Little lessons in plant life for little children

Preface

" The object in teaching plants in the lower grades, is not only to give some knowledge of botany, but to train the power of observation, to stimulate thought, and to exercise children in a fluent and correct use of language. "

Taking as a guide the above remark of a leading educator, I have prepared these Little Lessons, many of which I have tested in my own school room. In many instances I have given the very language of the children. I have often felt the difficulty of opening wisely the Book of Nature to the eager little minds that daily come to me for leading ; and I doubt not that many primary teachers have had the same experience. To such I offer this book, and shall feel amply repaid for the trouble of preparation, if it prove in any sense helpful.

In its preparation, I have consulted Gray's " How Plants Grow," and " How Plants Behave ;■" Kellerman's " Elements of Botany ;" Youman's " First Book of Botany ;" " With the Wild Flowers," by E. M. Hardinge ; " Child's Book of Nature " (Plants), by Dr. Hooker ; " Stories from Flowerland," by M. L. Pratt; "Simple Lessons

4 PREFACE.

in the Study of Nature," by Isabella G. Oakley ; u Sea-side and Way-side," by Julia McNair Wright, and other authorities, besides many periodicals.

I am also largely indebted to Superintendent • W. F. Fox and to Professor Leroy S. Edwards, of the Richmond Public Schools, not only for encouragement and help, but also for many valuable suggestions.

Teachers will see that I have endeavored to correlate with plant study lessons in language, drawing, writing and spelling. I have sought to do this in a way that would not burden the young mind.

In Lesson VI. I have pointed out a method of teaching spelling which is intended to be only suggestive. Each teacher will succeed best with her own method.

I have frequently introduced the story, as language work, because in my own teaching I have found it very helpful. Children listen attentively to that which interests them ; and a story read to them trains their power of attention, while reproducing it orally, gives practice in the correct use of language.

H. H. Richardson.

Richmond, Va.

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