The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-09-13

mention was made of what was due
from others to them. The lowly Naz-
arene emphasized our duties to them
when he placed a little child in their
midst and said, "Of such is the king
dom of heaven" In obedience to his
lesson the children, once upon the out
ermost circle of civilization, have for
years been moving nearer to their
proper position, until now they have
reached the very center and around
them revolve all human interests.
The Child and the School,
In a later talk the relation of the
child to the school will be given that
consideration which it's importance JUS
titles. At that time the effort will be
made to show how each child can get
the greatest benefit from his school days
About this time of year many anxious
tons as, AT what age should child
start to school? What about the kinder
garten? Shall | send a public or private
school? Since the future welfare of
child may largely depend upon the
proper answers to these questions, they
own home, his school home most power
fully influences each childs DEVELOPMENT
TOO many parents send their children
to school for the purpose of getting rid
or them. 1t is quite natural that the
tired mother should feel disposed to
shift the responsibility to the shoulders
of the teacher. However, is it not the
parents duty 10 consider. not her own
comfort, but rather the mental, moral
and physical welfare of the child?
Age of Entering School.
The age at which children may be
sent to the public school varies in the
diherent states. Six admit at the age
OF four; nineteen at five; twenty at six.
Some children develop more rapidly than
others; but few. if any, are sufficiently
developed 10 be deprived of their mental
M nh f0Sl
five years old. Many who have reached
the age of six should not be kept in
school more than. one-half a day, unless
the work is imbued with the kinder
garten spirit. The records prove that
most children who enter at the age of
seven or eight soon overtake and pass
those who have entered at an earlier age.
Worse than this, too often those enter
ing early become dwarfed mentally, when
they should be at their best. 1t is i'm
portant to remember that these first
By their childish play and simple investi
cation they will learn more between
the ages of three and six than they will
ever learn at school in twice that time
AS to kindergarten.
The child who is sent to the kinder
| garten should he sent before the age of
six. Better at the age of five, provided
it is kindergarten in fact and not
merely in name. If the so-called kinder
garten instills, in pleasant way, habits
ORDER courtesy and good manners in
general. it is good kindergarten. In
100 many, most OF these ends are not
and has the right spirit it is safe to
trust your child's interests to her Other
wise. it is not. The right kind of a home
VIII be Tar better than such school.
Public or Private School.
Shall the child be sent to the public or
private school? This is a hard question
to answer, unless it be answered by say
| ing that he should be sent to the best
school Others things being equal, that
school Will be where is found the best
Some private schools have certain ad-
vantages over the publis schools of some
localities The convictions of some lead
llglous instruction which they feel is
a necessity. Many of these find it best
TO transfer to the public schools as soon
as they can conscientiously do SO.
Where they are what they should be-
| 1t viii generally be found that the best
training is given in the public schools.
Their equipment is generally far supe-
rior. The state requires certain def
mite pedagogical training of every teach
er; while anyone, without special prepa-
ration, can teach in a private school.
Too many parents send their children
to private schools because, so long as the
tuition is paid promptly, their children
are permitted to do about as they please
and study when and what they like.
chances for the future Before it is too
late many discover the mistake and send
to the public school, where they are
treated just as they deserve to be, re-
CARELESS of the homes from which they
! come This is certainly the best prepara-
| ton for life.
Growing Interest In Child Training.
| For many years conscientious parents
| have been deeply interested in the care
| of their infant children, that they might
| be kept alive. Systematic care of one s