326 METHODS IN TEACHING 



the guiding spirit; the years of childhood are the years for 

 training, and pupils of the grammar grades are not mature 

 enough, they are not well enough trained, to be allowed a 

 large degree of independent self-government. On the other 

 hand, that which is granted them must be real ; to feel that 

 the committee is simply enforcing the teacher's rules, or 

 that it has no liberty of decision and action, quickly kills the 

 effectiveness of a so-called self-government. If entered into 

 seriously and lived up to by the pupils, there is an invaluable 

 training and an insight and growth into actual self-govern- 

 ment. 



It is far easier to begin such a system than to carry it out. 

 While the novelty lasts the pupils are enthusiastic; but, as 

 time passes, the repetition of the common details of govern- 

 ment seem monotonous to some ; or the evil of influence, 

 which passes so easily into bribery of some form, becomes 

 apparent. Here is the opportunity of the teacher. The great- 

 est dangers to our democratic institutions lie in corruption 

 and the apathy of honest, common-sense citizens. If a 

 teacher or principal possesses the power to guide pupils past 

 this danger point into steady, regular administration of petty 

 details, he has done more for the establishment of a depend- 

 able public spirit than can be accomplished by any other 

 study. 



The following outline indicates centers of discussion and 

 instruction for the different grades. 



FIFTH YEAR GRADE 



The City (not to be carried far into details). 

 Mayor : name, length of office, principal duties. 

 Council : number of members, election, principal duties. 



