The century and the school, and other educational essays

Preface

The essays brought together in this volume were selected, by a group of his intimate associates, from the manuscripts of Superintendent F. Louis Soldan, after his death. They felt that the spirit which had exerted so strong an influence upon public education might be kept alive in the minds and hearts of teachers through its expression in the literary appeals it had made while in the full force of its activity.

The selection of subjects for this purpose could not have been more happily made. They cover a wide range of related thoughts and exhibit the man in his many-sided touch with developing youth and the social institutions of which it was both the care and the inspiring hope. His treatment of the subjects is that of a critical though sympathetic student of school plans and methods.

He laughs shams out of court and defends with the courage of intelligent conviction the ideas and practices which long experience has tried and justified. He manifests a soul in

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Preface tune with literary expression. His power to catch the dominant chord is manifested in his characterization of the aim of Dickens as, "The unveiling of divine things in human." His analysis of moral values is keen and has the precision of a chart of conduct while establishing the obligation of individual decision.

In "Folklore and Fairy Tales" we see his intimate acquaintance with the soul of the natural child and his practical sense in the use of this knowledge in adapting instrumentalities and processes to the child's education.

These essays are informing, but their greatest worth is in their buoyant confidence in the power of high purpose and strong character.

His conception of the noble aim of teaching is thus expressed: "A hand ready to help, a contented mind, an appreciation of those treasures that are higher than life itself, this is the ethical task which the century demands of the school."

Ben Blewett.

St. Louis, December, 1911,

Contents

The Century and the School Morality and Education What is a Fad? ....

Teachers' Duties ....

Educational Ideas in Dickens' Novels A Visit to German Schools Reading in the Higher Grades Folklore and Fairy Tales i