INTRODUCTION XI 



more closely, to inquire more definitely, and to be 

 inquisitive about many important things which they 

 would never think of if left to themselves. 



While no two teachers in the same or in different 

 neighborhoods would select just the same series of 

 topics for primary grades, there is still great advan- 

 tage in trying to pick out those objects which seem 

 to be best suited to younger children and to give 

 them a full treatment. Again, while the treatment 

 of any given topic, as the red squirrel, would not be 

 the same with any two teachers, it is still helpful to 

 young teachers to see how an experienced primary 

 teacher has handled one of these topics. A study 

 of such lessons by younger teachers need not lead 

 to any slavish imitation of models, but it may give 

 an insight into the spirit and method of those who 

 have gained success by experience and labor. 



CHARLES A. McMURRY. 



Winter Park, Florida, 

 January 6, 1905. 



