The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-02-24
Gbe 9enruerat.
The Public kindergarten in Boston.


Here is charming account from tho
Boston IrdUCitGr Of mannerin which
the Public kindergarten in that city is
conducted
Twenty lovely little children wcro
playing in ring ut lively play one
little tot was pussy, another q mouse
and, after singing together n pretty
couplet or two, the cllase began. Some
of the children who took turns in tho
running were more agile than others,
and one little fellow lad the wit to turn
and meet the mouse who was running
round and round outside the ring when
he found he was little too far behind
her to make it probable he ever should
catch her. It was the occasion OF some
pretty little stories about mice, which
were told after they all returned to their
seats to rest, and while they were taking
turns in very orderly ymanner intaking
drink Of water for rcfreshment. The
play showed by tho discipline attending
It that the children were well in hand
by the teacher, whose very sweet voice
was alone enough to difTuse harmony
amsng them. It was the day for mould
ing in clay, and they were MI eager for
the lesson but by accident the register
had been left open all night, so that tho
clay WINS too dry; and the explanation
Of tho fact was accepted very pleasant
ly, and n block lesson substituted. Tho
personnel of the school isnlso somewhat
different from that of former years, and
this is due to the correct views OF tho
teacher, who did not think 1t right to
make o public school what is cOnven-
tionally called select. She went into tho
neigh6orhood herself, and induced tho
artisans and tradespcople to send their
children. A prettier set, or ono more
easily managed, could hardly be found,
and tho moral aud social trimming Of the
kindergarten is emincntly conducive to
refinement and self-govcrnment, These
children have one advantage over those
of wealthier class, that their ante
school education has not been given by
nursery girls, but by mothers.
During the short stay | made in tho
school the children learned tho meaning
Of some expressions used in building,
anl illustrated them with tho blocks in
their hands, so that they will dOuhtless
be remembered always. They also
learned some self.government, without
any sharp reprimanding, They wero
not restrained from speaking, but wero
allowed tho proper, cllild-like freedom
Of giving utterance to their impressions,
giving the teacher M opportunity TO
correct their speech, and they were
readily brought to silence by her gentle
remark that it was not proper to speak
when the teacher was speaking. Tho
young lady's mothorly, sympathetic
manner was quite charming to see, and
as | know she enters intelligently as
well rs enthusiastically into the idea Of
the soul culture that is to accompany
the pleasant tasks given TO little fingers
anl minds, I enjoyed my visit very
much, and was only astonished to SEQ
empty seats that twenty more children
might occupy without crowding in this
large and pleasant room. 1t is to bo
hoped that the cxertions Miss Peabody
is now making to spread the genuine
schools OF Froebel's system will enlight-
en- tho apathy which Inns not yet been
overcome upon this important subject
Of carly education.