Morning journal and courier., 1885-06-27
THE FIRST KIN DER GARTEN

In Connection With the Public
 Schools of New Haven-The Clos
 ing Exercises Yesterday at Welch
 School.
 The first kindergarten in connection with the public schools of New Haven held it's closing exercises yesterday at the Welch Normal school The decoration, were in ex- cellent taste. Flowers growing and cut, ar ranged in the most artistic manner, added beauty and fragrance to happy scene. The notices, "We will because we ought" ;" "We do our best," the work of the children, were all so suggestive of the spirit sought to be cultivated. Affection, kindness and a sense of duty are the secrets of the success of this school. The graceful manner and the good conduct were only equalled by the pretty little articles they have made. As they have finished their mats, chains. frames, etc., they have been taken home and only articles made within two weeks past were exhibited. Nearly one-half of these little children enter ed at the beginning of the last term. The proficiency of the forty little ones there as- sembled conclusively proved what the philos ophy and true kindness of the kindergarten methods as taught by Mrs. Van Tassel have done for the very young children in the vicin ity of Welch school. The advantage to chil dren of having their play and instruction under the watchful care of educated and kind ladies cannot be over estimated.
 The programme was varied and interest ing. The children are certainly taught grace of manner Their opening songs of and the flowers were combination of grace and harmony. Some Bible verses and the Lords Prayer in concert were nicely said. The song ''Jaek Frost" Gllustrate0 was quite refreshing The symbolic song "The Moon and Stars'' was followed by that moral les son, "Raise Your Hands," The first drill in form was in straight line solid, as found in the world of manufacture, as cubes, oblongs, triangles and rings. These forms are taught children while at play. They know the difference between peppermint and chocolate candy, and with out any more tax on the mind they learn the difference between oblongs and triangles. Some evidently well enjoyed dancing fol lowed. The children then sang 'fThe Stream" F'The Scissors Grinder" and "Thy Little Bird,'' 'sThe Wheelbarrow," ''The Cuckoo" These songs combine physi- cal exercises and instruction. 'sThe Scissors Grinders" are illustrated. "The Wheelbarrow" is physical exercise for the chest "The Worm and the Butterfly" by graceful little Mabel Bradley and Kathie Beers, is a little moral lesson in nature i'm pressing the change from one life to another. or the mystery or the feSuTTectlon. 4ne drill in form was from nature, as sphere in orange, oval in plums, cylinder in tree and cone the end of cows horn Freddie Beers recited 'tFive Little Bald Heads" in such cunning way 'fThe Shoemaker" a song, was illustrated, while 'tThe Grasshopper' was recited in concert led by Walter Schurner. ItLittie Pitchers Have Big Ears by Kathie Beers was one of the best. "Ths Peas Work" consisted in forming squares, triangles. ''Bea and Butterfly" by Mabel Bradley and Bessie Beers, @ lesson in color, "Little Whimpey" and the "German Legend of the Maple" and 'fWhy Cats Wash After Eating" were done justice to by the little ones. Round and round it goes," a song and a recitation in chorus, "Come little leaves," "The gallant out riding" and "A merry brown Thrush" and the color drill, with ''Robin and the cherries" each deserved especial attention, especially the lesson in color. 'sWho killed Tom Ropera" was reeited by Truman Beckley, Isabel Stoughton, Bessie Beers, Bessie Bur gess, Jennie Minor, John Chidsey, Edna l Mix, Louie Burgess, with chorus by the school.
 The exercises reflected credit alike on teachers and children. Lest May several of