The Republican., 1925-12-03

IN meeting OF our own ASSocIa-
ton this winter, the County Superin-
tendent spoke on the equalization
fund, explaining what it is and what
it means to the schools of this county,
and thereby developed more coop
erative and sympathetic spirit among
the taxpayers Of the community.
Again, the arent-Teacher Associ-
alton can cooperate with the super
intendent in promoting publicity.
Members of known ability may be
selected to write for publication items
which deserve publicity. Such a
group can also secure agencies of
publicity not always open to super
intendent, for newspapers, journals,
etc, are likely to be more easily Sc
cured if we'll organized group re-
quest such publicity. Members may
Individually disseminate data and
help to counteract unfavorable opin-
ion as well as help build up a con-
strucive, favorable sentiment.
With the advent of an Association,
one can soon notice an improvement
in the phyical condition of the chill
dren of the neighborhood. 1t is sur
prising and almost inconceivable, but
nevertheless it remains a fact, that
but a small percentage of the par
ents either understand or comply
with the fundamental laws of health
in the rearing of their children. By
discussing in their meetings the var
ious things related to the health of
the child, such as proper
food, hours of sleep, care of teeth,
eyes. etc, and by emphasizing the
Importance of good health, both the
parents and teachers begin to take a
greater interest in the physical wei
fare of the child.
1t can further help the physical de-
velopment of the child by improving
the sanitary conditions both at school
and at home. For instance, our AS
sociation, through cooperation with
the School Board, raised the neces-
sary funds for installing sanitary
drinking fountains and wash basins.
This brought about a favorable reac-
tion in the homes almost Immediately.
for it caused many of the parents to
examine their homes and surround
ings for unsanitary conditions and it
started an almost COMMUNICATIVE in
terest in the improvement of SANTA
ton
In those things pertaining to the
mental welfare Of the child. the As
sociation may take an active inter
est Slowly, step by step, it can clear
up the misunderstanding which eX-
ist between the school and the home.
Thus it secures the cooperation of
the parents and teachers in develop
ing to the fullest extent the mental
powers of the child. For example,
the subject of home study could be
discussed, thus making it clear to the
parents why it is not necessary for
the children in the grades to study at
home, while it is very important that
high school students have a very
quiet place for two or three hours of
uninterrupted study every night.
The teacher of English, whether
in the grades or the high school, finds
many children who have learned to
use such expressions as "wy," "wen,"
"ain't," this here" and many other
forms not approved by the best usage.
She will also find many incorrect pro
nunciations and spellings. Inasmuch
as the better forms can be secured
only by eliminating the inferior usa-
ges and building up habits of using
the better, she often finds the task
well-nigh impossible. Here is where
the Parent-Teacher group may func-
ton. The teacher can explain the
situation and appeal for cooperation,
and if pupil. parent and teacher CO.
operate the work of teaching English
will be greatly facilitated.
To learn through a study of the
child's nature the laws governing his
development is the cruX Of the whole
matter The ignorance of parents
concerning the laws controlling the
child's moral development is more
colossal than their ignorance of the
laws of health. At meetings of the
Association the great underlying laws
of the child's nature as relative to his
spiritual development may be taken
up and considered
Some topics that have peen dis
cussed in various Associations are
"The Mistakes Of a Father l Knew"
"The Fine Art of Making q Child
Bad" THE Building of a Citizen"
and many otLers Of similar import
Wholesoma amusements as related
to morals IS q subject that every
member Of the Association viii be in.
terested in. BY discussing the value
Of play and by introducing in the
schnol and home Games that teach