MIND OF THE CHILD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20563, 14 May 1930, Page 14

MIND OF THE CHILD.

INQUIRY. IN .TARANAKU

WHAT BOYS AND GIRLS READ.

EIGHT FAVOURITE BOOKS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday.

An account of tho extensivo investigations by the Education Department in Taranaki, dealing with reading, writing., spelling, arithmetic, and several other aspects of educational work, was given by Mr. N. li. Mclvenziq in a paper read at tho annual meeting of tho Australasian Association of Psychology and Philosophy to-dav.

In the survey over 8000 children were examined. In every class the boys areolder than the girls, tin? difference being four months m standards four and live, three months in standard six, and five months in standard seven. Some of the facts obtained through a questionnaire are as follows:

(1) Tho worst work is done on Monday. Tin next in order for poor work is Friday. The best days are Tuesday and Wednesday. One or two teachers reported that tho pupils' -work was influenced bv tho weather.

(2) The "gang spirit" does not appear to be as strong in our children as it is in some of the older countries.

(3) Wide reading is becoming almost universal in Taranaki. Tho average number of books read in 12 months, not including the School Journal, was: Form three, 68; standard six (form two), 57; standard fivo (form one), 47.1; standard four, 39.6. The kinds of books liked best by boys aro story books, books on travel, and mechanical books. Biography, nalme books and poetry aro unpopular with boys. The girls' vote is overwhelming in favour of story books. Books of travel rank next, and next in order comes poetry. History books are the most unpopular with girls. Books on mechanical subjects and on nature also meet with scant favour.

(4) The favourite books make a long list, and practically all are by wellknown authors. It appears that many giils read and enjoy boys' books, while the reverse is rarely the case. r lhc eight favourite books 111 standard six are:— "Coral Island," "Treasure Island/ "Robinson Crusoe," "Undo Tom s Cabin," "Oliver Twist," "David Copperfield," "The Dog Crusoe," and "Ivanhoc." In poetry (standard six) an equally good selection is approved. Hie Charge of tho Light Brigade" is by far the most popular poem with both bovs and girls. \5) Standard six pupils living on farms vjero asked whether they wished to remain 011 the farm, and 147 boys replied "yes," and 112 "no." while 128 girls replied "yes," and 106 110. cry few children gave agriculture as their favourite subject. (6) The changes of school and the occupations of parents have 110 apparent influence 011 tho children's progress."