FREE KINDERGARTENS.

Evening Star, Issue 19044, 12 September 1925, Page 6

FREE KINDERGARTENS.

In Frcohrl’s system the view is expressed that the duty of a teacher consists in clearing the way for Nature to do her proper work, to stimulate and direct the child’s activity without in any way interfering with it. Frocbol believed that children should be allowed to develop naturally, in happy and harmonious surroundings, and with trained guides ami helpers to safeguard the natural process. In the kindergarten schools these theories are put into practice, with beneficial results. Dunedin early recognised the value of this method of training very young children. The Free Kindergarten Association in this city was founded in 1888, and for thirty-seven years enthusiastic bodies of ladies have worked bard and successfully to keep the various schools in a state of efficiency. The ideals of the propounder of the system have been kept in the forefront, and what . has been achieved should commend itself to the thoughtful citizen. One aim of the Free Kindergarten Association has been to relievo overworked mothers of the care of their little ones during the busy morning hours, and efforts arc made to encourage the formation of habits indispensable to good citizenship. Those include observation, cleanliness, method, thoughtfulness, and consideration for others. Caro is taken to see that no strain is imposed on the children, play with method being an essential part of the system. When those things are considered it can hardly be disputed that the training received at the kindergartens is a rational way of preparing the children for tho work that awaits them on entering tho primary school. Connected with tho kindergartens are mothers* clubs, meetings being held for mutual benefit and for the discussion of questions relating to tho .health and well-being of tho children. There are five free kindergartens under the Dunedin association, and more would be established wore the means forthcoming. It is felt strongly that, tho system having proved its usefulness in tho community, tho time has arrived for its extension, and it is tho desire of the association that the Government should link up the kindergartens with tho public school system, so that all tho children might ha the benefit of the training. So far the Government has assisted the movement by an annual grant to the free kindergartens based on the average attendance. Tho greater part of the money required for tho upkeep of the schools lias io be raised locally by the committee. In this it is assisted by committees of ladies, by the parents of the children, by an annual grant from tho City Council, and by a donation from tho Rugby Football Union. The. expenses of the association are heavy, and money is urgently needed. The committee, therefore, has decided to appeal to the public by a street collection and sale next week. Twice before tho Kindergarten Association lias approached the people of Dunedin in this way, and on each occasion about £-.'oo was subscribed. This generous response was an indication that the mcioty’s work is appreciated, and it may ho expected that next week’s effort will bo no Jess successful.