The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1913-12-23

little activities. which viii depend
largely on the character Of the sur
roundings. Clay modelling and Other
phases Of design are OF much bensfit.
but they are not compulsory. There are
. hundred things which may BIO subst!-
tu,ed and which tho ingenious mother
will provide.
collective gymnastics and songs IN
tho open air. II possible. are the best
things with which to follow the manual
work. They are begun at o'clock and
continued for about hfteen minutes.
The singing with these gymnastics Is
most beneficial and helps greatly In
keeping some of the children interested
who might not otherwise take TO the
collective work as they do TO individual
work. There follow exercises to de-
velop forethought, the details Of which
will readily suggest themselves to the
mother or the teacher.
ANIMALS AND PLANTS ALWAYS
APPEAL. TO THE CHILD.
"our last bit of activity for the day
10 visiting and caring for whatever AMI
mails or plants there are in the home or
the school. This u important. There
should be something of the sort in
which the child should take an interest.
l have seen a little one shower almost
unbelievab BILE love on o small. tll-nour-
lshed plant. She tended II with utmost
care. and Its blossoms were miracles 70
her little mind. The flowers arouse the
undivided attention of children when
they are permitted TO 20 to Mother
Nature and sit at her feet unfettered
by the communicating influence OF older
pretudices. They soon learn how to
know the truth without the traditional
knowledge OF Ignorant elders being
thrust upon them.
"Ths training OF children 10 our
hardest problem Just now. We
cannot put too much time and
thought Into the question. II has
been my ambition TO solve the prob
| Lam. have worried ct IL for seven
| teen years ana feel somewhat quail.
ned to speak about IL. but have
not learned IL all 7 have much
yet to learn. I have learned much
since have been IN your country,
whore ma that care OF the chill
drsn u the uppsrmost thought N
the average household.
1.-THE New Year will md mo back
In Rome. and with my children asa In,
but ! know that l have left something
Of an impression. l have made many
new friends In the United States who
will be my champions when l have
gone home Mr.. s. S, Mcclure Is II
continue tho work. I understand. and
no one is better qualified 10 speak Of
| tho Montessori method than ne. he
has studied It from every anglo ard
has spent so much time In the school
| IN Rome that he can speak from first-
| hand knowledge. The American par
ents will do well to listen to what he
has to say about the system of train
B ing children which We have worked
out In the case del bamb!nl.
II am to Biil in day or two and
would like to give a last messag,
to the American mother through your
paper Or Montessori concluded, earn.
estly. Tell her to keep up her pres
ent trend toward the perfection Of hei
offspring. Tell her not 20 lose sigh
OF the light which she evidently sees
Let all who Will. call her ideas false
| and fancies. She may be secure In
the knowledge that she Is rearing her
In Amerioi the race of the future-tht
race which VIII some day rule the
civilized world. There was never ir
the history OF the world such an OPP
portunity az presents itself to ths
American mother OF this generation
glory 10 think what opportunitie,
will develop for tho American mothers
~