HOW NATURE STUDY SHOULD BE TAUGHT 201 



suggestions of a number of advanced theorists in 

 education. 



It is certain that the advanced and theoretical 

 advocates of field studies will propose various so- 

 lutions for these practicable problems (practical 

 persons show that there are such difficulties), but 

 they always involve us in troubles as great as 

 those from which we seek to escape. To be 

 clearly understood, we should say that while we 

 have found field studies to be the soul and life of 

 the work in university and college courses, we can- 

 not advocate them for grade pupils, under the 

 surroundings or conditions that confront the 

 average teacher. 



The following short rules have been derived 

 as the results of years of personal experience, 

 and may prove of value to both teachers and 

 parents : 



1. Begin every lesson by showing either a speci- 

 men or an experiment, or by asking a question 

 about some observed phenomenon. 



2. Direct pupils to observe nature whenever 

 they are out of the house. 



3. Have pupils keep note-books of every feature 

 of the progress of the seasons. 



4. Direct pupils to collect such specimens as 



