spier] NATURE-STUDY for F/RST THREE GRADES 147 



learn to distinguish a sandy soil, or a loamy or clayey one. A 

 mixture of these with sufficient humus may be shown to make a 

 fertile soil, while the lack of plant food with similar physical 

 conditions will indicate a sterile soil. 



Such information is not to be had instinctively, neither can it 

 be obtained from books ; the eyes of the child must be opened and 

 such facts must be pointed out by the efficient teacher. Much of 

 the text-book teaching is about as effective as learning to swdm 

 by sitting on the bank and watching the swimmers. 



The preparation, planting and cultivation of the garden, 

 together with a simple method of cooking a wholesome meal, are 

 matters of the first importance, and should be taught as nature- 

 study in every rural school. With these should go the simple 

 rudiments of cleanliness and personal hygiene. 



NATURE-STUDY FOR THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF 



SCHOOL 



By ETTA SPIER 

 Goldsboro, N, C. 



The following outline for nature-study was prepared for the 

 Training School of the Normal College at Greensboro, N. C. 

 Many teachers who are interested in nature-study feel the need of 

 some guiding outline. It has been the aim to make the following 

 a simple, helpful, suggestive outline, but one not to be rigidly 

 follow^ed. 



"When a little child first enters school he is deeply interested in 

 the world about him. His feeling of love and kinship with the 

 feathered and furry creatures is as great, if not greater, than with 

 his fellow man. Every tree and flower has a soul and life to him.^ 

 and his pet dog is as decided a personality as his little brother. 

 The teacher should use these natural interests and so not only 

 broaden the child but bring joy and life into the schoolroom and a 

 truer understanding and sympathy between the teacher and pupil. 

 The prime object of nature-stndy is not to teach science or 

 scientific facts, but instil a true love and right attitude towards 

 natural environments, so making a saner, happier, broader indi- 

 vidual. 



In this outline the general life of the school and usual course of 

 study has been considered ; and the suggested nature-study may 



