KINDERGARTEN WORK

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 85, 11 April 1945, Page 3

KINDERGARTEN WORK

TOWN HALL DISPLAY FLORAL. CARPET DESIGN That there is keen appreciation in Auckland of the value of the kindergarten is shown by the continuous growth of the movement. It started in Auckland thirty years ago with a membership of two, now there are 20 operating, while five others are organised ready for opening when buildings and trained teachers are available. The progress of the association is due to the committee, who in each centre have undertaken the responsibility of equipping and maintaining the schools and who-have also provided a student centre where young teachers are trained by a staff of skilled lecturers. The value of the work of the kindergarten was one of the last realisations of the educationist, but the steady growth of the system is the best proof of its value, and the mothers are very appreciative of the early stimulus which the training gives to mental and physical development. The system provides play environment and purposeful activities in single aged groups, where under trained supervision the "under fives" are given the opportunity to use their hands, their eyes and their minds under conditions which make for healthy development. The associated mothers' clubs afford social life and opportunities for discussion of problems connected with the growth and development of their children, discussions which lead to a better understanding on their own part of the needs and the methods of training of their children. The work is not well known to the public, the appeals being generally of a local character. A wider appeal will be made to-morrow and on Thursday with the object of making the general public cognisant of the needs of the association. It will take the form of a display in the Town Hall, the central feature of which will be a floral carpet, which will be fashioned from many thousands of blooms from the paths and gardens of the city. Similar displays in the south for other purposes have aroused great interest, and it is anticipated that the Auckland effort will provide a brilliant spectacle of a kind not yet seen here. In addition a model kindergarten will be established in the hall and stalls.for work, produce and cakes will add to the attraction of the display, which will be opened by the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason.