Weekly journal-miner., 1916-03-15
Rural School Entertainments.

Rural School Entertainments.
 More and more we are realizing that the teachers mission reaches far beyond the mere teaching of text book facts. She must instill deeper truths. by her life, influence and character, and in this great task, should cooperate with the parents.
 Suppose two wcavers work on the same piece of tapestry. They weave alternately, neither knowing the others design or color scheme, and each seeing only his own work. What will the finished production be? | When two of the greatest forces in the moulding of child's life are the home and the school, should not ev- cry opportunity for the parent and teacher to come in touch with one another be improved:
 The school should be a social cen ter. especially in some of Arizona's rural sections having neither hall nor church. It may be very difficult 10. the rural teacher to call in the home Of every pupil. though l believe she should make the effort. The school entertainment renders great service in bringing parents, pupil and teacher together Fond parents love to see their children perform. and will re- spond to that appeal wiicn all others fail.
 The question arises as to what kinds Of entertainments arc best. l believe their character should be vari- cd to avoid naming ci interest. ] am suggesting some plans which may prove helpful.
 A few weeks after tic opening ol school, it is well to have some sor; O. informal gathering. in the nature ot getting acquainted affair, preSup' posing the teacher is a newcomer. The preparation need not be at all | laborious for the teacher. It IS very easy to pick out children for solos. iduets. trios and chorrses. selecteG from the regular school songs. These with a few bright recitations. and ii practicable, using some of the avail able home talent outside the school, make an effective program. A con cert recitation of some poem or mem ory gem may be used at this time. ! Following the program some interest 1 ing well planned games may be play ed. Do not allow suspicion of "what shall WE do next?" to enter into the evening. Plan more than you deem necessary, that there may | be no drag. Use games that all can play. If the teacher is jolly and vivacious. she can get everyone into the swing of things" Obviously she should have few personal words with everyone present. The mothers, I think. will be willing 10 help furnish light refreshments.
 Then comes the Christmas celebra' ton. believe that every child in the school should have part on this oc- casion. For the wee ones. songs, bright rccitations and simple drills are good. II is not so much the reel tations (though they should all be bright and carefully sclectcd or the fine singing. but the charm of the child himself that attracts at this age. Simple and effective little drills by first and second grades are almost al ways pleasing. \ short operctta or playcttc often interests the older boys and girls. who are far too mature for speaking pieces and the audience is almost always enthusiastic over such performances especially when their boys and girls form the cast. \ ! Christmas tree may be practicable in some places and not at all SO in oth- 3 CTS. Prevailing conditions must de eide this question.
 There is ample time for one or two entertainments between Christmas and the closing exercises of school.