LITERATURE IN PRIMARY GRADES 13 



language drills, nor does it cover all that is spent in the final 

 writing of the stories. The former belongs to the language 

 lessons, and some time for the composition work is found in 

 the penmanship period. One of the most enjoyable stories 

 for our grade is " Horatius," by Lord Macauley. The por- 

 tions used are those that are full of life and action, where 

 the story interest carries the child over language difficulties. 

 It is surprising how many stanzas can be understood by 

 the children, who follow with keen delight the preparations 



of the enemy against Rome, the flight of the 

 " Horatius " country people to the city, the desperation of 



the " city fathers/' and the heroism of Hora- 

 tius. As this poem is long and is used for both literature 

 and history, it is permitted to run through the month, pro- 

 vided the children show no signs of tiring of it. Usually, 

 from the beginning to the end, the interest never flags, not 

 even in the writing and formal language drills based upon 

 the poem. The primary instructor well knows that in all 

 the teaching in which she is the first source of the material 

 for the class, the inspiration also must come from her, and 

 that the results will be in accordance with the enthusiasm 

 that she can arouse. If the pleasure is deep and sincere, 

 the tongues of the listeners will be unloosed in willing and 

 eager reproductions, and the writing that follows will be no 

 task. When introducing a new story, it is advisable to tell 

 it to the children in the morning while the teacher and the 

 class are at their best. Then let the narrator put into the 

 presentation all her power to make the subject interesting 

 and attractive. Let her strive to so impress the listeners 

 that later mention of the hero or heroine will bring a 

 glow to the cheeks and a sparkle to the eyes. It is a good 



