"Does this fault," he would say to himself, "prevail among my pupils?
If so, how extensively?
It is comparatively of little consequence to punish the particular transgression.

The great point is to devise some plan to reach the whole evil, and to correct it if possible." In one case where such a circumstance occurred, the teacher managed it most successfully in the following manner.
He said nothing to the boy, and, in fact, the boy did not know that he was overheard.

He allowed a day or two to elapse, so that the conversation might be forgotten, and then took an opportunity one day, after school, when all things had gone on pleasantly, and the school was about to be closed, to bring forward the whole subject.

He told the boys that he had something to say to them after they had laid by their books and were ready to go home.

The desks were soon closed, and every face in the room was turned toward the master with a look of fixed attention.
It was almost evening.