Physical Culture
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can we understand them; and we need to understand in order most
effectively to benefit. To strengthen the tie of sympathy between
teacher and student there are few means that count so much as pleasant
association together outside the schoolroom. In some schools the
teacher is always with his pupils in their hours of recreation. He unites
in their pursuits, accompanies them in their excursions, and seems to
make himself one with them. Well would it be for our schools were
this practice more generally followed. The sacrifice demanded of the
teacher would be great, but he would reap a rich reward.
No recreation helpful only to themselves will prove so great a
blessing to the children and youth as that which makes them helpful
to others. Naturally enthusiastic and impressible, the young are quick
to respond to suggestions. In planning for the culture of plants, let the
teacher seek to awaken an interest in beautifying the school grounds
and the schoolroom. A double benefit will result. That which the pupils
seek to beautify they will be unwilling to have marred or defaced.
A refined taste, a love of order, and a habit of caretaking will be
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encouraged; and the spirit of fellowship and co-operation developed
will prove to the pupils a lifelong blessing.
So also a new interest may be given to the work of the garden
or the excursion in field and wood, as the pupils are encouraged to
remember those shut in from these pleasant places and to share with
them the beautiful things of nature.
The watchful teacher will find many opportunities for directing
pupils to acts of helpfulness. By little children especially the teacher
is regarded with almost unbounded confidence and respect. Whatever
he may suggest as to ways of helping in the home, faithfulness in the
daily tasks, ministry to the sick or the poor, can hardly fail of bringing
forth fruit. And thus again a double gain will be secured. The kindly
suggestion will react upon its author. Gratitude and co-operation on
the part of the parents will lighten the teacher’s burden and brighten
his path.
A Safeguard Against Evil
Attention to recreation and physical culture will at times, no doubt,
interrupt the regular routine of school-work; but the interruption will
prove no real hindrance. In the invigoration of mind and body, the