Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter xvii Suggestions For Courses Of Study It does not seem possible to make a course of study, or courses of study, in manual arts and industries that would be equally valuable in different sections of the country, or even in different schools in the same locality. Certain lines of the work represented in the course should be related as intimately as possible to home and community life with which the pupils come in contact. As these conditions vary in different sections of the country, and in different communities, so must the course of study vary if the work is to be most interesting and educative. But, there are certain interests and activities that are more or less common in all communities. These will constitute a basis for a general suggestive outline which may be filled in and supplemented as necessary or desirable for local conditions. First, there are certain lines of early racial industrial activities that have historical as well as manual art values, and that appeal to the combined play and constructive impulses of children. In their proper time and place, and within common-sense limitations, these have educational value for all children, and hence should find a place in the course of study. For example, the making of simple textiles and pottery were among the early efforts of the man to utilize the materials of his environment. Rushes and coarse grasses were everywhere available for the simple mats, and clay could always be found for making the "coiled" bowls or pots. In either of these processes no tools were needed. They were genuine hand-made articles. To trace the discoveries and inventions in connection with the development of these and similar arts and industries, from their crude beginnings down to present day...
