, and is one grand step towards order.

After the first day or two, the children will begin to act together, and to know each other; but until this is the case, they will be frequently peevish, and want to go home; any method, therefore, that can be taken at first to gratify them, should be adopted; for unless this can be done, you may be sure they will cry.

Having proceeded thus far, we have then to class them according to their capacity and age, and according as they shew an aptitude in obeying your several commands.