women of the children. But
when she is looking for some direct help, for something to produce a
certain definite result, she will study the books carefully and select
the things which are most effective. To help her in her selection we
have prepared the following outline. It does not contain everything of
value, but it is sufficiently comprehensive for its purpose, and will
save much time for anyone.

Now let us not be unwise in teaching these things. Let us be satisfied
if we secure the interest of the pupils in the selection and get from
them the smile of approval, the look of guilt, the slight indication of
a determination to profit by the lesson. Many times we will refrain from
comment lest we spoil the effect of something much finer, more inspiring
than anything we can say ourselves.

The things we have chosen for their direct influence on the growing
character of children will be grouped by subject in three general
classes:

A. The selections in this group are calculated to set children to
thinking properly about some serious subjects. While not as important as
some others may be in the formation of character, they are yet of no
small consequence.

1. Wisdom, ignorance, keenness, wit, etc., in some of their many phases
are shown in the fables and the brief poem listed here:

_The Ass in the Lion's Skin_, Volume I, page 65.
_The Fox and the Stork_, I, 73.
_The Fox and the Grapes_, I, 135.
_The Bat and the Two Weasels_, I, 154.
_The Horse and the Stag_, I, 338.
_The Fox, the Wolf and the Horse_, I, 377.
_The Bald Knight_, I, 385.
_The Wolf and the Lamb_, I, 455.
_Minerva and the Owl_, II, 7.
_The Country Squire_, VI, 474. (To ridicule ignorance but not the
ignorant person is sometimes a valuable means of inciting a love for
knowledge.)

2. The importance of attention to little things is inculcated in the
following:

_The Lion and the Mouse_, Volume I, page 75.
_The Reaper and the Flowers_, I, 410.
_The Daffodils_, VII, 1.
_The Petrified Fern_, VII, 77.

3. The following will help to create habits of promptness, industry and
perseverance:

_Time to Rise_, Volume I, page 340.
_The Hare and the Tortoise_, I, 71.
_The Lark and Her Young Ones_, I, 131.
_Industry and Sloth_, I, 300.
_Whittington and His Cat_, I, 442.
_Tom, the Water Baby_, II, 215.
_The Village Blacksmith_, IV, 86.
_Bruce and the Spider_, V, 314.

4. These show the sterling worth of