Connecticut western news., 1873-02-28
The Public Kindergarten in Boston.

Here is charming account from the Boston 7Taveller of the manner in which the Public Kindergarten in that city ia conducted:-
 Twenty lovely little children were playing in @ ring at lively play i; one little tot was pussy, another 8 mouse and, after singing together 8 pretty couplet or two, the chase began. Some of the children who took turns in the running were moro agile than others, and one little fellow had 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 manner in taking drink of water for refreshment. The play showed by the discipline attending 1t that the children were well in hand by the teacher, whose very sweet voice was alone enough to diffuse harmony among them. It was the day for mould ing in clay, and they were all eager for the lesson but by accident the register had been left open all night, so that the clay was too dry and the explanation of the fact was accepted very pleasant ly, and block lesson substituted. The personnel of the school is also somewhat different from that of former years, and this is due to the correct views of the teacher, who did not think it right to make a public school what is conven- tionally called select. She went into the neighborhood herself, and induced the artisans and tradespeople to send their children. A prettier set, or one more easily managed, could hardly be found, and the moral and social training of the kindergarten is eminently conducive to refinement and self-government. 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 the school the children learned the meaning of some expressions used in building, and illustrated them with the blocks in their hands, so that they will doubtless be remembered always. They also learned some self-government, without any sharp reprimanding. They were not restrained from speaking, but were allowed the proper, child-ike freedom of giving utterance to their impressions, giving the teacher an 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. The young lady's motherly, sympathetic manner was quite charming to see, and as I know she enters inteligently as we'll as enthusiastically into the idea oi the soul culture that is to accompany the pleasant tasks given to little fingers and minds, I enjoyed my visit very much, and was only astonished to sec empty seats that twenty more children might occupy without crowding in this large and pleasant room. It is to be hoped that the exertions Miss Peabody is. now making to spread the genuine schools of FroebePs system will enlight en the apathy which has not yet beer overcome upon this important subject of early education.