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Recreation
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No recreation will prove so great a blessing to the children and
youth as that which makes them helpful to others. Naturally enthusi-
astic and impressible, the young are quick to respond to suggestion.
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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 students 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 encouraged. The spirit
of fellowship and cooperation that is developed will be a lifelong
blessing.
A new interest may also be given to the work of the garden or
the excursion in field or wood by encouraging students 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
students to acts of helpfulness. By little children, especially, the
teacher is regarded with almost unbounded confidence and respect.
Whatever he or she may suggest as to ways of helping in the home,
faithfulness in the daily tasks, ministry to the sick or poor, can hardly
fail to bring forth fruit. And thus again a double gain will be secured.
The kindly suggestion will react upon its author. Gratitude and
cooperation on the part of parents will lighten the burden of teachers
and brighten their paths.
Attention to recreation and physical culture will no doubt at times
interrupt the regular routine of schoolwork, but the interruption will
prove no real hindrance. In the invigoration of mind and body, the
fostering of an unselfish spirit, and the binding together of pupil
and teacher by ties of common interest and friendly association,
the expenditure of time and effort will be repaid a hundredfold. A
worthwhile outlet will be afforded for that restless energy which is
so often a source of danger to the young. As a safeguard against
evil, the preoccupation of the mind with good is worth more than
unnumbered barriers of law and discipline.
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