THE OPEN-AIR SCHOOL

Northern Advocate, 21 May 1929, Page 4

THE OPEN-AIR SCHOOL

The presence in Whan gar ci of the j organiser of the Open-air School League has served to direct attention to a movement which lias grown rapidly during recent years. The value of fresh air and sunshine as essential ingredients of the food of young and old, but particularly children, is now almost universally recognised. There remain, it is true, some who regard as faddists or fanatics people who urge the adoption of open air life during the whole twenty four hours of the day, tout there are few who do not fall in line with those who endeavour’ to secure for children a greater amount of fresh air and sunshine than was enjoyed by the young people of a past generation. Sir Triiby King's advocacy of the open air in the treatment of infants was largely responsible for the institution of the Plunket system, Which has been productive of so much benefit to mothers and children. Today children live—and sleep ■ —iu the open air to an extent which would have alarmed parents only a few years ago. The success of this treatment has given rise to the movement in favour of open-air schools, which are now to be found in various parts of the British Empire, including jSTew Zealand. These schools consist of separate bungalows, the sides of which are movable, thus allowing children- to work practically in the open air. The walls arc moved according to the direction and force of the wind, so that two or three sides of the building are always open. In this way sun and air have free play, to the benefit of the pupils. The Open Air Schools League does not urge the demolition of existing .school buildings, but is endeavouring to so mould public opinion that all now schools and additions shall be of the open air type. The movement is one which must commend itself to parents.