Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-01-31
Afternoon Session

The afternoon session was called to
order at O'Clock by Josiah ". Taylor,
who stated briefly hat the school prin-
cipals who had been decided upon for
the discussion of DR.. W. A. Small's
Thursday evening address were those
in whose schools there is a definite
physical educational program.
The discussion was opened by Prin-
cipal Ch..rles E. Preble of, Old Town.
who agreed with DR.. Sman's theses re-
garding a physical examination for all
pupils and also of the physical environ
ment of the pupils. The first, he
thought, would be the hardest to bring
about, but the second could be taken
care Of through the studies Of biology,
physiology and the like.
Principal E. r. Woodbury. OF Saco
was the next speaker called. He spoke
how the directors try to cooperate with
the parents in respect to the defects f
their children found through the exam
nations. He thought that as a result
of this work the Saco schools had a
better type of athlete, one with higher
ideals.
Principal L. H. Shibles Of Pennington
stated that three-minute breathing eX-
ercises were beneficial to pupil and
teacher alike and thought that Compel
tive games offered the solution to the
problem Of a physical program.
Superintendent Hamlin of Dexter told
of the physical program in the schools
under his supervision and told how the
physical directors made the pupils go
through their exercises and afterward
take shower bath. He stated that the
moral effect Of this shower was worth
all the work in the program.
Principal Fred ]. Nash Of Augusta
was next asked to give his views. He
told Of the physical examinations at
Cony High school which are followed
up by exercises which will over come
the defects found during the examine
ton. He said that he would appreciate
a concrete suggestion along these lines
| which he could put into effect.
DIR. ". A. Small was then called upon
and answered some OF the questions
| asked by the Principals. He spoke of
! the competency Of the average physician
| in the giving of physical examinations
to school pupils. stating that the phys
ical Interpretation that is put upon the
examination Of H-year-old young man
| is not the type that would be used for
| a younger boy. There will be a de-
mand. he said. in the coming years for
| a man with a special training as a
| physical examiner.
The war has shown that there are
| better things to do than the old ster-
eotyped program Of physical education
and within few years a practical diff
ference will be seen throughout the
country, a much more sensible program
| than heretofore.
DR.. A. o. Thomas then spoke on the
adaptation Of these suggestions to
, Maine schools. He said that the prin-
cipals should catalogue all the differ
ent things that can be done in indvid-
ual and group physical education. He
! explained that the towns and cities of
! Maine may employ. individually or col
lectively, a physical director and the
State will pay half of his salary He
also advocated that a school nurse be
| incorporated in the physical educational
| program, one that can give a diagnosis
| Of the simple childhood diseases and
look after the welfare of the children.
The remainder of the afternoon was
! taken up with group conferences.