The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1902-06-10
Physical Culture is 10 be Particularly Desirec
for Blind Pupils. as They Are Naturally
Ayerse 10 Active Exercises, Hence
il Must be Compulsory.


To the Editor: For some time it has
been my intention to say something in
regard to my manner of conducting
classes in physical training, having for
the past seven years given much thought
and attention to this important branch
of study-the teaching of the Swedish
System of Educational Gymnastics. This
course partakes to some extent Of medi-
cal and massage work. which prepares
one to teach understandingly-also to dis
eliminate between proper and improper
exercises, for we must Judge as to in
dividuaI needs. Those who are conscien-
tious and interested in this great work
follow the laws which govern and are
essential to the promotion Of the health
of those under their care. In our school
we find so many who need special eXcr-
cises to correct decided tendencies to-
wards curvature of the spine. as a ma
iority have formed the habit of drOODing
the head forward or %sidewise which posi-
ton has caused an unequal DEVELOPMENT
of the neck and chest muscles. Hence
it becomes necessary to give. if posi-
bic, separate and special medico gymnas-
tic movements. and massage treatments
to strengthen and nourish the muscles in
order to enable them to support the
weight Of the head. This treatment. in
addition to the regular class work, will
very soon give good results except in
cases Of long standing, and when there
are ''set' muscles and much rightly in
the parts. Unless we can awaken the am
billion Of such. and secure their cO-ODer-
alton by an exercise of will power. there
can be no chance Of ACCOMPLISHING any
lasting good results, for it is so much
easier to assume the old position which
by long practice has become habitual. |
find it did q great assistance to, and
furtherance Of my object. to stir up a
proper degree of pride as to their per-
sonal experimentation l am certain of
success.
Small children need little else beside
shoulder blade and heaving movements,
games and free standing exercises to ini-
prove attention, secure obedience, order
and rhythm, thus at the same time giving
the needed recreation and corrective cy-
ercises.
In order to avoid any harmful effects
and to cause a gradual growth of mus
cular power, We need TO watch closely the
progression and ability evinced by each
- 'f N%N ~ 'H'J HAo' " iti ~ or
low the exercise to proceed. AS no two
people breathe alike, so also, is there q
difference il the ability of two people as
to muscular control. viii power forms
no small feature in the attainments of
physical culture. This training means
mere to our pupils than to those who
have sight, and it is our aim to cnCour-
age in them a freedom and Independence
of motion when mingling with other more
fortunate In this respect. To accomplish
this end I find nothing so helpful as drill
work, and this part of physical training
should be given an important place in
our schools. There is nothing so embar-
RAISING to our sensitive blind girls as to
be conscious OF appearing awkward: and
it should he our pleasure and duty to
help them in every way possible to over
come tendencies to bad posture-to do
this will necessitate individual attention.
patience and any amount Of perseverance,.
Physical culture then is not a promis-
cuous "helter SHELTER mode of exercise
but a physiological and psychological,
systematic course, embracing the proper
Transitions from mental to muscular
activity. and one must be governed by
the laws which produce harmony between
mind and BODY. AS an aid to this end
we should also give proper attention to
all hygenic agencies. DR.. Simpson, OF
HARTFORD. Conn. in an address before
the American Association for the Ad-
Tancement OF Physical Education. de-
clarcd that the neglect of physical culture
in our schools is a cause of an increase
Of insanity, his subject being THE Need
Of Physical Training in Our Public
Schools" Our pupils need gymnastic work
even more than pupils who have sight.
as by constant memorizing there is an
over-suDDly of blood in the brain. the
scnsorv nerves being in a highly scnsi-
tive and irritable state and the circula-
ton impaired by inactivity of the body.
tho result is an enfeebled and weakened
intellect. We have proper facilities for
true apparatus work judicious used and
there will be a decrease of sickness in
school if we follow the rules governing
health. Where we have necessary aDpar-
true apparatus work judiciously used and
only be used as preparatory exercises
1or apparatus. stage and drill work. I
ma That drill work is very essential
Tor the blind if any system or indepen-
dence of movement is to be expected. or
acquired by them; for this reason we fol-
low as closely as possible ''milltary tao
tics as by SO doing we secure attention
and PROMPT obedience to commands. Nat
urally those who do not see usually ac-
dulre an imperfect manner of carriage,
hence exercises in the form of fancy
drills recurring rapid motions, curvings
and bendings are to be greatly desired.
Indeed it is absolutely necessary that we
give much attention to this department
of physical training in as much as we
ACCOMPLISH more than one object as be-
fore stated. Physical culture is to be
particularly desired for our pupils, as they
are naturally adverse to active exercises.
hence, it becomes necessary to make it
compulsory. Well regulated. systematic
and properly guided exercise strengthens
the lungs and develops the chest. On