This war sure has been hell, but 150 years ago today a Richmond editorial took a break from battle and advocated a kinder, gentler approach to educating young Confederate citizens.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch May 15, 1863:
Don’t snub the child.
–Many a child has been wilted into silence and frightened out of success simply by being snubbed. It is very easy to snub a child; equally easy to encourage the child and lead him to the accomplishment of something useful. Children have strong sympathies, warm and tender hearts.–They soon form attachments to those who are placed in authority over them, or else they regard them with a feeling very nearly allied to hatred. What child ever loved a cross, snappish teacher? What child ever hated a teacher or parent who showed a loving interest in the child’s success?
Very easy, indeed, is it to discourage the little student. He has spent an hour or two at home over a lesson which seems dull to him. Father, mother, and the big brothers not being well versed on the subject, give him no assistance. He goes to school, hoping that he will make a very good recitation. He is not quite up to the mark. “Dunce,” “booby, ” “blockhead,” says the unwise teacher. The poor little fellow’s heart sinks all the way to his ankles. What use is there of his trying? He is a booby. Why should he learn anything? Has not his teacher, who certainly knows him, told him he is a dunce? Is not his head made of mahogany? He despairs of ever succeeding; sits down in a fit of despondency, and makes a positive failure in his lesson for the next day. Had the teacher encouraged him a little, kindly pointed out to him his faults right, he might have come the next day with a marry heart, a cheerful face, and a learned lesson.
who are you calling a dunce?
