92 THE NA TURE-STUD V RE VIE W y^ •. j-mar., ,907 



The Geography Class. — Next to the reading classes, the 

 geography class is probably the best. The variety of tempera- 

 tures, water forms, wind, and causes for soil formation, together 

 with experiments to demonstrate, make very interesting work 

 for the year, as well as for the beginning weeks of school. The 

 ant and the fish worm are too important in the work of soil mix- 

 ing to be omitted. A simple study of the habitat of plants will 

 bring into consideration those water plants that help to change 

 the courses of rivers or assist in filling up lakes ; more or less 

 should be learned of plants and trees that indicate soil condi- 

 tions ; insect friends and foes come in for mention, if not for 

 study, in the lessons on local products. 



For a little observation trip the school yard, roadside, a near- 

 by wood or stream should furnish ample material for several 

 noonday walks. Objections on the part of parents may arise 

 because a teacher has failed to keep children properly in charge, 

 but, more often, objections are made because of prejudice against 

 doing a thing. Be diplomatic ; be patient ; be persistent. 



Opening exercises and the Friday afternoon period should be 

 for all. The little ones may not get much, but many times 

 they get more than a few older ones. 



The language class has not been mentioned as a place for 

 the study of nature. It may be so considered if expression is 

 to assist in impression. 



Make the so-called nature-book your servant, not your mas- 

 ter. Don't be discouraged because you think you have done 

 only a little that might pass as nature work. If you will take 

 the time during the last week of school to make up an orderly 

 arrangement of the work gone over, you will be much surprised. 

 Many years of experience have caused the writer to believe that 

 the ability of elementary children to observe carefully is quite 

 as well established as when the plan has been prepared and fol- 

 lowed with care and pains. \_The Ohio Teacher.'] 



