The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1899-12-16

touch with Nature. He is allowed to
enter into the very soul of Nature and
there en- Ov all the poetry, the grandeur,
the subinlity of her physical manifesto
tons. He becomes a close observer.
will of his own accord see the Unity
and perfect Harmony of all Creation.
He will see that all things obey the
Great Law and look to the Great Law
Giver for life.
The child not only observes, but. he
also initiates 1t is through imitation
that he becomes acquainted with THAT
great art that binds man to man, race
to race, the present with the past and
future" Imitation is very strong in
young children. The child copies the
home language exactly as he hears it.
He Initiates the words. the tone, and
the gestures. If the language is refined
and elegant; it is copied go. IF it is
scant, coarse, aud rude; pieced out
with slang and detillng expressions,
this is the foul matter that enters the
Young mind" Habits of speech are
fixed in the home before tie child en-
ters the school. sometimes the boy
comes to us with voice so pleasing
that it is a delight to listen TO him, but
more often his expression is very i'm
perfect.
Tie beliefs and ideals are shaped by
home influence. Through the efforts of
the home the child is taught that he
owes it, to himself and to society, to be
courteous and considerable of the rights
of others.
All homes are essentially different in
their home training. Each child re-
fleets in great measure the spiritual
makeup of the home.
The home is the real Primary
School, the first Government. Within
its narrow walls the child is taught his
first lessons in social intercourse. He
tries all experiments; tests all his pow
ers; and in this world of possibilities
finds his own place and part. 1t is
clear that mothers need have no SUI
perfluous knowledge. All knowledge
might worthiiy be employed in mother
work ~
The school is the homes co-worker.
1t carries farther and perfects the work
the home has begun. 1t is decidedly a
social Institution. composed of members
who touch society i'll all its conditions.
Children from vastly different homes
come together, mingling with other
children, to work and to play. Through
the school government these people
where law and justice are respected
and ample opportunity for helpfuluess
Is given.
BY means of course of study
planned to fit the two ends of educa-
ton the children grow in eocial spirit
and wealth of soul,
Mathematics might be considered as
tending toward the vocational aim.
Such studies are practical and tend to
fit the child to grasp situations out in
the world.
the child can realize the best that is in
him. Here he comes in contact with
the Kings and Queens of the world
He becomes refined and cultured in as
much as he can appreciate Literature.
The human element of these studies
appeals directly to the inner self of the
boy or girl. Many a boy glows with
enthusiasm and is filled with pride
when he hears the stories of the great
heroes OF our country. They pick their
ideals of manhood from history and by
these ideals are inspired to DO and to be.
The home looks to the school to give
a broad knowledge, a deep sympathy
with society and a true culture. This
problem the school faces, The school
can meet the demand more effectively
with the help of the home. If both |
home and school work in harmony sue
cess Is assured.
We ought to CONT in closer contact. !
This can be brought about by parents |
visiting the school to find just what the
problem is and just how the teacher is
solving it. Then too the manifested in
tercst OF the home means so much to ,
the child. 1t makes the school life
rerl thing and knowledge and culture
that all are interested in AMI
desire. The lesson of today is made SO
much more enjoyable if the boy finds /
that father and mother too are inter
ested.
BY manifesting this interest the home
through its closer relations can
strengthen the work of the school and
do much to help the child become q
true social being. and increase his ca
nacitv for useful service as well as
happy life"