Gilpin observer., 1909-03-11
PARENTS DAY
Concluded from page /.

Inc OASIS OIL meeting OI pdTeuI anu
teacher should be a mutual, friendly
interest in place of one that might
antagonize. When difficulties arise
they are usually much more easily
and pleasantly settled If parent and
teacher have already met in pleas
ant way. Parents are welcome at all
times to visit the school, and espec-
tally so when teachers and students
have on their working clothes.
Rev. Mr.. Burgen introduced the sub
ject. Home Study by Pupils"
Among other things he said, "The
hcme is. or should be, a unit in a
matter SO vital as that of Home
study for pupils. Speaking for the
fathers, we feel that we have some
right to speak, and probably have
been SO invited, on account of our
own experimental relationship to the
subject.* He who stands before
you owes whatever he is. small as
that may be, to the patient and pains
taking effort in this line of his own
parents back in the early days of
Kansas when the home had a larger
task to perform than it has now in
directing the young idea. The home
was also more of a unit in all res
poets. That wise, united, affectionate
interest on the part of the home,
with its exchange of thoughts, prob
lens, and difficulties was itself
liberal education and furnishes the
true atmosphere of study.
'In these days of women's clubs,
mems lodges, and specialization of
everything under the sun, the young
are apt to be the main losers but not
the only ones. Home study as We
experience it, became a delight to
all after the first adjusting process.
1t is educating alike to old and young
and school life loses its terrors for
both, The young forget their imma-
ture and untimely craving for the
occupations and interests of their ell
ders. The parents find it a delight
full relaxation and beautifier and grow
old gracefully and without the usual
strains in the family relationships and
changes.
again Home Study is a needed cor
rective of the life at school which
tends to conform sex distinctions, to
destroy individuality. and to unfit the
young for real life. Wise parents
will add as much practice as posi-
BILE to school curriculum and still
further mix 1t to advantage out Of
their own experience. and out of the
resources Of the home and office, or
shop. or farm.
Home study is much more than
n mere makeshift. No doubt, as con
Quoted in some homes it is that be-
grudged part of the pupils daily life
which is left over from school hours
and has to be done at home or left
undone. Nor should it be conducted
on the hop, skip and jump method
after the bell has begun to ring
Brilliant pupils have been known tc
do this and wonder why they were
comparative failures in life, while the
duller ones passed them. There Is
no reason in these days for an ex
cess of home duties and distractions
Parents and pupils alike pay for II
afterwards. 1t is poor economy
With all 1t costs us in time and IL
other ways, home study will hell
create its own necessary environment
A child's preference for somc
particular art or branch OF learnin,
is apt to make itself known in th'
home II patiently and wisely observes
and encouraged. This does not meal
that conceit should be cultivated II
the child or false hopes raised as 81
to do. OF incalculable value to tn
home Is the mutual modification whic
home study works on the one ham
in the parents ideals so apt to b
warped by their calling and experienc
and on the other hand in the pupil
immaturity which needs checking u
at home with patterns from real life
Home study prospers as rule onl
where 1t is welcomed and faithful
and effectually enforced until 1t be
comes habit. The habit include
therefore not only the pupil but tn
parent, who, II not Intellectually abb
to assist and direct. can at leas
show appreciation and sympathy an
can give courage and hope where tn
teacher cannot. Again, home stud
l.. oil. diuai.,ll..x Ia