Notice, besides the th, other sounds that you have learned to make carefully: down, gown-ow. whispering, where—wh. 156 FORMING GOOD SPEECH HABITS Here are some correct expressions that should become familiar to you. Read them over many times until you have formed the habit of using them instead of the incorrect expressions that are often used in their place. Return to them and study them until you know them 1. I wouldn't go, if I were you. 2. If I were he, I would try to do my best. 3. This is as far as I can go with you. 4. I can go no farther. 5. Our garden is back of the house. 6. Their living room is back of the store. 7. I didn't know she was that kind of girl. 8. Do you like this kind of story? 9. I had nothing to do with it. 10. I hadn't anything to do with it. 13. My dress is different from hers. 14. He is very different from his brother. 15. Take hold of this rope, will you? 16. We all took hold of the line and pulled hard. 19. Do it as I do. - 157 A TRUE STORY How ROOSEVELT BECAME STRONG Theodore Roosevelt, who was President of the United States from 1901 to 1909, was a brave soldier and a fearless hunter and explorer. After he had completed his second term as President, he went on two long exploring expeditions in Africa and South America, where he shot many wild animals. He never became tired, and he did not know the meaning of the word fear. It is hard to realize that this strong, courageous man was once a sickly, timid boy who depended upon his younger brother for protection. From babyhood, Theodore had been a delicate child, and his parents had taken him to many places in search of health. When he was about thirteen, they sent him to Maine, hoping that the northern air would benefit him. ing the journey, he met two boys who began to tease and torment him. Theodore was no coward, but he was helpless in the hands of these boys, and he was ashamed of his helplessness. Dur While he was in Maine, he began to think of the difference between him and the heroes he had read about and admired. He made up his mind that he must get to work at once if he wanted to be the kind of man that does things. When he returned home, therefore, he began to take boxing lessons. He learned to ride horseback, to play outdoor games, and to do everything that would make him physically fit. Describe the character of Theodore Roosevelt. Write a paragraph, telling of the meeting with the two boys and of its effect. 158 TALKING ABOUT HEALTH How many of you are as strong as you would like to be? Do you want to become the kind of man that does things. Tell what you can do to make yourselves stronger. What kind of exercises might you take? What outdoor games will make you strong and healthy? How many times can you chin yourself on a bar? Have you ever taken part in an athletic contest? 159 LEARNING TO COPY ADVICE TO Boys' Of course what we have a right to expect of the American boy is that he will turn out to be a good He must not be a coward, a bully, a American man. prig, or a shirk. He must be able to hold his own under any circumstances and against all comers. It is only under these conditions that he will grow into the kind of man America can really be proud of. In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is:Hit the line hard; don't foul, don't shirk,—but hit the line hard. Copy this selection. -Theodore Roosevelt. What is a prig? If you do not know the meaning of the word, find it in the dictionary. Do you ever behave like a prig? Have you ever seen a boy act like a bully or a coward? Have you ever known one who shirked? Write the last sentence again. Learn it by heart. Several of you may repeat this sentence. 160 TALKING ABOUT A GOOD AMERICAN Theodore Roosevelt was a good American because he was a man who did things for the good of America and who played fair. If you make it your business to do things for the good of America, and if you play fair, you, too, are good Americans. There are many things that you can do every day to show the kind of American you are. At home, in school, in public places, you can prove yourselves to be good citizens of your community and so-good Americans. Think over the topics on page 166 and come to class prepared to discuss them. 1. Making yourself the kind of man or woman that can do things. 2. Making your home attractive. 4. Caring for trees in your street. 7. Preventing accidents on the street. 9. Caring for school property. 10. Keeping the schoolroom in order. 12. Being a good citizen on the playground. 15. Getting rid of flies and mosquitoes. Suggest other ways in which you can become good Americans, and discuss them with your classmates. 161 TELLING HOW TO PLAY GAMES FOX AND GEESE In the street where I live, the boys and girls have a great deal of fun playing Fox and Geese. Two bases are chosen, opposite each other. The sidewalk curbs are our bases. One player is the fox, and all the others are geese. The geese line up on one base. The fox stands anywhere between the bases. The fox calls, "Fox in the morning!" The geese answer, "Geese in the afternoon!" |