Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1892-05-16

own language shall not be neglected
while acquiring foreign ones. In this
way they have obtained command of
three languages quite naturally with
no study and with very little effort.
"They all three attend school now;
my two nieces school for girls, aud
my son boys preparatory school. l
dc not believe in an exclusively home
education, for do not think that it is
possible to make the course of train.
ing as thorough a. that of . good
school, aud also think it we'll for
them to 60 among other children.
But do not believe in sending chill,
dren to school very early. Twelve
years old is quite soon enough. They
need plenty of time to siren then aud
develop their bodies before beginning
to tax their brains, and then at that
age they are better able to understand
their lessons and to apply themselves.
| am glad to see that system OF marks
is being so almost entirely done away
with in schools. l think that it was
bad for the children in many wsvs.
l do not believe much either in
prizes or rewards. 1t is SO much
better for them to learn to do the
work for its own sake, because it is
right; for love and not through fear
or emulation. They are quite musical,
and all take music lessons. do no.
think that it is we'll, however, unless
one has decided talent, to devote
too much time to music. 1t would DO
much better to give that time to some
other talent that one might possess,
and Of so much more benefit.
"They all show decided talent for
drawing. which they are cultiva.ing. !
They also take dancing lessons.
Dancing is such good exercise for all
parts Of the body, aud, too, it teacbe |
them to walk and to carry themselves
we'll. Light calisthenics are also ex- |
cellent, and they practise them for q |
certain time every day. They keep
early and regular hours always. They
get up early in the morning, 60 to bed |
early at night. Dinner they have |
i" the middle of the day and light
tea at night. They eat very few
sweets - confectionery or any
thing of that sort. Their deserts
consist of some simple pudding or
cake. They eat all sorts of plain
food - that is, roasts and vege-
greater the variety tho
better. Then, when they come in
from their walks, always have a cup
OF broth ready for them, hot beef or
mutton broth, particularly in the win.
ter. 1t is good for them aud they
seem to enjoy it.
'Twice a day they take brisk walk,
not too long, for over.e xerciso is quite
AS injurious as too little. Children are
often allowed to OVERT themselves
and grow cross and fretful without
being able to understand or explain
the reason. In summer they are out |
OF doors almost all the time, although |
they study just little, even then, for
| do not think it we'll for them to be |
entirely idle for SO long time. And
then ! dress them all very simply;
very elaborate clothing seems 60 out
OF place for children. ] like to have
all that they wear pretty, but plain,
so as they can romp and play as chill
dren ought without being hampered
and without any thought or fear Of
fnery.
THE accomplishing mt that am an K
lous to have them all acquire is that
Of reading aloud we'll. consider
that very necessary part of good
education and also that they should
learn their words clearly and correctly.
81 do not allow. them to read fairy
stories. do not think that it is we'll
for them to do so. Instead l give
them interesting and instructive
works Of history to read. There are
such charming little histories written
nowadays. They begin with histor.
lcal stories written in words of one
syllable, and already my son has a
really wonderful knowledge Of histor.
lcal events for boy of his age, but
then he has natural love for the sub.
ject. That makes a difference, I
suppose. | also encourage them to
play various instructive games that
amuse and give them useful informa-
lion at the same time; geographical
puzzles, authors, and other games of
that sort"