Founders of our country

Front matter

Class __t_iAJ|L Rook .C'.l y

Copyright N° copyRicHT DEPosrr.

ANTARCTIC _CIRCLE

Preface

History is coming more and more to the place of dignity to which it is entitled in the programs of our elementary schools. The American Historical Association, through its Committee of Eight, published, in 1909, a definite and carefully considered plan for work in eight elementary grades. " Founders of Our Country " is a book for the fourth grade, which carefully follows their program for that year.

One of the basic principles which guided the Committee of Eight in their plan was thus expressed by them : " Fundamental, also, to the interpretation of our program, is the proposition that if we would maintain continued interest through the elementary course, we offer in each of the several years one distinct portion or section of our country's history; that we present this fully and finally as far as the history teaching in the elementary schools goes; that we avoid the recurrence in successive years of subject matter that has once been outlined for the elementary pupils." Since certain subjects — such as individual explorers, pioneers, and settlers — belong to this grade alone, the author has endeavored to make the treatment of these topics thorough and ample.

Children are not generally able to interpret small or complicated maps. Large wall maps may be used, where conditions are presented such as they were at the time of the events considered. Maps crowded with items representing present-day conditions are

4 PREFACE

bewildering and undesirable. A sketch map such as the teacher may rapidly draw upon the board may be of admirable service. It will show direction and distance, routes, and those places only that the teacher needs in the demonstration.

The use of a limited number of carefully chosen pictures is stimulating. The pictures should present costumes, surroundings, and actions that are true to the times. Otherwise they are worse than useless. Too many pictures of the same event are confusing. The child's imagination is entitled to some freedom.

The moral value of history is of superlative importance. Pasteur wrote: " From the life of men whose passage is marked by a trace of durable light, let us piously gather up every word, every incident likely to make known the incentives of their great souls for the education of posterity." Pasteur. " looked upon the cult of great men as a great principle of national education, and believed that children, as soon as they could read, should be made acquainted with the heroic or benevolent souls of great men." There is hope for the nation that reveres the memories of its noblest leaders. There is education of the will which comes through the early introduction of the young to strong, forceful personalities who "highly resolved" and so " highly achieved."

As a history reader, as a language book, and as a source book for moral training, it is hoped that " Founders of Our Country " will prove itself of value to the children of the nation.

Contents

The Early Years of Columbus .

The First Voyage of Columbus .

The Later Voyages of Columbus The Quest for a Fountain ....