4 \- v - / - k ^QKESTEY IN NATURE STUDY. 



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child,; an4 v alnb;g the dieijished tales in children's literature are the 

 stories of the forests and 'their inhabitants. 



The outline which follows is for the most part a compilation of the 

 successful experience of successful nature-study teachers. The prac- 

 tical lines along which it has been evolved should merit for it a wide 

 application. It is not proposed that the entire outline should be 

 introduced by any one school, but that suitable portions of it be 

 adapted to the needs and conditions of each school and utilized as 

 part of the regular nature-study course. Field excursions and actual 

 work among the trees are of far greater value than mere class-room 

 exercises and add much pleasure and healthfulness to the study. 

 Trips to the woods should be made in winter as well as during other 

 seasons. It is in winter, when the trees are stripped of their foliage, 

 that the forest best imparts its secrets. 



Particular stress should be laid upon school nurseries and planta- 

 tions. It is through these that the most practical lessons can be 

 learned and permanent interest awakened. Planting trees on Arbor 

 Day, or on any other day, is likely to do more harm than good unless 

 the planting is properly done and the trees taken proper care of there- 

 after. In the school nursery the requisite knowledge and interest 

 can be gained. Gathering and planting seeds, tending the little 

 seedlings, establishing and caring for the plantation, and seeing it 

 thrive under proper management, must serve as valuable object 

 lessons which will leave their impressions through life. The problem 

 of having the gardens cared for during the months of vacation can 

 be met by the formation of a volunteer club from among the chil- 

 dren for that purpose. Many schools have found that the plan works 

 well with school gardens, and it should be equally successful with 

 tree work. 



The Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture will gladly 

 furnish, without cost, outlines of a plan for school nurseries and 

 plantations, and publications for use as text-books. Photographs 

 may also be found very useful in the work suggested, and these can 

 be supplied at small cost. 



NATURE STUDY. 



FIRST GRADE. 

 Fall Term. 



Have the children bring in autumn leaves and mount them on cardboard. 

 Teach them to distinguish a few common trees of the neighborhood by their 

 leaves. Have simple drawings of leaves made or have leaves cut out of paper. 



Winter Term. 



Simple lessons on the usefulness of trees in nature ; for example, they furnish 

 homes for birds, animals, and man. The tree as a living thing, and as a good 

 friend. Shapes of trees in sight from the school-room windows. Songs and 

 stories of trees. 



