The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-09-14
THE KINDERGARTEN IN THE SUN
DAY SCHOOL.
BY MISS BESSIE WALKER.
(Racine, Wis.,
BLooMvILLE. O.

Read at the Wisconsin Convention, 1851
The aim of kindergarten training
course is not to provide the teacher with
a set OF fixed rules, but to so fill her with
the spirit of true education that she will
be thoroughly awakened to the signifi
canoe of the conditions in which she
finds herself. She must labor faithfully
to understand the causes underlying
what she sees and also to produce the
effect that she desires. If you intend to
employ the kindergarten methods in
your Sunday school class make up your
mind what you want to accomplish.
Then begin and instead of putting aside
every thought and action of the children
which does not seem to bear directly up
on the subject in hand, utilize that en-
ergy, weave it into your plan, live up to
your Universalist Faith and prove that
what seems to be evil is oftentimes
good.
BY that fine intuition which you are
enabled to cultivate in working with the
little children you must maintain the
freedom and individuality of each
one, subject always to the best good of
the whole class.
Some one has said that every Univer-
sity study ought to find its foundation
in the kindergarten. 1t is true
thought and also is it true that every
principle which is to guide us through
life can be taught to the children.
Study always to present thought in
the simplest, brightest, most direct man
ner. 1t is but step from the known to
the unknown. but it is the law of all
growth. Seek to touch the child by
something with which he is familiar.
Connect it logically with something new
leading the way ever upward and on
ward.
suppose you will wish me to outline
program for the class hour. OF course
the room ought to contain piano, but
If it does not, then the teacher may sing
some childish hymn. a line or two of
prayer; song Of praise in which the
children can all join; welcome to those
who have been absent; word in remem-
brance Of any who are sick or detained
at home; roll call (which the children
enjoy.) Then the lesson, short, simple
but interesting, for which we need never
be at loss. The Bible i, more interest
ing by far, il properly presented. than
some would have US believe. / have
kept tho undivided attention of twenty
children for twenty minutes by story
of Christ. You will find it much easier
to lead the children into the path you
would have them follow il you do not
dwell too much upon the negative side
of the question in hand. Present as
bright and attractive picture as posi-
BILE, drawn in positive outlines and with
true coloring. Very seldom is it neces-
sary to use sharp and decided contrast
upon the other side. and when it is, it
ought to be vivid. clear, like fash of
lightning. Do not dwell upon the
''don'ts."
For outlines of years work can not
do better than to refer you to book
which am reading with great pleasure.
1t has just been placed in our Sunday
school library: "The kindergarten Sun
day School," by Frederick Beard, pub
lished by kindergarten Literature Co..
Chicago. An invaluable aid to those in
terested in this work is Elizabeth Harri-
sons Study of Child Nature" and for
deeper study Frebel's Education of
Man." The publishers above referred
to furnish a catalogue of excellent liter
allure for children and for teachers.
The kindergarten opens up bright
prospect for consscrated workers in our
beloved faith. What could there be
more beautiful TO teach our children
than the story of the Fatherhool of God.
and the brotherhood of man and the
div inely beautiful life of the MasterY
In closing l would like to repeat that
touching prayer which Kate Douglass
Wiggin has given US in THE Story of
Patsy"
Father we thank thee for the night
Aud for the pleasant morning light.
For rest and food ard loving care.
Aud all that makes this world so fair.
Help US to do the things we should
To be to others kind and good
In all we do and all we say
To grow more loving every day."
IT Is probably a false report that the