River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1897-10-14
Am Aflernonn al klndernarten


The kindergarten has already had
the lions share in the way Of visitors,
and may perhaps tire Of attention in
the long run. Not the least evidence
Of WEAKNESS greeted yesterdays call
ers, however, and tile place was fairly
aglow with a child-like enthusiasm
and gentleness. For the enjoyment
OF those who haven't yet Invaded the
Child's Garden in person, We propose
to set down something Of what falls
under the eyes of any afternoon caller
the regular services that fill up the
period between half past one and
three.
The first thing that strikes the Wis
itOr as he NJ 'les for the kindergarten
from tie basement corridor, is an in
nocent bar of wood that takes him
about the level of the throat, and sug-
gests that this particular hallway was
built expressly for children. 1t serves
the further Office of reminding him
that any excess of dignity may readily
be lett behind, that all except Ciilldlsh
things may now be put away.
In this frame Of mind, the visitor is
quite charmed on entering the hall to
find the floor so glossy, the pillars so
suggestive Of May pole and the walls
so covered with child-haudiwork.
The little people, too, who sit at the
three low tables are so remarkably
busted and animated Six out of ey-
cry seven have light hair. Their
chairs are rubber-shod aud noiseless.
Every now and then, prompted by
their teachers, they strike up a song
and illustrate its movements. Now
it is "Pansies Bright-eyed Pansies'
that somebody has just brought in,
now it's the playground with the
trees tossing in the wind. And in
everything they do, they look, for all
the world, like the captivating little
midgets that Charles Robinson has
drawn in Steyenson's a Child's Gar
den OF Verses.
By-and-by the Circle is called,and al
sorts Of pleasant exercises with sing
ing and music are gone through witt
in semi-formal fashion. The au
tumn leaf is the theme of all The
stories on this particular afternoon
and all the songs tell Of its charms
and adventures. After this eXercis'
a recess is called, and children anC
teachers 90 out on the green for
romp. For it is the design OF TIN
kindergarten to direct the child
play as well as his work, to make it
so far as possible, kind and beautiful.
Presently the procession come
trooping in again and fills up tn
three tables. Now everybody is
busy little workman, engaged il
making autumn leaves according t
real models. Dozens Of scissors max
the paper fly, and soon a hand goes u
with, 'How's this, Miss Peckham:
or (solemnly) That's as good as
can do"
! Finally, to top off the afternoon,
party is held. All take their place
round the circle, sing a little, take
turn at marching, and then sit dow
tailor-f fashion on the floor. And her
the hosts take charge and entertai
like big folks. To-day it is Floyd an
Lloyd who give the party; and tn
visitor Of two weeks ago who saw til
incorrigible twins bite the teache
and batter the authorities in hig
places, now looks on with wonder an
delight as the sturdy lads pass the
big plums drought in kindness fC
this very purpose) and wait upon I'll
company with smiling courtesy.
And so we all go home, mightil
pleased with the party and the Kline
ergarten-not without glancing q
the calendar on the wall, to SC
whether it is rainy or fair, wash ola
or sewing day, and not without biz
ding the canary kind good-day f(
his serenade.
Tea Dust, one shilling pound
| NTpolrap bot1cau'a