BACKWARD CHILDREN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18694, 28 April 1924, Page 9

BACKWARD CHILDREN.

NEW EDUCATION METHOD. SUCCESS AT AUCKLAND. SPECIAL CLASS AT EDENDALE. The special educational training of subnormal children, which is reported to have been successfully inaugurated in Queensland, has been in operation in Auckland for some time, and most satisfactory results have been obtained. The Edendale School Committee some two years ago approached the Education Board with a view to having established ! a special class for the instruction of back- I ward children. It was not, however, j until the opening of the Koulia; Junior High School that the necessary accommodation of the Edendale. school could' ' be found. Representations to the Direc- ! tor of Education, Mr. J. Caughley, resulted in the school being given a special teacher and a room set apart. Miss Barlow, one of the teachers sent from England under the exchange of teachers system, was given charge of the new class, which at once began to succeed.

The class practically embraces an entire model school, there being at least four standards, the children being of all ages, from the very young upwards. It is stated that they take quite a keen interest and delight in their work, feeling that' they are not made to look awkward, as would probably be the case in ordinary class. The c'ass being small in numbers, the teacher is able to devote attention to each child. Frequently during the day the work of the scholar is taken up by him to the teacher's table, and it is there and then overlooked and corrected. This sympathetic interest by the teacher helps materially in the development of the children. Another essential factor is that of environment, and the classroom is made to look as bright and cheerful as possible. The headmaster of the school, Mr. C. A. Semadeni, exercises a "Keen oversight upon the "model" class, and, at the annual meeting of householders exhibited specimens of the children's handiwork, these including models, raffia work, maps, drawings and other phases of instruction. So great was the success of the class last year that no fewer than five pupils qualified and were sent to the Kowhai Junior High School. The Edendale School Committee has requested the Education Board to appoint a permanent teacher, as the late instructress. Miss Watson, who was also one of the "exchange*' teachers, is returning this month to England. It is understood that a similar class for backward children is in operation at the Northcote school, where good results have also been achieved. ,