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Fear is considered the fundamental cause of stammering,
its effect being apparent, mentally, in the stammerers' negative
habit of thought and physically in their persistent muscular
tenseness. Treatment is directed along these lines.
Relaxation is consciously practised, and, relieved of all
physical and mental tension, the children find they are able to
speak without effort. Continued practice in this way leads to
the gradual acquisition of habits of relaxation and selfconfidence.
I am indebted to Miss Crickmay and Miss Gardner for the
above particulars of the year's work.
9. OPEN AIR EDUCATION.
There are no Day Open-Air Schools nor Residential OpenAir
Schools in Wimbledon. Where circumstances permit in the
summer months some of the classes in the schools are conducted
in the open air.
Another holiday Camp was arranged during the year by the
Wimbledon Rotary Club. 21 boys from various Elementary
Schools in the district were selected and sent away to Swanage
for two weeks. The children were weighed and medically examined
before leaving Wimbledon. Besides having a very enjoyable
holiday the boys improved considerably in health.
Holiday Camps are greatly appreciated by the children.
Apart from the almost invariable improvement in health
which occurs, the change of environment is associated with considerable
educational value.
10. PHYSICAL TRAINING.
Physical exercises and organised games are carried out in
all the schools, the instruction being given by the class teachers
on the lines laid down in the syllabus issued by the Board of
Education.
Swimming instruction is given at the Wimbledon Corporation
Baths to children over ten years of age. The children attend
once a week and the instruction is given by the class teachers.
The cost of admission to the Baths is twopence for each child and
this is paid by the Education Committee. Where swimming is
considered inadvisable for a child on medical grounds, such as
disease of the ears or heart, the Head Teacher is notified
accordingly by the School Medical Department.
11. PROVISION OF MEALS.
Meals are provided mid-day by the Education Committee
for the children attending the Special School. A good hot
lunch is served. The quality of the food is excellent and the
majority of the children remain for this meal.
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