from "Old Town Folks," by Harriet Beecher
Stowe.

Close this meeting with a talk on early education in general; show how
poor the school system was in the early days of the nineteenth century;
speak of private schools for boys and girls, of schoolhouses and
playgrounds and their gradual improvement. Mention the founding of each
great college and where possible show pictures of them from old books
and catalogues. Speak of famous educators and college presidents, and
also of such women as Mary Lyon; read from her life recently published.
Discuss the former attitude of men toward women's education with that of
to-day.

II--KINDERGARTENS

Education to-day usually begins in the kindergarten, so the second
meeting may begin with this topic by presenting a paper on Froebel, his
ideas and methods, the adoption of his system of early education all
over the world. Have a brief discussion follow it, showing some of the
possible disadvantages of the work. Are children paid too much
attention? Are they over-amused? Is it a benefit to children in their
later education to have it begun in the kindergarten?

The second paper should turn at once to the Montessori method of
teaching. It should explain exactly what it is and show how it differs
from the kindergarten. There is abundance of material in present day
magazines to make it perfectly plain. Speak of the rapid advance
children make in development under this new system. Then have again a
brief discussion: Is the Montessori system adapted to American children?
Is it a benefit to them? Is it wise to develop the mind of a young child
rapidly? What is the effect in its later education? Compare the system
with that of the kindergarten. See: "Dr. Montessori's Own Method," by
herself (Stokes), and "A Guide to the Montessori Method," Ellen Yale
Stevens. (Stokes.)

Close this meeting with a talk by a trained kindergarten teacher, if
possible, who can set before the club members the advantages of her
work. If there is time, have some short stories read: "The Madness of
Philip," by Josephine Baskam Bacon, and one from "Little Citizens," by
Myra Kelly (both by Doubleday Page). Some songs of childhood will also
be delightful between the papers or talks, and perhaps some little
kindergarten children may come and sing also.

III--PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The next subject, that of the public school, is so large that a number
of meetings should be devoted to it. Although only four papers are