Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1873-01-19
THE KINDERGARTEN.

This plan of instructing the young mind
was first instituted by Froebel OF Germa-
ny, and is becoming rapidly adopted III
other countries, many schools of the kind
being already in operation in the United
States. The system is unique one but is
founded undoubtedly upon correct princl-
Piles. In it books are entirely eschewed,
and object teaching takes their place. In
stead of attempting to cram the young
mind with dull facts, it has presented to IL
the commonest objects by which 1T is sur
rounded, and their shape, manner
of construction, use, &C., clear
ly pointed out. The young intel
Iect is thus set to work; it begins to
ask questions: Where did it come from?
What is the difference between it and an
other object that is presented to it at the
same? Who made it? and thousand
others that will occur to its inquisitiye
mind. This might, i'll fact, be called
natural system of education, for it draws
out the growing mind in n direction given
it by Nature. We all know how inquisi-
tive children are concerning the objects of
every day life, and how persistent they are
in their investigations and questions about
them.
The kindergarten is only this natural
tendency directed and guided in the
proper channel. 1t is, of course. not in
tended that this shall supersedc the pres
ent system entirely. tits only preparatory.
1t Strengthens the child's mind and
lays a mental groundwork upon which
the more mature intellect can build with
the greatest advantage and profit. Besides
this, in these Schools where large num-
Der of children are brought together, each
individual child is made the subject of
special study-its peculiarities marked,
and mental inclinations duly
noted. There is certainly as much
difference among children as among colts,
vet many seem to think one kind of
training is applicable to all children who
would study the peculiarities of their
young colts diligently before deciding
which one they will train for trotter,
which for racer and which for a single
footer.
1t is stern but unpleasant fact that we
are more interested in this respect regard
ing our dumb brutes than in regard to our
children. Our whole system of education
needs revision upon this point. The
natural system should take the place of
the present Ito some eXtent artificial one,
and in no country is it needed more than
in our own. There is no use denying the
fact that, in regard to educational matters,
more especially primary and common
schools, we are terribly behind the times.
The freshness of the country and the de-
mands made upon our time and energy
for its development may plead some ex-
cuse, but will not wholly exonerate US
from blame. While we are developing our
great country, let us not neglect too much
are to become heirs to it.
And now is the time to begging refor-
nation. There is nothing like taking
right start. AS we bring forth the hidden
treasures of our rich and highly favored
land, we can at the same time be develop
ing the great intellectual riches that are
stored away in the minds of our children
and youth; they should go hand in hand,
neither should be developed to the neglect
of the other. 1t seems to us the proper
time to begin such work is when the
mind is young and pliable and this the
Kindergarten promises to do. We hope
some one will take an active interest in the
matter in our midst for of its ultimate be-
neficial influence We have no doubt.