Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-02-27
Mentally Fit.

Mentally Fit.
There is much more taught in the
schools than appears in the schoo!
books. OF prime importance Is the
emotional atmosphere OF the school,
room, which is what the teacher makes
1t. Here are 10 pointers taken from
little book with great wisdom. It's
author is Prof. Stratton of California
/. There are two kinds Of emotions,
those that add to your strength, Hike
cheer, confidence, good will, and those
that are needed to check and direct the
go-ahead emotions by keeping them on
the right track. like fear, shame, sor-
row. These emotions, though for the
moment they make you quiet and lower
your energy. are good for short time
and to Offset the others. They give
balance to your personality. The
strengthening emotions are for long
and steady use. These the child should
cultivate, and they will be naturally
strong in childhood.
2. Good emotions wait upon good
conditions OF health, proper food. vigor-
Gus exercise. some real work much real
play and abundant sleep. The natural
cheer of children will flourish when
given this soil 10 grow in.
3. A happy teacher makes happy
pupils: an irritable teacher makes rest
less and troubled ones. Children catch
the emotions of those about them.
They feel the good will and interest
Of the teacher or the lack Of 1t.
4. Besides example children respond
to admiration, confidence, affection.
xHft1n % <
pride in the teacher is good for both.
Trust children as far as you can and
make 1t plain to them that you do SO.
S. The surroundings help the emo
tons, Simple. bright. cheerful walls.
pictures. flowers and pleasant out
look. This gives the KEY 10 the tone
Of occupation. Let children feel that
their surroundings are worth carlns
about.
s. Let there be much that is don
for the JOY OF doing it. with lttl'
though of profit, such as songs, music
stories, plays Right pleasures ar
right appreciations are worth as much
as right knowledge. All this helps II
building right human relations.
Z. Keep the imagination alive. Fairy
tales that show how the hunchbacS or
the besgar may be prince. and that
&iiat UitC 10 at tlCAtS NOAkitS
appearance. tell story besides the
main plot These are lessons in human
values. Manners and courteSies carry
meaning beyond the form; that is
another lesson in human values.
8. Let every child do something In
the way of art: sing, draw. design,
build. take part. however poorly. 10
get the feel of that side Of expression.
In play give the gay part 10 the shy
child. and the serious part 10 the merry
one. to let them get new experiences O.
emotion All this leads 10 appreciation.
Q. Make q habit of free emotions, 81
that the emotional nature grows strong
and ready 10 respond, Restraints and
shyness and going OF by ones self
are sure 20 be too readily used unless
the child's emotions are trained the
other way. Such silent habits will off,
set frowns and pouts. make for laughter
and smiles. There must be frequent
times TO unbend 10 the Joy Of school life
10. In dealing with children. con-
slider the temperament OF the child III
friendship let each associate with an
other who has what he lacks. supple
ment the play conradeship with that
Of the school
Such hints make clear that school
means more than lessons. and the