Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-09-24
The KlNpERsABIEN.

The kindergarten is based OH the
recognized law that a human being
is unit and that the first step in
sound education is the uniiication
OF his powers. We must not look
on the child as having i body 10 be
developed separately and mind to
be trained Independently of his
body, and a soul. or moral faculty.
to be awakened independently of
either, but that each of these pow
ers is lnterdependent. and that the
best education comes through their
progressive development in har-
monN. AS educators have pointed
out in support of manual training;
that is, education of the body, train
ing TO cut to a line is training in
the power TO think clearly. When
The nervous system is so trained
that 1t enables its posscssor to ex-
press an idea in an accurate, con-
crete form, as, for example. to make
a good picture or a good written
letter, ii has prepared the mind TO
think twice two is four" or to
to form moral Judgement.
The three R's-rcading. writing
and arlthmctic-are not taught in
Kindergarten. No books arc used
nor is blackboard work in these
studies given. But the child's ncrv.
Gus system, and especially the low.
er nerve centerS, arc thaincd by d
definitely planned system of ply
steal education along the lines OF
OF least resistance. that of his nat.
ural pleasures and activities TO OK.
preston of simple universal idea.
IN large physical forms.
The kindergarten child build.
With blocks, constructing simple
and accurate forms from objects OF
MS daily, experience, following IN
organized plan of the director, yet
with frequent opportunity for orig
lnal expression. His natural love
for building is thus utalizcd for edu
catlonal ends. He paints in sim.
pie color from natural objects, us.
ing broad stroakcs, no attempt be.
ing made primarily to teach the
principles of drawing, but boldncSs
and freedom of expression being
encouraged. This has long been
recognized by educators as one of
the best mediums Of sclf-cXprcSSion
and one of the first steps in real
educaiion--thc development from
within of the power and personal
lty of the individual. He moulds
in clay other objects of his daily
experience. AT the sand table, he
has opportunity for free play in Il
material children love. and at the
same time, his energy and liking
are directed 10 4 rudimcntary know
ledge of geography. In the games
and songs and rhythm exercises on
The circle. his muscles are co-or-
dlnatcd surplus energy is intclli-
gently released, physical balance
preserved. The educational power
OF music, recognized prc-rnincnt-
~. by ancient Greek. is given its
due place in the physical, mental
and moral development of the kim
dcrGartcn child. as nowhere else
IN modern education. With his
teacher and playmates, he enjoys
excursions to the country and open,
Ill which his love of nature .stim,l-
lated by the songs and plays of the
kindergarten circle. is decpcned BY
intelligent direction 10 those OBJ
Jccts of his love and interest that
are all about him.
rms is. in part. the kind of
study which the kindcrgarten
provides. This article is intended
to emphasize more particularly thc
physical sile. The moral training
which is second to none. will be
discussed in latter article.