SCHOOL AT TWO YEARS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20561, 12 May 1930, Page 17

SCHOOL AT TWO YEARS.

SYSTEM IN AMERICA.

FEATURES OF CURRICULUM.

INTERESTING LESSONS.

frncot our. own- cortcespoxpen't.] NEW YORK, April 2,

Children from two to four years arc Sjow going to school in 29 States in America. They aro learning how to live together arid how to tako carc of themselves iiij, tho routine matters of everyday In these newly-fonned nursery schools there is a, daily examination by a nurse or doctor of each child's throat and nose in order that any infection may bo detected, and tho other children protected against it. • In theso daily examinations tiio first lesson in self-control and cooperation is learned. They are taught to feed tlicmselves efficiently. Tho first principles of justice aro inculcated by special attention to two children who may bo struggling lor the possession of a toy. This lesson teaches the one to ask politely for tho toy, tho other to accord it graciously. Teaching a child. to take, his bumps philosophically is a special feature of the curriculum. In the gymnasium, with padded floor, a long plank rests on top of a box, presenting an excellent hazard j to the children. They climb this and tho j gymnasium fittings cautiously, with no | lidp or interference from tho teacher. Pleasure in doing things "on his own" is gradually substituted for tho desiro for constant adult attention, and tho first step in self-reliance and initiative is taken. The children aro taught to finish anything they aro doing before proceeding to nriotkor diversion. When it is nearly time to go indoors, the teacher observes:— " When you have finished what you are doing, wo will go indoors." Tho children thus learn tho lesson of co-operation, and sre unaware that they aro going indoors as a matter of discipline. Tho teacher has consulted their wishes; they aro prepared to co-operate with her. Tha nursery schools arc of different type, according to the method of research in various phases of child development. Tho majority begin at nine and close at noon, including lunch. Others continue till 3 p.m., tho hour of the child's afternoon nap. N'ono are conducted at public oxpenso; all aro supported entirely in part by private funds or tuition fees. Whsn,. at four years, tho child goes to kindergarten, ho has had many problems of life already solved for him, and the kindergarten authorities aro able to so adjust their curriculum to mako him understand ho is already a graduato of sorts. Self-confidcnco is apparent at the outset of the kindergarten period.