232 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [10:6— Sept., 1914 



We do not keep weather records for each day in the year as they 

 seem to grow stale and unprofitable, but during one month in each 

 scavSon we keep a record of the days. In the first grade this is 

 entirely pictorial. In the second and third grades, we have used 

 various forms, class and individual ones. 



Our fall nature work culminates in our Harvest Festival. Last 

 year this was "The Rice Harvest in Minnesota," a part of the 

 history work in the Second grade, a combination of pantomine, 

 dialogue and a very satisfying Indian dance portraying the harvest 

 activities. 



The story of Ceres and Proserpine told to the children in the 

 Literature class after the lessons on fruits, vegetables, and the 

 preparation for winter in the Nature-Study class served as the 

 basis for another joyous celebration of the Fruitful season of the 

 Year. 



The outline given below aims to suggest the organization of topics and their 

 progression from grade to grade. It also suggests the adaptation to our own 

 environment. 



First Grade 



Fall 



Main topic: vStudies of the fruitful year. 

 I. The Joy of the Harvest. 



1 . Gathering wild flowers — excursions. 

 Flowers from school and home gardens. 

 Use in school room. 



Special study of garden flowers suggested in spring. 



2. Autumn coloring. 



Study of box elder and maple. 



II. Preparation for Winter. 



1 . Food for the winter. 



A study of home grown vegetables and fruits. 

 A trip to the grocery store. 



2. Animal preparation for winter. 



a. The squirrel gathering his winter store. 



b. The fish in winter quarters — aquarium studies. 



c. Rearing caterpillars. 

 Crickets and grass hoppers. 



3. The seed for next year. 



a. Treasure boxes — fruits and vegetables. 



b. Seeds that fly — Nature's seed sowing. 



4. Provision for winter and spring gardens. 



a. Indoor planting of Chinese lily bulb in water. 



b. Outdoor planting of daffodil. 



