New-York tribune., 1915-03-17
at Is the Inalenable Right of Every Man and Woman
to Select His Own Vocation"

such a state would be merely TO con-
fuse present issues. We can arrive
there far more quickly by doing the
next things to our hands. | see pres
ont need here, and a simple remedy.
That is all"
bringing Woodshed to the School,
Mr.. Wirt's remedies are simple. He
is a big man, physically as well as men
tally, with large head and strong,
placid features, who feels that he IS
merely putting through plans which
other people have experimental upon
in a small way. He is showing educa-
tors that doing something which had
seemed to them stupendous is really
far simpler than not doing it. He has
shown them that by teaching the child
more than has been done hitherto he
is shortening their school term, in
creasing the school capacity. helghten-
ing the enjoyment of the learning
period, taking care of the pupils leis-
ure hours, and finally sending from
the schools a body of young men and
women who are competent specialists
with a broader knowledge of life, its
arts and industries than has ever be-
fore been possible.
at is bringing the woodshed TO the
school," said Joseph S. Taylor, district
superintendent of schools in The
Bronx. ut is making it possible for
boys to meddle with the mechanics
which they love, and which have been
so long out Of their reach. Here they
do not have it forced upon them as a
study, but they learn the workings OF
il from 2 professional. A carpenter
teaches them carpentry, a potter pot
terry. a printer teaches them printing,
and when the machinery in the school
building is TO be altered the boys may
flock down and see the process and
have it explained to them. Girls may
not like mechanics as we'll as our boys,
but if they have tastes in this direc-
tion they will come into the classes"
Thus Mr.. Writ takes advantage of
every minute that the school day holds,
and does not allow any of its equip
ment to be wasted
The child is not a species apart
from an adult. What it will need later
on in the way of judgment and execu-
tive ability it must start TO acquire in
its early youth" he observed. Thus
the young girl who wishes to teach be-
comes a pcdagogue while young so that
her training is not matter merely Of
a few years az the end of her school
ing. A lifelong training brings ttcm
nearer perfection. The children are
taught TO be leaders, teachers and man
ayers, acquiring at once the faculty of
looking at both sides of a question"
BY taking care Of the pupil during
the eighty minutes of lunch and recess
intermission in which the child is
usually thrust on the streets, by start
ing the advanced subjects which are
usually left TO the high school early
and putting them firmly in the school
course, Mr.. Writ feels that two years
will be taken from the high school
course. And during this time the child
will have gained thorough knowledge
Of his subject instead Of merely having
futile hints given to him.
"He will be sure Of his vocation,
whether it be that of artist, musician
or mechanic and he will be able TO
direct his mind toward one or more
interesting avocations," ended Mr..
Writ, the man who is making school
years count in the child's growth to
maturity. .--------.-