KINDERGARTEN WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 64, 15 March 1919, Page 20

KINDERGARTEN WORK.

Chi Thursday evening, at the Myers ( Kindergarten, the annual distribution ;of diplomas took place. It is some- ■ times asked what the teachers do who i are dealing with the smallest of our • citizens. In the morning at nine o'clock ! the children are gathered up by the i teachers and students, and conducted ij across the dangerous tram-lines. These little tots of three and five are too little ;[to be independent and, careful as the , j motor-men are. it is etill dangerous for i these little mites to come alone. After i hate and coats are taken off, the teach- , ers arc helped by the children with their various duties, to inculcate self-help in their young minds. The teachers have : special individual work in conducting a nature or observation lesson, gardening, ; handwork (clay, paper, constructive), J bead threading, washing dusters, making jam or neones or bread, a trade lesson 'story, a saml play (generally geographical), building, and brushwork. All these have their own special virtues, but throughout the children arc developed . along natural lines, and thorough interest in their play. Some moral trait is also developed, such as control in keeping still for a short time, neatness and care, obedience, niceness to and consideration of others, helpfulness, lovp of nature and care of small things realisation of work of others, etc. The. child's : own ideas arc considered so that his own special interests and individuality may have scope, and he may be himself and express himself truly in his future life. When the bell rings for mid-session all material is put away by the children I however tiny. Milk and biscuits are brought out, and Riven to all. but no little fingers may touch until all is ready. A simple grace is said", and then all set I to. The reason for the wait is that control is taught. After this the children : carry awny th ( . empty plates, mugs and . jugs, dust the table," and then out for free play. The teachers have to be on the lookout to adjust little differences of opinion, and set the wheels froing smoothly again. To pick up the fallen, soothe the humped head, to guard against dangerous climbing, and tram lines, peel apples and oranges, and superintend the washing -up by some of the | small children. When 'the bell again rings, the children un to the tables to see what is in store for them. It may lie ail expedition to the lire station or a shop if trades are the programme, or do freely chosen handwork or construction work, and so develop further the chilli's nature abilitns and interests. The time for games has now arrived. All work is tidied away, and the children I assemble on the circle and play at being ■shoemakers, carpenters. housewives, i blacksmiths, linkers, and housework, to their great delight.