SCHOOL COURSES. 23 



IV. CALENDARS : 



A pictorial calendar typifying month by month the out- 

 standing natural occurrences which are familiar to the 

 children, and suggested by themselves, and including in 

 writing also. their outdoor observations, should be kept in 

 connection with this class. Particulars as to the keeping 

 of such a calendar are given at page 8. It is understood 

 that the work is to be distributed over the year on a 

 seasonal basis. 



GENERALISATIONS : 



The teacher will find that to secure good results a fair 

 amount of revision is necessary. Pains must be taken to 

 maintain interest at such a time. The form of the lesson 

 should be varied, and even new examples taken. This can 

 readily be done when it is borne in mind that in the main 

 we are seeking to develop an appreciative spirit and to 

 impart to the child mind a grasp of fundamental principles. 

 The work can be well done only if the teacher clearly keeps 

 these principles in view. The aims of the present course 

 may here be summarised : 



(a) To develop an appreciation of nature on the aesthetic 

 side. This is the chief aim at this stage. 



(&) To make clear to the youngest children the following 

 great facts : 



I. Plants are living things ; 



II. Plants, in order to live, require sunshine (light and 

 heat), air, soil, moisture ; 



III. Animals are dependent upon plants ; 



IV. Animals are active feeding, breathing (it is noted 



in connection with the aquarium studies that 

 some animals have to seek air as they seek 

 food), playing (in youth). In other words, 

 Animals in order to live require Food, Air, 

 Exercise. 



