328 METHODS IN TEACHING 



cultivation of an intelligent and obedient public spirit is the 

 object of this instruction, not the accumulation of detailed 

 facts. Indigestible knowledge creates in the mind of the 

 pupil a reaction against all study of civics ; assimilated knowl- 

 edge means deep and lasting interest in local government. 



SIXTH YEAR GRADE 



The general outline is that of the fifth grade, with special 

 elaboration of certain topics. Local self-government: its 

 need, benefits, dangers ; need of honest, capable citizens and 

 officials, the latter experienced in business in a large way. 

 Legitimate matters for local control: making roads, build- 

 ing bridges, erecting public structures, educating children, 

 caring for poor and infirm, restraining dangerous people, 

 protecting the city from fire. Other topics will suggest 

 themselves to every teacher for the greater fullness of treat- 

 ment in this grade. 



Some very brief, elementary work should be done on the 

 state and nation. The principal offices and their incum- 

 bents may be mentioned, and some illustrations of the rela- 

 tion between city and state, or state and nation, may be 

 made. These general studies serve many purposes. They 

 illustrate the similarity of organization throughout our vari- 

 ous governments ; the power of the people in making their 

 own laws ; the growing boundaries of authority through city, 

 county, state, nation; the more intense local interest in the 

 smallest unit of government ; the petty details in the smallest 

 unit ; the growing gravity of interests involved in the affairs 

 of larger units; the need of broad, loyal citizenship every- 

 where. 



