The Seating of Pupils
A few other details of the school should be mentioned. It is important that the seating of pupils be the best. Pupils should not be required to sit in seats, either too small or too large for them. Often teachers attempt to have pupils sit by grades, frequently putting a large pupil into a seat much too small, or the opposite, just as bad, a small pupil into a seat much too large. Teachers should not do this. To endanger a child’s health in order to have him sitting with his grade is a crime. Put the pupil in a seat that will suit him, irrespective of grade. If no such seat is in the room, see to it at once that one is provided. That may mean a visit to the Board of Education. The teacher is the guardian of the children and it is his duty to ask the Board for proper seats for pupils, if such have not been provided. Pupils should not be compelled to sit so as to face a window or any opening admitting light. The best lighting for a school-room is from the left and back, but if this is impossible, it should at least not be from the front. Should any school-room be so constructed as to have light from the front, shades should be wisely used. Bright sunlight should never be allowed to shine upon the pupils’ desks. It is extremely hard on the eyes to study from a page lighted by the direct rays of the sun.