Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-06-29

KIEDERGARTEN.-The kindergarten system
of instruction is thus explained by Mr.. Clute,
Of Vineland, N. j., who recently gave lecture
on the subject before the farmers club of that
place:
Some good system of instruction for infants
is much needed, as infancy is the most plastic
period of life. Then impressions are made for
good or for evil which will be lasting. But
true education is almost neglected during the
first seven years of life. The little children are
left too much to the care of chance and igno-
rance. Hence much of what they learn is false
and evil.
Experience has proved that the kindergarten
system is well adapted to meet the demand for
good instruction of little children. The system
has been extensively introduced in Europe, and
always the best results. Many eminent educa-
tors testify in its favor. The principles which
underlie the kindergarten system may briefly
be summed up as follows Infancy is the most
important time for education. Education should
follow the natural method indicated by the natu-
raj tendencies of the healthy child. 1t should
take advantage of his ceaseesS activity and his
boundess curiosity and direct them Alright.
The whole child should be educated-the body
and the morals as well as the mind The beau
tiful and well-develOped body, the perfect and
clear-thinking mind, the pure and ennobling
emotions, the holy thoughts of duty and reyer-
ence all receive attention. For good kinder
garten are needed: /. A good kindergarten who
has received thorough instruction in the
philosophy and methods of the system. 2. At
least two cheerful rooms, suitably furnished,
and with grounds attached of sufficient size to
give a good play ground and small garden.
3. The pupils aged from three to seven years,
about twenty-five in number 4. The material
for occupation. This material is contained
in twenty gifts" and is of a character
adapted to amuse and interest the children, to
keep them occupied, and to instruct them
through the hand, the ear, and the eye. In adj
dition to the plays with the gifts there are nu-
merous movement plays, accompanied with
music, in which the children all join with great
delight.
The following are some of the beneficial re-
suits whichaRr attained when the true kindergar-
ten system IS pursued The children are amused
and happy. The plays when directed by a
trained kindergarten are full of interest The
children delight to engage in them. The physi-
cal culture Of the children is secured, and their
good health is maintained. The body is de-
yeoped, not so as to be healthy only, but the
muscles are educated to quick and skillful ac-
ton. All the mental powers are brought into
action, and receive systematic training. The
language of the children is improved. They
are led to express themselves with ease and cor
rectneSs The children are made self-reliant
independent. The demands which little chill
dren so often make upon others are largely
done away with. They learn to amuse them
selves. The social nature of the children is
very happily brought out. They learn to re-
member and respect the rights of others, and at
the same time to enjoy their company with
true childish delight. The child's emotional
nature is brought out under the most favorable
circumstances. The occupations of the kinder
garten are industrial in their nature, hence the
child Isl led to love productive labor and to
honor it. The kindergarten is the beginning of
the solution Of the great problem of industrial
education.