Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1890-03-14
PREcocloUs CHILDREN.
A Tendency In Modern Education Whicl
should BE Checked.

/ a
| should BE Checked.
There is at present tendency TO ,un-
natural mental development in chill
+. iren. The whole scheme OF the public
school system is adapted to the extra
ordinary instead OF the ordinary intelli-
gence. Every possible means is resorted
TO by which the slow mind may be I'M
naturally euickened, while the abnor-
mally bright are pushed forward like
horses spurred along race course.
The pupils of the public shoots are in
a state of continual nervous apprehen-
sion, fearful lest their per cent? may fall
below the required standard, or that
they may fail to pass the dreaded exam
nation They have became burdened
| With cares that should not be imposed
upon them, and the lightheartedness
| md naturalness of untrammeied child
hood are likely TO become mere tradi-
lions. Preternaturally aged boys and
girls in spectacles are now SO common
| that they cease TO attract notice, and
reputable physicians testify that nerv-
GUS disorders among the young are
ominously on the increase.
It is due to the pernicious examining
Of which they are the helpless victims,
and the unnatural hurry and worry that
are part of the modern school regimen.
The parents OF bright children are
generally vain Of their precocity. They
tell with what avidity Emma takes to
history. how mucA OF Shakespeare
George had read at ten, and how John
would rather remain curled up ON the
sofa. devouring books Unfortunately
than take part in the most fascinating
game that was ever Invented. The pre-
.ocity of Coleridge and De Quincy is re-
called and the children in question ii
is thought, will prove parallel cases. II
is wholly forgotten that in one instance
where the mind continues to develop IN
uinety-nine ii weakens and fails under
the forcing process. Poor Mr.. Toots is
| an illustration Of what the Blimler sys
tenn occasionally does, and il the exam
pies are only occasional no parent wishes
to furnish the subject in their own child
Precocious children, as general
hing are insutlerable little prlgs
: They have not the winsomeness and in
nocence of childhood, nor the wisdom
that comes only with years and ex
perience Instead Of making GU
. courses of reading, Offering inducement
and reward for supernatural achieve
ments, parents would much better loci
+ book case and take the text books ava
from such children, and turn them out
a dguratively speaking, like young ami
!, mails to Craze. The mind will take ear
j IF itself and keep on growing; but tn
d body suffers from lack of exercise
V and disordered nerves and digestio
l. will handicap the genius in late year
l. The precocious, sensitive, imaginativ
q ,hild, above all others, should be mad
20 run, Jump, climb and play in the ope
e ,ir. He should grow tanned and ragge
b. put of doors, instead of dreaming owe
ar myths, or bordering weighty question
y about which he should not think IL
p years to come.
TO The modern idea of education is III
IL natural; and its extravaganza wi
10 ,ventually eliminate in a comple
Sc evolution. More and more is it "a
ID work and no play, when play is nece
n, AIRY as work is inducing to good healt
an and good morals. Chicago lnter-Ocea