The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1921-09-29
aims and PURPOSES
OF KINDERGARTEN
THE CHILD'S STEPPING STONE
FROM THE HOME TO THE
GRADED SCHOOL.

AS there seems to be a great deal
of misunderstanding as to just what
the kindergarten is and what it seeks
to accomplish, we have thought it best
to set forth for the benefit of those
who wish to patrnDize the first effort
at a kindergarten in Kingstree the
fundamental principles of the Froebel
kindergarten system. The kindergar-
ten is not in any sense a primary
school. It does not attempt to teach
the child letters and numbers, but
rather to develop his capacity for
learning so that he is in better condi-
ton to take up regular school work
when he is old enough. The tender
years under six are not those when the
child should be taxed with memory
work, but his normal activities may
be directed along lines that will de-
velop his natural abilities. The kim
dergarten forms bond between home
and school. It considers the whole
nature of the child-physical, mental
and moral, and gives chance for ex-
ercise, training and growth. It's aim
is to develop human power, by teach
ing the child to obey promptly, to con-
centrate and to carry ideas into effec-
tive motion. kindergarten furnishes
background for the formal study Of
reading, writing and arithmetic. 1t
promotes the happiness of children
and stimulates such activities as are
based on instincts, as building, seek
ing playmates and organizing games,
constructive play in sand, sef-expres-
sion, singing, listening to and telling
stories.
kindergarten is the stepping stone
from home to school. both in work
and play. Homework is repeated on
larger scale, and one life rather than
symbols is dealt with. 1t prepares
indirectly for reading through talks,
songs and stories. The kindergarten
pupil is taught only the best in litera-
ture, given him in such form as To
be attractive to him and to cultivate
in him a love only for good reading.
He is taught the appreciation of the
beautiful, which is an asset in the life
of any one. Only good art and good
music will be tolerated in the kinder
garten. Color and form are taught
and neatness and orderliness instilled.
Writing is easier for the child who
has been to kindergarten because
he has been taught muscular control
through the handling of crayon, brush
and scissors. Geography is prepared
for by the stories of other lands and
peoples that the child hears and takes
part in.
In our little kindergarten We intend
to lay special stress on healthy bodies,
turning the child's attention to the
thought of what sort of food is best
for him, and especially the use OF
milk. We will ask Zach mother to
send us the weight of each child the
first of every month and the kinder
earten honor roll will be made up of
those who gain regularly, as well as
those who are neat and obedient about
their work.
Each pupil is requested to bring a
small sraight chair, and will be ex-
pected to furnish in addition his or
her own scissors and crayons. These,
however, will be ordered wholesale,
and will be on hand for each child at
the cost of twenty cents for the two
articles. Other than this no equip
ment is necessary. The allotted twen-
ty-five names have already been re-
ceived, but as one or two vacancies
have occurred, those who have applied
late can probably be Accommodated.
kindergarten will open when the
first grade is allowed to 60 back to
school, which is Ostober 8, unless un-
foreseen complications arise.
MRS. LOUIS w. GILLAND,
Spc T w cWITTENRERC