GOOD CITIZENSHIP

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 386, 18 September 1927, Page 7

GOOD CITIZENSHIP

OPEN-AIR SCHOOLS The W.C.T.U. ure taking a keen interest in the activities of the Open-Air Schools League, and have appointed one of their members to be their representative on the league’s Executive, so l»erhaj)s an article on the type of openair schools built hi Christchurch may prove of interest to readers of this magazine. The first open-air schoolroom was opened at the Fendalton School in June. 1924. It has proved such a success that the parents were not content until more rooms were added, and there are now five open-air classrooms at the school, and two of the rooms in the old school have been converted into semi-open-air rooms. There are now a total of eleven open-air classrooms in Christ church, and four more are I>eing built. These classrooms are designed to get the maximum amount of sunshine and protection from prevailing winds. It has been found possible to do this only by making each classroom a separate bungalow, and this has many advantages. It does away with the distraction of neighbouring classes and noisy corridors. It enables the classroom to be emptied rapidly and quietly through the open tront, without disturbing other classes. It enables the teacher to let the children out for a brisk run at the end of each half-hour’s lesson, stretching tired muscles, and toning up the circulation, so that the next lesson may In* tackled with new energy. The open side of the classroom is turned away from the prevailing winds, but it has sliding doors, so that, if necessary, it can be closed. The interior of the classrooms have a very homely .i ppearanee, and each room is provided with a fireplace, which can be used in very cold weather. The medical profession in Christ • church is strongly in favour of these classrooms, and many doctors give lectures. and in other ways help on knowledge of movement ;<mong the people. The Minister of Education is in favour, and has so expressed himself in the House. Tn all parts of the country there is a Pressing need for new school accommodation and rebuilding of old schools, and these classrooms have the great advantage that, substantially built to last 40 years or so. they cost very’ much less than the ordinary type of

building. This is a very big thing, as it means that by the adoption of the open-air bungalow type of school building, we can more than double our building and rebuilding of schools. Any further information with regard to these schools will be gladly given, if readers of this magazine, or anyone who has anything to do with children, either as parents, teachers, or members of School Committees, will communicate with the Secretary of the League c/o I’.O. Box 1177, Christchurch. Copies of the Open-Air School Booklet may also be bought at fid a copy.