The Meeker herald., 1898-02-05
Inancnce OF tho: o:Kindergarten.

Inflncnce OF tho: Kindefgarten.
There is no greater problem in The
educational world to-day than this ons
How best to effect such = union be-
tween parents and teachers ~ shall ro-
suit In the intelligent, sympathetic and
harmonious management Of children at
home and in school,"
How true this Is, but what must We
Hrst do? Go to the teachings Of Fried
rich Froebel, that poor German peasant,
the s'draft man." who made the great
est of all known discoveries-"The way
~ the soulof . child, and there you
will find the way that will bring about
this harnacays y
+ on kinderEartaners have the honor
of taking the nrst steps In this direction
and the closer We study their methods
the more convincing are the proofs that
their path IL the correct one.
But the teacher must have the help Of
parents. Don't blame our teachers en-
tirely for our immoral generation, but
60 to the homes and there see how each
child is reared and do you wonder any
more that so many of our children arc
dwarfed and .stunted morally and intel
lectually. III
There are good mothers who are care
full in the welfare OF their chiidren
complain about sending them to public
school as they learn immoral habits.
What is the cause of them learning
these habitsp Now here is our teachers
duty,-So occupy each child's mind that
no evil thought can enter. Teach him
to see the beauty Of nature. Go with
him at recess, and though the II
falling, call his attention to the beautir
full snow crystals, ETC., etc. There are
hundreds of ways to amuse him. II
the little "tots" go to school in the same
building with older children arrange %
they can have their play time at another
hour.
Remember the cause Of vice and you
will find no trouble. ITO cure is thei
voice Of the past; to prevent, the divine.
whisper Of to-day" We must prevent
him from thinking evil. Ask each onl
70 watch on their way to and from
school and tell you how many birds they
saw, ctc. Thus you keep him occupied
out Of school. 1 would say to every
parent and teacher, "Come, let us live
with our children" Be a child with
them. Give care to the first first six
years of his life, for he will never forget
the Impressions then made. A great
educator has said: 1.-The child of six
years has learned already far more than
student learns in his entire university
course" st-
He never forgets his dear teacher and
therefore, every teacher should exercise
the greatest care about his actions and
words for you are HIS example. How
the poor. neglected child will come and
pour ali his boyish trouble in your sym
pathetic ear and bring poor faded
flower to your shrine; but it was all he
had and it was given to you With heart
full Of love. Oh. how your heart would
sing for JOY il some day you would find
this boy an honest and industrious man.
Study each child, l implore you, and
don't only teach for living but the
good that you can do to humanity.
Every parent, especially the mother,
should understand the fundamental
principals and true application of the
kindergarten. And, again, every teach
or In oursecular schools should be well
versed In tho kindergarten principles
and work. 'fa
The kinaergarten must not be at
tached 70 the public schools as q new
and distinct department, but it must
be co-eEdinste with them in vital way.
This means for the kindergarten
broader culture and better professional
training foe kindergarteners.
1t means for the other schools:
!. A moro rational and careful con-
sideration Of individual needs.
2. A training Of citizenship through
the Introduction Of government.