The Saint Paul globe., 1903-06-02
PRINCIPALS FIX THE
PROGRAMME OF
EXAMINATION
Subject of Next Years Course
Study Is Discussed-Super-
intendent Smith Dwells
Upon Importance of the
Kindergarten in the School
System.

AT the regular meeting of the prin-
cipals Of the public schools held yes
terday the programme of final examin-
ations which will begin next week was
completed and adopted, as follows
Friday, June 12-Morning: Nature
study. Afternoon: Geography.
Monday, June 15-Language and
grammar.
Tuesday, June 16-From to 10:45
a. M, history; from 1O:45 to IL, music.
Wednesday, June 17-Morning, arith-
metic and spelling.
Thursday, June 18-Morning: Draw
ing and penmanship.
Grades not taking written examina-
tions will have school all day.
The attention of the meeting was
chiefly occupied with the subject Of
course study for the coming year, and
Supt. Smith selected this time to lay
before the principals several reports
Oh that subject that he will submit to
the board Of education at it's next
meeting, with a view to having all
matters pertaining to possible changes
in the curriculum and school govern
ment settled as soon as possible.
One Of these reports to the board
pertains to kindergarten work in the
schools, and in part reads as follows:
kindergarten Work.
Il have the honor to submit herewith
communication signed by Miss Camilla
Kendall, of the Vanburen kindergarten.
and Miss Mary Mcclellan, of the Teach
ers Training school kindergarten, repre-
senting the kindergartens Of st. Paul
In connection with this report 1 de-
sire to say that these ladies', at my re-
quest at the beginning Of the present
school year. arranged for series of kim
dergarten meetings and prepared a pro-
gramme for them, and during the entire
school year these meetings have been held
and have no doubt, much profit has been
derived from them.
You will observe that the first point
relates to the age of the children. Hereto
fore they have been admitted to the kim
dergartens at the age of five years, and
tied to admission to the first grade at the
age of six years. 1t is suggested that the
age limit be fixed from four and one
half years to six, and if there be legal
warrant for such regulation, deem it a
wise one.
There are some who believe that to
so arrange matters that kindergartners
Will devote half of the day to regular kim
dergarten work and the other half of the
day to teaching In the first grade is ad-
vantageous to both departments, but a
large majority Of the kindergartners hold
view directly opposed to this. 1t may
be that both are partly right and partly
wrong. While the work of the kinder
garten is closely allied to that Of the
grades, it is distinctive in many respects,
and there is a more radical change in
passing from that to the first grade than
there is In passing from the first to the
second grade, or any other grade in the
course .91I
matters has led me to tax your patience
with this lengthy communication. 1 am
so strongly impressed with the import
ance of the kindergarten in our system,
citation of the work. that I feel justified
in urging upon your attention these Vari-
GUS questions which in their far-reacf1ing
effects are of very great Importance"
The other report treats of the question
of Industrial works and embraces the
committee report already printed in h
G o e.
1.-The introduction of industrial work
in our schools. if it be effective and per-
mnanent. must be made gradually" said
Scpt Smith. ITO impose impossible
conditions and require an amount of work
and quality of work that are not at all
possible under prescribed arrangements
works not only great hardship in itself,
but directly affects all the work in the
regular course. 1t is, therefore, most
satisfactory to know that principals and
teachers are alike agreed that this very
excellent feature OF our school work must
be sensibly. and reasonably conducted. in
order that it may have permanent place
and afford lasting benefit.
VIII Not Lessen Study of Music.
I'm regard to the matter of music-ft
is not proposed to lessen the amount re-
qufred at the present time, or to abridge
the course. Indeed upon this point 1 feel
that all the teachers would gladly see
more accomplished in this very important
subject The discussion relating to the
question of a less technical course'V will
am sure. lead to better understanding
between the teachers on the one hand and
those who are interested in the pre2ara-
tion and execution of a course Of study
on the other.
In considering these reports. the one
from the body of principals and the other
from the organization known as the grade
teachers federation, 1 am pleased to com
mend the spirit of earnestness that char
acterizeS both, and to add my own graft
feation at the manifestation of the pro-
fessional interest and spirit on the part Of
those discussing the matter, and the ten
dency to meet in the spirit of fairness and
frankneSS all the questions that so inti-
mately relate to the success and welfare
of the public school system of St Paul
When all interested in the work shall en-
deavor to bring their views into harmony
and to unite their efforts In securing th.
highest possible good not only will their
own personal satisfaction and comfort he
greatly promoted, but our citizens will
have reason to feel that their most Cher
1shed institution is being cared for9jf n
way that cannot fail of satisfying tha taEh
Ideals that all intelligent people entertaiff
regarding the education of Children 10 R Al