Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-04
OPEN-A|R LIFE FOR
CHILDREN IN LONDON
Wonderful Results Obtained in
the BethnaI Green Classes,
According to Report.
Correspondence Of The star.


LONDON, February 20. 1911.
Remarkable testimony to the success Of
the experiments by the London education
authorities in open-air and playground
classes is contained in a report issued by
the day school subcommittee.
These classes were started as an ex-
pertinent last year. and the subcommittee
considers that the London county coun-
Gil should now determine whether 1t has
been successful and should be continued
or whether 1t should be discontinued en-
tirely. Whatever information Is forth
coming. therefore, Is produced for ex-
animation.
Tho following are extracts quoted from
a special report by the medical (educa-
tom officer relating to classes at Beth
nal Green:
The Bethnal Green district" he says.
is very poor one, and the children Sc
lected were, as whole, representative
OF the lowest stratum in that part Of
London. Without necessarily presenting
signs Of organic disease, they were ILL.,
nourtshed. ill-clad, pallid and inert The
daily program varied in detail with tho
different classes and with the state Of the
weather; on Indictment days the classes
Particular attention was paid at all
times to physical education, including
breathing exercises and the Correction
OF faulty attitudes. The children were
examined twice at an interval Of three
months-that Is. June and October. On
the first occasion anthrop0metrical meas
urements were made. but on the second
1t was only possible to make the meas
urements at the Daniel street class.
Effect Of Outdoor Regime.
The medical examination left no doubt
as to the highly beneficial effect Of the
regime out Of doors upon the children.
The school doctor states that at his sec
ond visit three weeks after tho fnception
Of the class in many cases he felt mo-
mentarily doubtful whether the children
were the individuals he had originally So
lected The difference was partly one of
complexion, but also In great degree Of
demeanor. which was Enthusiastically more
alert and spirited. The hemoglobin esti-
nations gave somewhat higher readings
at the final examination, and although
the doctor felt that too much confidence
could not be placed in these alone. there
was no doubt that the vigor of the chill
dren. both bodily and mentally, was d.
rectly improved by the open-air life:
many children. formerly apathetic and
morose. with improved health and color
became bright. energetic and interested
In their occupations.
Generally, it may be stated that the
children appeared far more natural in
their behavior than is usually the case
in classes" the subcommittee proceeds.
They enjoyed the freedom and the SUM-
shine, and. instead of the apparent habit
uai condition OF apathy and dulness, dis
played an interest in their work and a
readiness to respond. The health Of the
children in no case suffered, while colds
| were almost entirely absent The at
tendance was also remarkably good. in
one case an average attendance Of 06.5
being maintained. The entire change OF
circumstances has in a few cases retarded
| the educational progress OF the class, but
| the slight loss here has been amply COM
pensated for in other directions
In conclusion the subcommittee sub
mits that the reports which have been
| made are extremely favorable, and are
| sufficient to justify their continuance and
| extension this year.