Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-01

constantly before the minds of the chill
dren that morality and cleanliness were
two of the most important factors con-
ducive to health.
The progress made this year in the
Blake open-air class has not SO far been
determined in figures, but the reports of
the teacher and the parents have proved
equally as encouraging as in other years.
My school is never listlesS or apa-
thetic,' said Miss Sue III. Gardner. the
fifth grade teacher. THE fresh air makes
them as friSky as young colts, and to in
spire them with energy is not difficult.
So far as l can judge, the gain in mental
alertnesS, in accuracy, in interest. in
energy, in initiative has been. if anything
more marked than the physical gain.
Fractions are now proving struggle, but
the class is taking hold of them rap
idly and assuredly as it undertakes all Of
it's studies.
THE children are certainly improved in
health. fact their parents have realized.
Not long ago L was talking with the
mother of that boy" continued Miss
Gardner. indicating a Notwithstanding
youngster at work on those same difficult
fractions. She told me what a relief II
is to find him well and strong after his
previous years of ill-health and listless-
ness. My pupils are seldom absent as a
result of sickness and their minds are
generally as ready and active as their
bodies.
K
lone might possibly think. nevertheless.
that the providing of blankets and the
light lunch would tend to make the chill
dren dependent. But 1 have found that
the result is quite the opposite, for the
preparation of the cocoa and the serving
and cleaning of the dishes l leave to sew
eral Of the girls of the class. They are
quite independent little housekeepers
The blankets and the cocoa the children
accept as quite matter of fact and would
be indignant at any insinuation that they
We're being coddled.'
The success of Washingtons open-air
class is only typical of that met with in
other cities. for the reports OF New York,
Chicago. Pittsburgh and other big Ameri
can centers, where living. to many of the
Inhabitants. means a crowded and I'M
healthy condition, show that open-air
schools have gone far toward improving
the health and mentality of the little peo-
pie. In January. 1908. the first open-air
school was opened i'll Providence. R. /.
A class of twenty-five pupils was Or
ganiZed and, under the care of teacher,
met in a room of an old brick school
house The windows We're left open all
the year round and when the cold became
too intense stoves We're brought into use.
These children, all cases of inciplent and
predisposed tuberculosis. We're able with
the fresh air and the two me ais provided
to study successfully five hours each day.
In the summer of that same year Bos-
ton established its open-air class Chill
dren inclined to tuberculosis were first
brought together in tent and then re-
moved to a park refectory. One hour OF
rest and five of study soon brought sue
cess to this school. New York possesses
five open-air classes three of which are
coated on ferryboats in the harbor
Here about $50 children, all suffering with
open tuberculosis. are cared for during
school hours. A generous supply of food
and rest makes the study hours easier
and more productive.
The Vanderbilt day camp. on the roof