The Elbert County tribune., 1919-02-21
NATeRE-sTUDY FOR CHILDREN
BY MRS. BERTHA LEWIS.

We are all aware that for some
years past there has been an ever-in
,creasing demand among etftfsators for
a better understanding of things from
the things themselves by actual ex-
perience, instead of merely through
book knowledge
Songs aud other stories about na-
ture, for instance. though they are
very necessary and a very beautiful
part Of the work with children. are
not natWestudy but merely means
of emphasizing the things which have
been observed by the child. and of aid
ing him to express his thoughts of
these things in simple, beautiful Ian.
guage. motion and rhythm. Each new
song or story about the object under
observation, is the opening OF new
door into the world of nature and
should lead 10 fresh observations.
There is nothing more dead to n
child than a preserved specimen. Ma
ture-study deals with life, and life APP
peals to the vitality In the child. II a
specimen is used. be sure 1t is live
one or a good picture (the preserved
specimen should be the result of the
lesson. not the basis of ~.
We live IN n world OF living nature.
What do we know of the grass under
our feet the trees of forest and plain.
the insects whose apartment houses
.fill the dead twigs, the birds which
nest I'm the woods and fill the world
with music. the stars overhead. clouds.
rain. hail. wind, mist. dew. or the
sun which shines over all7 The study
of nature has to do with living things.
or things that are doing something.
The stars are twinkling and making
light. The snowflakes are falling.
making patterns and bringing us mes
sages from fairyland.
About Birds and Animals. D
The birds are hopping. flying. sing
Ing. building nests, laying eggs and
feeding their young. The worms are
crawling and plowing the ground and
so helping 10 make things grow. Pussy
Is our pet; she is good company and
will play with us and purr when
happy. The dog is our, friend; he
guards the house Mt night and will
run, jump and do tricks for us, bark,
growl. howl and scratch. His body
must be made strong so he can chase
away his enemies or ours. jump for
his food. bark for joy. growl when
danger Is near. and scratch to dig
holes in which to bury his bones. Why
is his nose so pointed and why are
his eyes so far bnckY Where does
he live? How many legs, ears and
eyes has he?
The fruit. vegetables and flowers
are all growing and vnri-coIored Tile
fruit and vegetables are good to ent
and help MS grow. The flowers ar,
fragrant and s;eautIful.
Nature-study viii help the child tc
make simple. trushful observations
upon the things about him. to appre,
ciaie the beautiful In them. and to
express his thoughts in Ms various
activities.
The habit Of accurate observation is
very important. Some authority has
said that, there are few errors which
arise from wilfuIness, compared tc
those which arise from want of care
and exactness In noticing things quite
easily noticeable.
How to Teach.
IN the study of nature:
/. DO not try To teach too much In
one lesson.
.. Let the child examine the object
If possible.
3. Lead them to notice first the char.
acteristic features and qualities OF
Whatever is under discussion.
4. Remember that children are
more Interested, in what things dc
than In their form.
Let the child examine d little plant
seed-root and all. Lead him to oh.
serve That II sdoes something; 1,
pushes iis roots down and its stem up
it eats. and drinks. brea,hes. sleep,
and wakes.
II mikes things: Leaves and dow
ers. seed and fruits. Incidentally. no
tice the form and color that these
activities give to each Individual plnnt
Nninre-study need not be dull OF
dIfiicnit; II provides plenty OF life ant
aciion. 1t is mostly our own Interest
ilNt Is dead. or our senses that neec
quickenng
Grasp few fundamental principle.
and narure-study in the home. in tn,
kindergarten and In the school vii
become the children's delight, tn.
rcncheT's friend. and occupation foI
The nursery TO help start the young
sicrs in busy work as well as a dnii,
delight when walking out.