BACKWARD CHILDREN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20343, 26 August 1929, Page 13

BACKWARD CHILDREN.

SPECIAL SCHOOL CLASSES,

INTERESTING WORK DONE.

REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR.

Interesting details of the work undertaken by children attending special classes at six city schools are contained in a report submitted to the Auckland Education Board by Miss Valentine, supervisor of special classes. Miss Valentine recently inspected the classes, which have been established within recent years. "The classes at the Myers school continue to do cheerful and encouraging work." states the report.' "On the. day of my visit eight students were present. The classes were divided into groups of three or four, each student taking/charge of a group. Each student takes the same group for each subject throughout her term of observation, and must thus learn a great deal of the rate of progress of the backward children. Excellent class lessons in singing, eurhythmies, games, speech training and story telling were taken by the teachers, the students taking notes of the methods employed. Some very good handwork was being done. The. cleaning of the school is done by the children themselves, and one cannot but admire the thoroughness with which it is carried out. Many parents have testified to the value of instruction along these lines; others, again, object very strongly to their children 'being used as janitors.' "

It was reported that the Edendale das* of 20 children was doing very good academic work and good physical work. The children were orderly, self-controlled and very happy. Of the class of 17 at the Birkenhead school, it was reported that all the class work done had some bearing on the home, and many thrifty ideas had been carried out.

Referring to the Beresford Street school, the report stated a class of 14 was heldThe teacher was sympathetic and efficient and the tone of the class was pleasant. The Lett features of the Onehunga class of 16 were stated to be the interest of the children and the good folk-dancing and eurhythmies. It was reported that the Richmond Road class of 17 was doing very well. The teacher's methods had aroused the interest and enthusiasm of the whole staff, the class having proved a revelation to other teachers.

As a result of an inspection made in and around Hamilton, the supervisor has found that 20 children would benefit- by special tuition in special classes. The board has been requested to make application to the Education Department for the establishment of a special class. The matter has been referred to the board's advisory inspector for a report.