New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1925-11-18


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one with another are more freauen
and broader school spirit Is devel
oped,
Auditorium work, where the chill
dren meet and work with othe
groups than those with whom they
are In daily contact In their indi
Vldual rooms, adds considerable In,
teFest TO their school days, and work
In the gymnasium Is always welcome
to young people, and in addition &c
carrying out the mandates of the
state requiring that children have
physical education during a certain
portion OF their school day, 1t pro-
yides a joyful diversifcation.
Contrary to the opinion of
some who have been impressed by
the Introduction of new subjects
into the curriculum, but who have
not made a personal investigation
as TO how these subjects are
handled In connection with the
other work, the essential three RS
are not neglected in the school
work OF today. They have their
proper place occupying more than
half OF all the school time. The re-
suits Of present teaching methods
in the three RS are carefully
checked and measured by modern
methods and 1t can be said very
definitely that these branches are
being given full justice in the work
Of the schools. This is absolutely
essential since they constitute the
foundation of n good education.
THE primary school days of the
children. however. are enriched
and new interest awakened by the
teaching Of art, and their interest
in outside reading Is stimulated by
training under skilled library
teachers who introduce their young
minds to the stores OF knowledge
and wholesome recreation to be
found within the covers of good
books, other than the regular text
books.
1900 In Primary Grades
I've have In the primary grade
schools comprising the first TO the
sixth grades inclusive, about 1900
children.
ASIDE from the regular work of
a primary nature which is being
done, the presence among our
school population of forcing speak
Ing children who come to this
country at an age when it would
be dull and uninteresting for them
to begin in the lower grades with
children much younger, makes it
necessary for US to maintain special
classes in which smaller groups
are given individual attention,
based upon their previous educa-
ton and training. Tie process of
teaching them English is quicken
ed and they are more speedily adj
vanced TO their proper grade in the
schools. This is not only very
greatly to the advantage OF the
children, but is also economical,
for there is a definite yearly cost
for each child in our schools and
every year saved in advancing the
child effects a saving in operating
cost to the city.
I'VE also have classes for atypi-
cal children. Those who for one
reason or another do not seem
fitted 10 absorb the work OF the
regular class room and who have
to be treated more on an individual
basis. With some of Them there is
small prospect Of their mastering
the regular branches of study, but
there are activities for which they
show an aptitude and it is our aim
to develop, as far as possible. such
abilities as they have.
I'VE have open-nir classes for
children whose physical condition
is such that they cannot be treated
as normal school children. For
them We provide under a trained
dietitian, nourishing food and
drink at certain times Of the day.
They are also provided with cots,
sleeping bags, and they are re-
CURED to recline and rest at regu-
lar periods, and being taught in
small groups, they arc given a
regular school training under
special teachers with the least pos
siblc wear and tear on their fral
bodies While the cost per pupil Of
these classes is high, it must be re-
membcred that what we would cx-
pend on the education OF a child
would be absolutely wasted If the
child's health should break down
and prevent him from being a use
full member OF society. 1t is better
that We should handle him accord
ing 70 special needs, even though il
costs a little more money, and
help to restore bodily ligor at the
same time that we provide an edu-
cation.
Class For Scml-Blind
"A recent survey by state agents
disclosed the fact that We had
among our school children group
of pupils whose cycsight vas so
poor that they could not derive
much hcncfit from attendance at
school in 'hc regular classes. While
they might be housed with other pu-
pills and go along with them after Il
fashion, they we're not getting the
null benefit of their school time, be-
cause the work of the regular school
room is designed for normal chill
dren With normal faculties 1t SEEM
cd 10 US that il there is any group
in the whole system which is entitled
10 particular attention, 1t is a group
which, though mentally bright, is
naturally Handicapped, and we have
therefore sot up new class for
semi-hlind children in the Walnut
Hin school Teaching methods will
be adapted 10 their particular needs
and thereby. their school life will
be made plcasanter and the advan-