The problem child in school : narratives from case records of visiting teachers / by Mary B. Sayles.

Sayles, Mary Buell, 1878-

Date:: 1925

Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The problem child in school : narratives from case records of visiting teachers / by Mary B. Sayles. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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spondingly meek and repressed. Both appeared fond of their little girl. Upon leaving the home the visiting teacher walked over to the house next door, where Thelma was sitting on the porch. “Will you go for a ride with me, Thelma?” she asked. The child’s face lighted up, but she made no motion to accept. Miss Earl turned to the older girl with whom Thelma had been playing and included her in the invitation. Soon both children were settled beside her in the car. } Thelma seemed to enjoy the ride, but did not once speak during it. Later, 1n conversation with the other girl, Miss Earl learned without resorting to questions that Thelma was a frequent visitor at her house and would sometimes get down books and point out words in them that she knew. A few days after this the visiting teacher called at Thelma’s room. “Could I find a little helper here?” she asked. After considering various children she selected Thelma. The child rose instantly and accompanied her from the room. She was led about the building on various errands, was pres- ent at talks with several children, and when addressed re- sponded with nods. Presently it became necessary to make some calls. Miss Earl placed Thelma beside her, remarking as she started the car, “Now, Thelma, I must watch the road, so if you want me to understand you, you'll have to speak out loud.” After looking up a few times to see whether she was observed, the child broke into a flood of talk—about valen- tines, her sister and her sister’s friend, the car this friend owned, the plants they had in the window at home, and all sorts of sights observed along the way. Both the substance

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