What reaction does Scout’s attempt to educate Miss Caroline regarding the Cunninghams provoke? How does the class react to Scout’s punishment?

The children find it entertaining that Miss. Caroline doesn't understand anything about the families around Maycomb. The teacher taps Scout's hand with a ruler and makes her stand in the corner of the room. Scout and the children are puzzled by this very unthreatening form of "whipping," and the entire class laughs until a locally-born sixth grade teacher arrives and announces that she'll "burn up everybody" in the room if they aren't quiet.