The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-02-25
or our correspondent means to inn
ply that the sentence none of us is
nawless in this world" contains "a slip
in grammar" he is in error.-Editor.)
The Kindergarten.

Editor of The Times Dispatch:
sir,-The spirit of educational prog
ress seems to pervado our conln.u-
templated and discussed it is we'll that
VIC should remember and properly
value that which lies at the founda-
ton. In the whole system of pub
portant point than that at which that
system first touches the mind and
character OF the child The starting
point is very important point in
the history of any process. Indeed, is
not the beginning, the first stage, In
any process the most important part
of it all?
sort of link between the home and
the school It Supplements the work
helpful way; brings the teacher, who
in pedagogy, into close cooperation
with the mother. and so often gives
to the mother better conception Of
her. own work and a new interest
the home discipline and training in
most gratifying ways. and darts a ray
of fresh inspiration into the nonoton-
Gus drudgery of a poor mothers life
| work
The kindergartner. is prompted and
guided in her work by the ancient
wisdom of Mother Nature. The first
school into which nature. introduces US
nal occupation Of every child, nature
is giving the little one Its first knowl-
edge, of ,self, its physical and men
Through play with other children 1t is
learning the primary lessons OF nsp-
clatcd life, and forming it's moral con
cepts and shaping moral habits. The
kindergarten teacher. after a thorough
study Of child nature, undertakes to
guide the child in this process Of edu-
cation through play, to direct the play
one to the best physical, mental and
moral results.
AT this stage in the child's life the
process. of development Is very rapid
Important ways the subsequent growth
of mind and character; and 1t Is not
too much to say that true test Of
| an advanced civilization is the degree
to which public interest and solici-
tude are concentrated upon this stage
OF child life.
It is a pleasure to know that tho
value Of this work Is appreciated by
have, had personal knowledge of it's
results in the Intelligence and char
acter of the children that pass from
Il" Il IS gratifving tot to know ' that II has
received recognition from our school
authorities, a number Of kindergnr-
tens are already in operation In con-
nectlon with, our pubic schools. 7, for
tiplied. until every child should at least
have the opportunity to enjoy this most
this work is in the line Of progress,
| More and more men are coming to
soc that IAN ounce OF prevention is
| worth pound of cure" In society. II
/ is Immensely better to snend money In
| constructive agencies than in cor
rective agencies. 1t Is wiser ia
build schools than iails. Which 10 tbe
more intelligent policy, to pay teach
4 nr To t,ui a., AL MT Iit a.
/ zcnship or to pay policemen and shcr-
! IFS to keep them In, order after they
/ have grown UP to be bad cltizensf
| Among the constructive forces upon
| which society ought to concentrate
| its energy is the kindergarten, which
| In connection with the home, gives the
J child Its first and most Important train
4 Ing In Intelligence and character.
/ EehruarN g2l 9. s. GARDINER. J