The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1909-06-04
The whiting and wood-carvin,


given to the boys in these grades
aims to familiarise the pupils with
the materials and such simple tools
as can be used in the classroom and
also with their use and the possibili-
ties which these offer. This work
aims not SO much at the perfect I'm
ished object, as the exercise Of origin
atty In design, and self-reliance In
construction; and at the same time,
1t aims to- be preparation for more
advanced work.
Simple articles. such as pencil
sharpeners, thread or fish-line wind
ers, calendar backs, brush-racks, pa
per knives, wall-rackets, match safes,
picture frames and glove boxes may
be made in the class room. "A thor
ough rubbing with sand paper gives
the article a finished effect. TO I'M
prove also the artistic sense Of the
child mind, simple surface designs,
may be put upon these articles, and
they may be stained to bring out the
grain Of the wood. All this construc-
tion Is limited to the simple materials
of knife and wood; but the princi-
pies are taught in such a manner as
to prepare the pupil for later work.
This advanced work involves the
selecting, assembling and fastening
with glue, strips, Of thin wood to
form miniature pieces of furniture,
boxes, shelves, hangers, bread boards,
sleeve boards and countless other ar
ticles, every one Of which is put into
actual use. This course, too, deals
with the various forms OF fitting and
fastening joints and methods Of fin-
ishing and polishing.
To give the boy such a knowledge
which really involves little In the
way of materials means to instiIl
In him a far keener interest In his
home, a larger estimate Of his own
capabilities, a valuable occupation for
his hours Of leisure, and a firm de-
| sire to make and do something that
will really count In his life's work.
OF as great value, Is the manual
training which may be given to the
girl Of this age between ten and
fifteen. Although domestic science or
cooking Is equal in its helpful quail
ties to domestic art or sewing; we
must put the former aside, as it is
beyond our present possibilities.
However, a simIac vet thorough
course in sewing given to the girl
while she is still in the grammar
grades, forms a part of her edcation
to which she will many times refer,
and for which she will justly be
/ thankful.
| The aims Of this course in model
and plain sewing presented to the
intermediate grade girl are many. 1t
teaches her the very fundamentals
of all needle work and their appli-
cations. It develops skill in the handl-
ing of all materials and In the apply
ing OF the fundamental principles Of
! serving. 1t formulates in the child
mind high ideals Of accuracy, neat
ness, system, proportion and other
qualities that 60 to make up per-
lection Of work. 1t gives the girl
knowledge of the materials in hand
how they are made, where they come
I from, and for what purpose each is
best fitted.
At the beginning Of this course,
the girl may be given samples cut
from some such material as coarse
cotton or canvas, and upon these she
| learns some Of the fundamental
stitches basting, machine stitch,
overcasting and the like, and these
she can then apply in making mat,
holder or bag Advancing to more
difficult sewing, she learns how to
make seams, hens and fells, and uses
her new knowledge in making hand
kerchiefs, towels and other linen ar
ticles, the material for which she may
bring from home.
Weaving, ironing and mending
which includes the matching OF strip
ed materials is also brought into this
course, and the practical girl will find
little difficulty in using these prin-
ciples.
In line with this work the girls
art taught how to hem table linen, to
work button holes, to sew on tape,
hooks and eyes, and the like, les
sons, which II correctly taught, prove
invaluable. With all these princi-
pies well in mind, our girls almost
entirely independent Of direction are
able to make many useful articles for
themselves and others.
Aside from the actual knowledge
received, and the satisfaction to the