The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-17
THE KINDERGARTEN.
A Word or Two in Explanation Of What
II Is and Its Resulta.

The following letter, as quite apropos 10
the agitation OF the establishment of Kin
dergarien in Memphis, finds place in TO-
days APPEAL:
NEW YORK, June IL, 1883.
Having finished reading the "Reminiscences OF
Froebel," my husband thought he would like me
to express my opinion OF its impressions on my
mind. I hardly feel equal 10 do 80, yet II could
ever 10 family help on your worthy work should
be COMPENSATED for the effort. A copy Of the book
y 70 be forwarded TO you and after you have read
II for yourself you will find all the inspiration you
can desire for self or Others Information. lam
sure II mothers could but understand FToebel's
thought none but would heartily desire his idea
carried into their childrcn's education and would
give II their hearty co operation.
To start the present and coming generations on n
new aud better beginning OF human life by meth
Odical thinning from the tender age OF infancy; TO
cultivate these faculties which now, owing 10 Inn
proper or injudicious handling, are too often
crushed or but partially developed. The kinder
garten system fosters these latent powers. lays a
foundation for richer and fuller development
than can be ordinarily evolved without such
thinning. Tho child Is Inst led 10 observe, initiate
and then produce from visible forms, colors, ETC.,
makes Its acquaintance with external natures
From harmony and design IN the beautiful form.
II Is led by degrees from simple 70 complex, from
unity 10 plurality aud variety. The mind II first
impressed with harmony ere the law OF opposltes
and differences Is brought out The heart, the
head, the hand grow In symmetrical union, the
Gods idea Of man, with creative faculties. Is thus
slowly evolved by this method: the originality Of
tho child Is strengthened by It's character and
activities being led Into the direction OF It's capa
biltics, its individuality preserved.
The unseliish aims and helpful conditions need
OIL Tor mornl and social advancement are fosterod
In this early schooling, while the narrow and more
selfish tendencies often engendered In home In.
diligence are repressed. The pcrceptiye faculties
soon show the gain In the systematic and inventive
work these little minds produce fr0cbcls cduca
ton by law starts with tho unconscious and
nwnkens the divine germ In each human SOUL
bringing II TO consciousness and freedom OF spirit
The harmony OF unconscious nature Il repeated In
conscious being. Life becomes a harmonious
whole the bud OF childhood blossomlng out with
It's rich endowment truly showing forth the
Creators crOwning workman made In his image
This perfected being elevated momlly and mentally
must help 10 redeem his brother man, whose per
ycrted and degrnded conditions nrc mostly due 10
lack OF early Training and opportunities for devel-
| opmcnt This higher culture, commenced in the
kindergarten, VIII DC the preventive measures OF
crime, aud accomplish Tor humanity, in It's higher
ideals OF life, beyond what any curative measures
| can realize now among the unfortunate ones.
To gather in the destitute or those whose so-callcd
| homes hardly deserve the name, and preserve
them from vicious Influences when the young soul
4 most susceptible TO Injury and eau be irrcpar.
ably harmed Is work 81 noblcst purpose, and
happy indeed are the hearts able 10 help No worthy
| n cnuse one fact (Which | would particularly
| call attention. mentioned 20 mo by Kindergarten
teacher OF free school In this city II the rcactlyc
influence on the parents Of thosc children trained
| In the infant schools AZ hr,t indifferent or un.
conscious Of the good done their little ones they
| como later, and with grateful tears express thcir
| feelings, Of the home s0laccd by the childrcn's
| performances In songs, games and work shown by
| the dcxtcrous little fingers, Of the change
worked In fathers or mothers habits
| by the simple but eiicctunl hold OF baby
hearts Entertained aud interested. an i'm.
pctus i given 10 their own lives 10 something
better aud higher. Ny very limited experience In
what have seen and heard connected with kinder.
gartens opens up vista 81 inoalculable good
wherever the work Is started The efforts in Mem.
phis have my earnest wishes aud may the divine
guidance youchsaicd Ia such humitarian dircc.
lions bring richly compcnsating results 70 you and
all connected with The enterprise Yours sin
ccrcly, KAcuEL MENKES.