The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1881-04-15
KINDERGARTEN TRArN1Na.

The subject Of combining industrial
education with the mental training
given in our public schools is in per-
feet harmony with the kindergarten
philosophy, which aims to utilize three
years Of the child's life at time when.
as a general thing, he receives no sys-
tematic training whatever. The kim
dergarten attempts to utilize these
years in such way that not only the
chila's entreaty for something to do"
or some one to play with, shall be sat
isfactorily responded to, but that, at
the same time, he may also, uncon-
sciously to himself, receive lessons with
his toys which are calculated to make
him familiar with the first elements of
geometry, drawing, etc., together with
the first important exercises in me-
chanical skill conducive to accuracy
of execution.
While the general use of machinery
relieves man of much drudgery in work,
it makes greater demands for dexterity
and skillful manipulation in art and
mechanics therefore the most import
ant exercises in Froebel's kindergarten
method of instruction are for the
hands, as they are the most important
tool of man. Without this early exer-
else, the elasticity Of the hsnd is lost
in great measure the muscles do not
gain sufficient llexibility and strength
to meet the demands Of higher artistic
work without an immense amount of.
exercise and drill at a later period of
life. when time may be more advan-
tageously employed in cultivating in
tellectual attainments. Then, again,
nothing marks noble freedom more
than the free and graceful use of the
hands and arms /; a person with an I'M
trained and neglected body uses the
whole arm with awkward elbow. not
knowing what to do with it and the
hands of the poor are usually stiff and
clumsy, though they serve to earn their
daily bread. A teacher Of elocutIon
once expressed to me her satisfaction
that popular attention is being drawn
to the early exercising Of the hands
and arms, for she had seen young men
whom she was teaching Try 80 hard to
overcome the stiffness and awkward
ness of these limbs that she felt the
greatest pity for them, owing to their
lack of that ease and grace which ought
to be in the possession Of every human
being. The necessity for making use
of early childhood in order to meet ie
demand for men and women who know
and can do, is making itself felt more
and more. Froebel's systematic plays
and occupations not only aim at this
physical training, but also at the de-
yelopmen tot mind and soul, thus pre-
venting vacancy of minde-the worst
enemy of morality and childish inno-
cence.
The problem of expense has been sat
solved in st. Louis, where
fifty free kindergartens are in success
full operation. The salaries range from
$500 to $500 year. The teachers are
not appointed by the school committee
but by the lady from whom they re-
ceived their diplomas, and who is there
fore best able to know their qualifica-
tons. The assistants in these free
are not paid; they are
either graduates or students who are
very glad to obtain practical experience
IN teaching. Many mothers also vol
1nteer to assist, for the sake of learn
ing, through apprenticeship, how to use
the system in their own families. The |
st. Louis school committee affirms that
% hare added the kindergarten to the