TEACHERS have the challenge of encouraging pupils to pull themselves together and stay in line. Backchat, swearing, being lazy or being all-out rude are some of the challenges a teacher has to deal with. It’s fair to say, school punishment these days is less harsh when compared to the 70s and 80s.
School discipline retro style: it was sometimes harsh and undeserved. Here are six common ways teachers kept us in line.
Lines
Punishment by boredom. ‘I will not talk in class. I will not talk in class. I will not talk in class … I will do my homework… I will do my homework… I will do my homework … I will not throw things at other pupils… I will not throw things at other pupils… I will not throw things at other pupils.’
Stand in the corner and face the wall!
Punishment by boredom and isolation. A blank canvass is ideal for an artist but useless if you’re just standing there staring at it! Your nose is almost kissing the wall and your eyes go blurry. Do not to turn-round until you’re told.
I’m going to wash your mouth out with soap!
You were unaware of the teacher behind you when the naughty word slipped out your mouth. You’re dragged to the toilets where the most scuffed and grubby bar of soap is shoved in your mouth – harsh!
Hit with the blackboard eraser
The teacher is scribbling away on the board. Whilst their back is turned, you have a giggle with and natter to your mate. What you didn’t know is that the teacher has eyes in the back of their head. The eraser is launched and hits its intended target …you!
The ear twister
The offence you committed was minor: you’d forgotten the name of the capital city of Brazil even though the teacher had mentioned it two minutes earlier. A twist of the ear meant you’ll never forget the city of Brasilia!
The cane
You’ve been involved in a playground punch-up. After being dragged to headmasters office for interrogation, it’s time to take your punishment. The swish sound of the cane before connecting with your hand or backside was terrifying!
A story of the deadly board eraser is featured in the new hardback book, Section N Underpass. Get the rundown by clicking the front cover below:
