New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-28
NEWARK KINDERGA RTENS.

The kindergarten Club OF Newark began Its
career about eighteen months ago. and numbers
among is founders philanthropic women. prom
incnt kindergarten teachers. and mothers anxious
to learn OF Froebels philosophy In the develop
ment OF child nature. The aim OF all these women
was the general establishment OF free public kin
dergartens.
There were only three kindergarten classes In
the hfty-four public schools. Mass-mcctngs were
held and enthusiasm aroused through the
speeches OF prominent educators. the result being
that when the new Superintendent. Charles H.
Gilbert, was appointed. he found the way pre-
kindergarten in the public schools. Since January
l. 1881. MIR. Gilbert has started forty three classes
Rndefgaftner and assistant in t charge these to-
gether With the S,, primary grades. are Under the
Ne%,Yor and Coy woman M Of vide experience in
these lines Is therefore at end. and it's attcn.
ton has been turned toward the formation of
Committee St@eS Of Samuel YV Clark and Miss
Kate L. Roberts-has undertaken the latter work
way by mos; OF the school principals. The plan
of organizing these mothers clubs has been simple
and effective. The principal Of school has sent
out Invitations to all parents and friends in the
district TO be present at the schoolhouse to listen
lating generally 10 the school and Its methods
The audience has IN eysry case ben Large, and md
discussion which would call forth questions 10 be
school, Such meeting generally demonstrates to
the parents the value Of coming together for
mutual hclp ana inspiration along the lines or
child study. and the proposition to organize a club
then and there Is usually received most cordially
IL is hoped that before the year Is there will
be at least lfty schools enjoying the benefits OF a
mothers club.
Among the many interesting subjects for discus
sion are proper foods for school children. hygiene
al home and at school proper recreations for the
Young, childrens literature, how TO supplement-
school work at home. a study Of the school cur.
rculum the new methods OF teaching the three
RS what place do history, geography literature,
the classics also nature study, have In the cur
riculum: childrens rights. discipline at home and
at school. Froebers philosophy from Kindergarten
to university
1t is proposed that committees shall be formed
in each club TO report the sanitary condition OF
the school buildings The public Will be encour-
aged to use the building for any good and instruc-
tive purpose, subject always to the principals sane
lion The clubs will endeavor to give free lectures
10 the people presenting practical and scientific
subjects in popular form. These will supplement
the ones now under the auspices OF the Board OF
Education.
As a rule, no dues fines have been exacted
from the members as the idea Is TO avoid all re-
strictions which might keep away the poorest or
humblest parent. In few weeks these various
clubs will be bound together by the formation OF
an educational league alliance, somewhat on
the plan OF the we-known society in Brookline
Mass Such an Organization Will Be more FORMAL
In character than the mothers clubs.