The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1912 DEALING WITH THE YOUNG.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 22, 18 September 1912, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1912 DEALING WITH THE YOUNG.

Mr Archibald, the American kindergarten lecturer, in a recent interview, indicated clearly the revision of education ideas which is taking place owing largely to the investigations made regarding arrested mental development caused by wrong methods in teaching the young. Like those who. believe in the Montesßori system, Mr Archibald says, children must be dealt with individually as separate entities if good results arc to be obtained, and he holds it is impossible to successfully develop their minds by grouping them in classes of forty or sixty pupils. The child must not be forced on the intellectual s'dc, for much of the arrested development of children of tender years comes from placing upon their intellect burdens too heavy to be borne. Infinite harm, also, is done by striving to make children obey blindly instead of inducing them to think for themselves. The methods of the average Sunday school are, it is now considered, entirely wrong. The children ought to be taught from the earliest age to help themselves. The commandments, "Thou shalt," and "Thou shnlt not" give no mental stimulus, and induce no mental development. It is possible to make a child understand that certain courses are the best to ensure his well-being, and that is infinitely preferable to the imposition of arbitrary rules. Girls and boys should be trusted at as early an age as may be found expedient. Mr Archibald considers that the duty of the school inspector should be to watch the progress of children at various ages, to study individual cases and discover the physical ailments which so often hinder proper mental development. He has great faith in the Australian child, and considers that the young Australian has healthy ideals and a capacity for independent thought. He would have all children placed under special observation till the age of fourteen, and kept at school till the age of sixteen. From all this it appears we have been doing many wrong tilings all along the line,'and even the wisest parents and educationalists have much to learn with, regard to the treatment of the young. Dr. Truby King, when in Stratford the other day, showed some of the mistakes wo have been making with children in the direction of health and physical development, and much of what he said supported Mr Archibald's views. The whole subject is of deep interest, and we have no doubt that Dr. Elizabeth Dunn's "Health Talks" which are to be given in Stratford at the end of this weekwill l»e helpful and in the same direction.