102 NATURE STUDY. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE AIM OF NATURE STUDY: TO DEVELOP THE 

 INDIVIDUAL CHILD. 



THE question is asked by many, "Why introduce 

 nature study into our schools ? " We might better ask, 

 "Why stop nature study when the child enters our 

 schools?" In the early life of the child, the world of 

 nature is his world. With this world his senses bring 

 him into closest relations. His earliest education is 

 almost entirely in nature study, and by nature's meth- 

 ods, an education of seeing and doing, of using his 

 powers and developing them by using. Is there any 

 reason why this should stop when he enters school ? Is 

 there any more natural way, any better way, of develop- 

 ing his powers than to follow the leadings of nature, help 

 and train him to see and do more, and then to think 

 arid tell about what he has seen and done ? Is there 

 any knowledge which is more essential to him than a 

 knowledge of his surroundings ? 



The burden of proof is on those who would stop 

 nature study when the child enters school. 



Before it is possible to discuss intelligently methods 

 of work, it is necessary to consider somewhat carefully 



