The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1894-07-14
PHYSICAL. CULTURE.
kiss Melon, Instructor, Gives an Outline
Of an Important 0hautauqua
Work.

81 work,
10 the Editor Of The Daily Leader,
The school OF physical culture at
Lake Madison Chautauqua has an en-
rollment OF a. There are three classes
which meet as follows:
Children's class from 10 to IL a. m.
Advanced class from IL to l2m.
Beginning class from l:3O to $50 p. m.
The aim Of this school 10 to teach
pupils the importance Of this work as a
factor Of health, also its place in the
home and school. Az q preparation for
the work we attempt to eradicate the
evil habits Of the body inherited or ac-
Quired, by series Of relaxing exercises
u which all unnecessary tension is
taken out OF each member leaving them
m condition to move freely and natnr-
ally. These relaxing exercises aid in
doing away with that rigidity OF mus
eias which comes from the constant
effort Id our daily lives. Relaxation ii
rest which should precede and follow
alI action. Stretches exercises, follow
70 reach ~ many muscles as possible.
The constant pse Of the Hexor muscles
in cur daily oesvpations tend to narrow
the chest pushing the ribs. downward,
lessening tho space within, thus impair
ing the free action Of important organs.
For this reason every muscle ia stretched
and relaxed ID turn. Special, exercises
are given tor the chest, waist, back.
arms and legs. followed by simple move
nents Tor Developing strength and grace.
Deep breathing 10 practiced and it's inn
portance impressed. The abdominal
breathing il encouraged to secure
thorough expansion OF the lungs. Pu-i
pills are taught to rise and sit with ease,
70 stand well poised. to walk lightly and
freely and 10 move all parts Of the body
with ease and grace. Special attention
is given 20 exercises that lead to good
carriage Of the body in walking and
marching.
The plan OF work is to make study
Of each movement by first showing the
exercise, then giving directions until
children understand what is to be done,
teacher leading and children follow by
imitation. The children required to-
think what has been done, where felt
and express thoughts in proper lam
Eguage. Observation, attention and lam
|guage are cultivated without over.
|straining the mind. A reason. is given
fpr each exercise 90 the children know
for what they are striving and work
more intelligently. Stress ID laid on
methods Of teaching to impress the idea
that this work should be taught as we
aim 10 teach every other subject, ac-
'cording to psychological principles
Physical culture ID In the line Of ad-.
vanced educationand will coon find q.
place in the course OF study In every
school. Ohio has had legislation for
this work since 1892. Connecticut has
DIR. Anderson state inspector Of physical
culture, also normal school at New
Haven tor the training Of teachers in.
this important work.
The value Of this work is not yet fully
understood, when il is il will be better ap.
preciated. Many think it is only for
children and teachers. Mothers need
this work for many reasons. Teachers
must often change many OF the habits
formed by children before they enter
school. This work is helpful TO the
grown persons and 10 worth considera-
ton.
a large attendance bf ladies' ID desired
il the afternoon class. Aninyitation ID
extended 70 the parents to come and
visit the classes and see what the work
y doing Tor those who attend regularly.
Saturday evening 1t the auditorium q
class OF children from the school will
give IN exercise with musical bells.
b. M. NELoN,
Instructor.