lesson illustrates the first efforts of man to make a
shelter. Previous to this he was protected by such shelters as nature
afforded. Now he begins to adapt nature's gifts to his own needs. The
construction of the rude shelter illustrates what is probably the second
step in the evolution of the textile arts, the first being the weaving
of a cradle. In both cases the motive was undoubtedly the desire on the
part of the mother to protect her child.
_Lesson XXVI._ The suggestions in this lesson, together with those under
_Basketry_, pp. 138-139, are probably all that are required.
_Lesson XXVII._ Let the child suggest other uses to which fire might
have been put than those named here. Let him also suggest other ways in
which food might have been cooked accidentally. Encourage him to make a
connected story which will embody what he has thought. Lead him to
discover some of the advantages that arise from the use of cooked food.
Reference: Katharine E. Dopp, "Some Steps in the Evolution of Social
Occupations," III., IV., _The Elementary School Teacher_, March and
April, 1903.
_Lesson XXVIII._ The purpose of this lesson is to supply an experience
that will pave the way to an understanding of cooperative action.
_Lesson XXIX._ This lesson illustrates the way in which leisure hours
were used so as to secure not merely recreation, but a training for the
Serious activities of life. The child will readily appreciate the
significance of the primitive dance, for it is closely related to his
own spontaneous play.
Reference: Katharine E. Dopp, _The Place of Industries in Elementary
Education_, pp. 25-34.
_Lesson XXX._ This lesson explains one very important reason for wearing
ornaments. The child's instinctive love of ornaments may be utilized to
train him in habits of industry just as easily as the same process took
place in the development of the race. Really beautiful necklaces and
bracelets may be made by children, if they take pains in stringing seeds
of various sorts in such alternations as to give pleasing effects. It is
worth the while to encourage the child to see the beautiful in nature
and to train him to adapt nature's forms so as to secure still more
pleasing effects.
Reference: Katharine E. Dopp, _The Place of Industries in Elementary
Education_, pp. 25, 27, 115.
_Lessons XXXI. and XXXII._ These lessons serve the purpose of making the
transition from the mild, equable climate which characterized the ear
|