The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-10-08
TIE MING DERG ARTON GIFTS md OC.
CUPiTION.
IN. z. Agricultural }


The kindergarten system for the educa
ton OF children. has been more than once
referred 10 in these columns. The name,
meaning, "Chld gardens" was given by
che originator. FIwhel, because children
were cuitirGfed rather than taught. We
cannot <" into II detailed account OF its prin-
cIrlea and methods, but state briefly that
the kindergarten is founded upon the fact
that children must do something, and it en-
deAvors &" turn their ceaselesS>ActiRity to a
good account; it furnishes tie child with
play, and 30 directs that play that it shall
form part of the child's education. 1t is
Intended fer very young children--even
beginning before the child can leave the
constant care of the mother, and goes on
until the child is old enough to be taught
from books and in a regular school. When
the system was frat introduced it made but
slow progress in this country, but few
appreciative minds-among them Notably
Miss EiizabethIP. abody-saw it's cana
ollit'es and persisted in advocating it; now,
after healthy growth, the kindergarten
may be regarded as thoroughly established
In proof of this may be cited the advertise
ments of the numerous Kindergarteus in the
columns of the daily paperss and the fact
that in some cities it has been engrafted
upon the common school System. While
we had general notion that this system of
education WAS now accepted and advocated
by the best teachers of youth, we had no
idea of its extent until wo recently made
visit to tho book store of Mr.. f. Steiger,
20 and 2l Frankfort street, N. Y. This
gentleman has for long time made a spe-
clalty of Kindergarten literature and mate
riale, and publishes catalogues of both.
The works in English, German, and French,
are surprisingly numerous, and there are |
several journals devoted to the Kindergar- |
ems, both in this country and Europe |
Those who are intcrrsted in knowing it's
aims and meaps-aDd every mother should !
oe-can send to Mr.. SfeIger for the Kinder
,arten tracts which he publishes for gratul-
Qua Distribution. A the child ut play
nus have something 10 play rith, Fro Del
Ievised "a Hcrtcs of paythlngs which he
allied gifts and occupation ateriai,"
o keep little fngrrs busy. These are re-
ularly graded, and are to tie uaed success
lvely according 10 the development of the
hid. The fret gift, to be- used while the
hid .is still in it's mothers arms, consists
soft balls of different cOlors, each with
rTing by which it may be swung, and :. box
l which all may be kept. With these the
hid learns up and down, in and out, here
nd there the use of the gift being accom- !
anled by a little song or verses, which i
An not fail to amuse the little one, and at a
ie same time teach it many object lessons. /
rom this simple gift, the series runs
trough various ingenious and pleasing
rms up to the 2Otb, in which the child is
ven moOeIlng kniie and Dali OF clay or :
1tty, and allowed to work various forms =
1T of shapeless msss. The manufacture i
the gifts, which, though all very simple,
ust be exceedingly neat and accurate, fl
rms large business of itself; tue art- a
es are put up IN boxes for use in the fam
:, and are accompanied by directions for p
Q parent; they are ALEC supplied to kim P
the teachers are called. y
here there is 10 established kindergarten, -
@ came method ia of the greatest help to a
9 mother, and special sets are made for 81
nily use. =