154 Lessons in Nature Study. 



fcfjaptn: 



WALKS WITH THE CHILDREN. 



Many books on nature study urge upon the teacher the 

 duty and necessity of walks with the children, and the using 

 of such occasions as opportunities for instruction. Now it 

 is very beautiful to see a teacher surrounded by a party of 

 eager children, inhaling the " odors of the forest," and 

 walking along a country road overhung by trees and bordered 

 with spring flowers. The picture is beautiful ; but is it 

 practicable ? 



How many teachers can do this in school-hours without 

 bringing down upon them the accusation of " not 'tending to 

 business " ? 



However desirable this mode of teaching may be to 

 satisfy the patrons, the majority of teachers must find 

 time for it after school-hours or on Saturdays. In my own 

 school, excursions have been made to neighboring towns to 

 observe various modes of manufacturing, and three or four 

 times a year journeys have been made by single classes in 

 search of minerals, insects, or plants. In all such cases the 

 length of the journey should be proportioned to the age and 

 learning of the children ; and be it always remembered that 

 one need never go far to find an abundant supply of mate- 

 rial for study. The effect of excursions is so very excel- 

 lent that they should be undertaken when allowable ; and 

 it is urged upon every teacher who may read this book to 

 try the effect of an occasional walk with his pupils. It is 

 believed that one walk, under intelligent guidance, affords 



