4 
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-EXPERIMENT STATION 
creamery, blacksmith shop, post office, depot, factory, etc. Value of 
good roads. Emphasize the ideas of interdependence and the spirit 
of service. What things can the children do to make and keep the 
schoolhouse and grounds wholesome and attractive? 
2. Plant Life throughout the Year 
Building up an appreciation of good things on the part of young 
children can be accomplished through the study of nature if the 
teacher has the proper “background ” of appreciation of excellence 
in plant and animal life. The more detailed study must be left to 
the upper grades. Primary children are interested in whole objects 
rather than in parts, and in useful objects rather than those which 
seem to have no direct service. Bailey’s book, The Holy Earth, has 
some excellent chapters for the teacher of nature subjects. See 
chapter, Admiration of Good Materials. 
Fruits .—Have children name different fruits and nuts that grow 
in the district. Name those that have ripened before school opened 
or that are now ripe. If possible let each child bring to school the 
best peach, pear, apple, orange, lemon, walnut, olive, bunch of grapes, 
etc., grown at home. Talk about points of excellence in form, color, 
flavor to develop that “Admiration of Good Materials” mentioned by 
Bailey. The husbandry necessary to produce perfect fruit. 
Fruit trees .—Names of various kinds in the neighborhood. General 
appearance. Do leaves stay on all winter? Watch for the blossoms 
in the proper season. General talk about the care of fruit trees. 
Each child describes his favorite fruit tree at home and tells why the 
tree is a favorite. 
Shade or ornamental trees. —Identification, and items of interest 
about the common ones found around the homes or on the school road. 
Why protect the trees? Color of foliage. 
