Mexico Missouri message., 1915-11-11

the CITY. One class OF DOyS was LOlu
to design cover for a tomato can
and because of the basis of practical
work in the design the results were
to me very attractive and much bet
ter than some cans that the grocer
sends to us. was so delighted
with this practical turn she gave her.
art pupils that 1 am tempted to in
corporae her ideas, especially since
/ was fortunate in taking a course in
designing at summer school at Co
lumbia.
Apropos of this subject, the next
morning was spent in a meeting
presided over by Miss Elizabeth
Shannon, now of Warrensburg Nor
NAL, formerly of Mexico and my be-
loved art teacher in my early high
school days. She is brimful of art.
Hearing her program and the
speakers she had provided showed
me that our grade schools are de-
fcient in art work. We have no su-
pervisor and some of us not having
an over-plus of knowledge of the
subject are letting good opporEu
| fn oh
be taught harmony of color, appro-
priateness of color in home interiors,
and of dress. and should be taught to
appreciate nature.
Friday afternoon we were enter
tanned at Convention Hall by the
children of Kansas City schools.
This was such a wonderful pro-
gram to me that 1 could do nothing
but gaze and applaud. The purpose
of the program was to show us how
they play. The large floor was
divided by lines into squares and
divisions similar to their actual play
ground. The children marched to
the music of the school orchestra,
each to his own division. At whis-
tie from the supervisor play began.
One group of girls played basket
ball, another volley ball, another
hand tennis; boys did likewise,
some playing on bars an gymnasium
apparatus. All stopped instantly at
the whistle, formed into lines and
marched out. This was supervised
play, thing greatly needed in many
schools, even in Mexico 1t gives
every child active exercise in the
open, teaches them fairness and the
rights of others, also to stay where
they belong. The lesson in precision
surely is valuable.
Another group came out 40 at
least, and marching in perfect order,
took places for dumb bell exercise.
Another group executed an Indian
club drill, another illustrated the
Maypole and folk dance. Aall was
done like clock work and the chill
dren seemed to enjoy it and do it
with such vim Could 1 foresee a
playground possibility and it is
easily possible) for Mexico, we
would have better results indoors,
more actual thinking and more
obedient and tractable children
We have to spend too much time
keeping children out at recess, keep
ing them awake-alert and attentive
in class. Our children should have
opportunity to learn how to play,
have a place to play, and encour-
agement from teachers to play at
recesses.
Mary Antin, author of "The
Promised Land, gave an address
Saturday morning that made a
best-for-the-last close to our intel
lectual treats. I wanted to tell you
some of the things she said but 1
haven't mentioned the night sessions,
filled with fine music and splendid
addresses, nor told you of any of
the people l met. There will be
space now for only the latter.
All of the Mcmillan class of 'oS
will be pleased to hear of Professor
Mark Skidmore, history teacher at
! aEoNFfHIan ,,opug,d