The Delta independent., 1921-09-09
Child Training
At Home
TEACHING THROUGH PLAY
(By MRS. c. w. SAXAGEl

tBy MRS. Z. w. SAVAGE)
Is there kindergarten in your COM
munity?
No? Then why not practice kinder
garten principles in your own home?
/ do not mean by this that you must
sit down and devote every second for
three hours to your children. But
teach your child while you are about
your work. Teach him through play.
Today play is considered a great
factor in education. "Play is the ex-
preston of awakening instincts"
Watch your little girl with her doll.
The doll is her baby and she is its
mother. Through this play she is de-
veloping the instinct of mother love-
Watch your little boy playing store or
fireman. He, too, is preparing for fu-
turc manhood. Let US then teach
through play.
1t is an acknowledged fact that the
kindergarten gives a child certain ad-
vantages, by cultivating self-confi-
dence, the power of observation, orig
inality of thought and other qualities.
Let us see if it is not possible for
the mother to develop similar char
acteristics at home.
First, self-confidence: If the child
asks to help with the dishes, make
the bed, or perform other little tasks,
do not be too busy to listen to the
request. Accept the offer of assist
ance with thanks, even if the work
takes longer or needs to be done over
Remember this is one of the ways of
developing self-confidence and help
fulness. Discouragement will not cul-
tivate self-confidence.
Second. ability to memorize and
think: Children love anything ryth-
mic, whether the words are under
stood or not Repeat or sing nursery
rhymes and jingles to the children.
Soon they will be repeating and sing
ing them after you. Find the time
during the day to read or tell them
stories. Every child loves a story,
especially If acted out
Third, love of nature: When out
for walks teach the children about the
trees, flowers, and birds. Nature can
be known and loved in the parks of
the city, as well as in the woods and
fields of the country And reading
nature stories supplements the first
hand knowledge the children are gain
ing, thus adding to their interest and
appreciation.
Fourth, observation: This can be
cultivated by giving child maya
zines, calling his attention to the diff
ferent pictures and pointing out every
detail Then as he studies for him
self, not one thing in a picture, no
matter how small, will escape his eye.
And he will become observant not
only of pictures, but Of everything
else about him.
Fifth, originality: With books, the
sandpile or plasticine (the latter can
be purchased at stores carrying school
supplies), child can be instructed in
the making of various objects. Soon
he will branch out for himself. doing
really creative work.
Sixth, cleanliness and orderliness:
A child should be commended Tor
picking up his toys when he has fin
ished his play, having it impressed
upon him that these toys are his re-
sponsibility. II notice is taken of his
clean face and hands before and after
meals, then constant reminding Will
not be necessary. Kind and gentle
appreciation is an inspiration. Fret
full criticism disheartens.
With my little two and half year
old daughter. / have followed the
kindergarten thought, including the
above suggestions. and the results
have been most successful.