522 NATURE STUDY. 



study. In April and May and June nature brings so much 

 before our eyes that we scarcely know what to select from 

 the riches bestowed upon us. In March we get only 

 glimpses of what is to come. 



It behooves us as teachers to so prepare ourselves and 

 our pupils during this month connecting winter and spring, 

 that, when the plants and animals finally arouse themselves, 

 we may all see and feel and enjoy and appreciate, and to 

 some extent understand or comprehend. 



If we leave the spring work until April we will be sure to 

 find ourselves behind Mother Nature, and will get more and 

 more behind as spring hurries away before the summer. 



How can we lay the foundation for the work of the next 

 three months ? By studying, with our boys and girls, that 

 from which and through which spring comes, investigating 

 the very beginnings in the annual awakening. March forms 

 the background which brings into sharper relief the life and 

 thought and beauty of the months that succeed her. 



How shall we prepare for spring ? By absorbing, culti- 

 vating, inspiring, instilling in ourselves and in our pupils, 

 just as much of the spirit of spring as we and they can take 

 in. After all, spring will be to you and me what you and I 

 make of it. We will not thoroughly enjoy and appreciate 

 this season of awakenings, and we certainly cannot lead our 

 children to get the most out of this brightest volume in the 

 year-book of nature, unless we have spring in our hearts. 



Why not begin, on one of these wintry days in early 

 March, with a talk on winter, a talk not to the children, but 

 with the children ? Do we like winter ? Why ? Write on 

 the blackboard a list of all the reasons why we enjoy winter. 

 Do some of the children hate (to express it as the children 

 are apt to do) this season of cold and snow ? Why ? Are 

 we tired of winter ? Why ? Make another list. 



Show how helpful to man winter is, how necessary is the 



