Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1919-07-26
KINDERGARTEN HELPS
FOR PARENTS
LittIest Child Not too Young
To Be Taught eIf-Reliancs.
(By Helen CampbeIl)

(By Helen CampbeT)
School had opened in the district,
and all through an exciting day. all
varieties Of the four-year-old, accom-
panied by all types of the mother,
were applying for ADMISSION.
Mary's mother, of calm, firm, but
gentle bearing. stepped forward and,
the duty of registration properly full
filled, presented her little daughter.
Mary possessed the same calm manner
as her mother and in addition strange
childlike dignity and poise of her own.
Her two little bright eyes bespoke
thought and understanding as she
stood there on the alert for every ques-
ton, at times even assuming the re-
sponsibility of the conversation her
self. She had been carefully prepar-
ed by her mother for this new period
Of development and so could face it
without fear. Therefore, it was no
surprise to us to hear her mother say
at the conclusion of her visit: MARY
can take off her coat and wait upon
herself. She will not cry, for | ex-
planned to her that she was coming to
school and what she would have to do.
She is a great help to me at home, and
| am sure will give you no trouble"
Then, turning to Mary, she waved
. goodby, dear, and Mary, smiling
with satisfaction, sat down in her little
chair.
We were not allowed to waste much
time with Mary just then, for suddenly
there was a great pushing to the front
and hurried childish sounds Of, I'm
4 years old, I'm waxinated, | live at
538 East. My fathers name is Jim
my and he's dead, and | want to come
to school every dayI Now can have
a little chaira Can | play with your
balls. and make houses with blocks,
and sew cards and bring home things
every day like all the other boys that
go to the kindergarten" When Jimmie
stopped to catch his breath. fully re-
allied that be had made up his mind
to come to school, and that, indeed,
he was quite ready to do so. When
asked where his mother was, he said,
"She's home, and my big brother he
goes upstairs in this school, but | come
all alone by myself"
Yes, Jimmie, the youngest of nine.
entered school alone, but full of en-
thusiasm and ambition, with a brain
eager for stories and games. and with
hands that wanted to work, to learn.
and to do. Fate had seemed unkind
to him, but although a victim of rough
circumstances, he had developed for
tunately and accidentally in the right
direction. He turned out to be most
interesting pupil in the classroom and
soon became an obedient. law-abiding
child.
Two big, blue sleepy eyes, mounted
in a great wonderful head, supported
by the stockiest of frames, these were
the striking characteristics Of HE next
little fellow that stood before me. A
poor. indulgent mother held his hat IN
one hand and his apple in the other,
together with penny to give him
when he cried and basket of cakes
for fear he might be hungry. As she
pushed her son toward me she gave
his name as Joseph Carlson.
Good morning, Joseph. Are you
glad you can come to schooIa" No
movement of the eyes or face: no
sign Of comprehension. He doesn't
like to talk very much, his mother
answered. Then his cake fell to the
floor, and when asked him to see
# he was big enough to pick it up,
again it was the mother who replied.
''He doesn't ever do anything like
that. and she stopped and picked the
cake up herself.
Her mission OF registration over,
Mrs. Carlson started to go, but sud-
denly returned to make these feble re-
marks: you know. teacher. he is four
years old, but he isn't any good to
himself. have to do everything fol
him. and if don't he cries. | know
pet him too much, but try him and
see if you can teach him anything.
can't.
Joseph looked impervious to know
ledge, but ! had no reason to antici
pate that he would prove at all trouble.
some. Goodbye. be a good boy,
. called his mother from the door. Fol
the first time Joseph demonstrated tina
he r,oesaseaJ come sanee of what wa,