The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1922-03-02
PARENTS AS EDUCATORS

Lessons in Mother Natures Kinder
garten by Mary Francis Davis.
"The Child's First School Is the
Family. ."-Froebel.
Issued by the National Kindergar-
ten Association, West 40th Street,
New York City. These articles are
appearing weekly in our columns.
One Of the greatest privileges which
a mother can enjoy is awakening and
developing love Of nature in her
children. This can be done by devot-
ing a small amount Of time each day
to the concentrated observation Of
flowers, trees, birds, clouds, snow and
other beautiful offerings Of nature
Mother Nature herself will outline the
yearly program to be followed.
During the winter months, when
much time is spent indoors, the hours
may be improved by telling stories Of
animals, birds, ants, and bees, and
showing pictures Of these useful
friends. There are many interesting
things to be seen outdoors on winter
walks. 1t is easy then, when trees
are bare, for children to learn to rec
ognize them by their barks. This Is
good time to discover and examine
nests which the birds deserted when
Jack Frost told them to fly to the
warm Southland. When snow comes,
catch some hard dry flakes on a slate,
and let the children examine the beau
tiful crystals. Speak Of the snow as
soft, white blanket covering the tiny
seeds which are down in the ground,
waiting to grow.
Then comes Spring with her help
ers, the March winds, the April show
ers, and the warm sunshine. Th
children can be outdoors more at this
time, and loye to romp with the strong
March wind, which is sweeping and
blowing the dead leaves about. Watch
for the first wee green shoots as they
peep through the ground, followed
soon by crocuses, daffodils, bloodroot
and the tiny woods flowers. II is a
great Joy TO be able to take children
for walks in the woods at this season.
but the little city boys and girls need
not be denied the fun Of seeing the
little seeds awake. Try this interest
ing experiment.
Give each child a sponge, and have
him moisten il and place il in saucer
in a sunny window. Then sprinkle It
full Of ordinary mixed grass seed or.
If you keep a canary, and have bird
seed, use that. Do not tell the child
what will happen, but let him watch
for the changes that will come. Bring
pussy willow stalks, and branches
from other bushes into a warm, sunny
room, and observe the budding Of the
flowers and leaves.
Lead your little children TO think
Of the April rains as kind helpers, and
repeat to them "Come listen 10 the
pitter patter Of the April showers"
In these verses we have the thought
Of the April showers bringing out the
sweet May flowers.
As the Spring and Summer birds
and flowers come, tell the children
their correct names. II is splendid
plan 10 collect pictures Of familiar
birds and flowers, and paste them in
scrap-b books on rainy summer days.
These books will help the children 70
remember their summer friends when
Jack Frost and winter come again.
AS autumn comes on, notice the
party dress Of gold and red which the
leaves put on, and watch the flowers
change. Many seeds are falling fros
the flowers and trees 10 the ground.
Then the autumn leaves fiutter down
and warmly cover the little seeds.
which are ready for long sleep, after
their happy summer Notice that
most Of the birds have gone. the squir-
rcls have finished gathering their nuts,
and are staying in their warm hollow
trees, and the little woods animals
have found cory nooln f0r their long
eiuter maps Watch f9F the first sigma
y frost o. the grass and ioe on the
8uddles. Then with The first snowfal,
ainter has surely come. and our cycle
y the seasons is cowpiete-
In addition 70 the physical benefits
gained b. spending more time out
i0ors. children wii gain a broader
q the processes of
Saburefn these lessons. and more inn
Dortant a new bond of sympathy and
Interest VII be formed between the
mother ard her little ones