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118
At one school, in the kindergarten section, each of the tiny
children has a little armchair and a table, which gives them ample
space for their free games, and in an attractive way they begin
their education.
History lessons afford scope for dramatic talent, though this
may lead to unusual developments, as the following incident shows.
A teacher in one of our infant schools was watching her class
at play, and found they were acting a story which represented
their last history lesson; so she was much pleased with their
originality and interest. On another occasion, the subject of the
game seemed unfamiliar, and on enquiry the teacher was told,
" Oh, we are playing C—,"alluding to a recent murder trial
which had attracted much popular interest, and which the children
must have heard discussed at home.
An interesting lesson is given on the laying of the tea
table and dinner table, and the manner to be observed at meal
time. The little scholars are taught how to speak to each other,
how to handle their food and to eat and drink. This seems a very
useful lesson, as, even if food be scanty, every child should be
taught to behave properly at table.
Nature study is encouraged in a most delightful way. Each
child is taught the steps in the growth of a plant, from the sowing
of the seed to the full development of the plant.
In one school, eggshells tinted in various colours are used
as flower pots; each child has its own 'pot," and the teacher
instructs how the seeds are to be sown. After this, the growth
is watched daily by the children, and thus they become familiar
with the laws of Nature.
In other schools, instruction is given in animal and bird life
by the school aviary or aquarium, where goldfish are kept; or, for
other lessons, the children sometimes bring their pets.