USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1930-1931 > Part 18
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Numerous projects have been carried on in all rooms with the idea of getting the pupil to think and act for himself.
The individual pupil is carefully considered. Graphs and records of each are kept and frequently checked, so that each may receive the drill just where needed and not much unnecessary repetition.
Assemblies are held every week where the pupils are responsible and take full charge of the program. This is a period to which they all look forward eagerly, and which means much to them.
The election of a cadet teacher for the building has meant much to the slower pupils. It is now possible for them to receive much extra drill, and should be the means of much less retardation.
We are very fortunate in having the portable building for physical exercise. This takes that work out of the school room and gives a place where the same may be carried on very much better during the winter season, and when imposible to have classes out of doors.
There is a need of work being done on the playground. In dry weather the dust can hardly be conducive to the health of the pupils, and after rain a considerable time is necessary for the mud to dry up so that yard may be used.
Several rooms, where the sunlight strikes strongly, would be much benefited by having an adjustable type of curtain to replace the present ones.
There are at present a number of overage pupils, scat- tered in different rooms, that I would strongly advocate being placed in a room by themselves. There they could be given a type of work much more beneficial to them and would not be a drag in the regular grades. As we have vacant room this could be done with little difficulty.
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A Parents' Night was held in November at which the regular work of the classes was carried on from six- fifteen to eight o'clock. This enabled parents, who might be occupied during the day time, to see their children in regular class work. A large number of visitors were present, and all but twenty pupils had a parent or adult person interested in them there.
WILLIAM I. WHITNEY,
Principal.
REPORT OF CORNISH - BURTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
It is the ideal of every up-to-date teacher to make her teaching as much a part of a real life situation as pos- sible. Learning must be made meaningful. To promote this idea, the teachers of the Cornish-Burton District have been using centers of interest or units of work as a basis for their teaching. These units of work are larger learn- ing situations which draw upon all phases of experience and make use of all kinds of subject matter.
One of the first units attempted was a puppet show worked out and presented by a fifth grade. Due to the fact that this class is full of initiative, it was not difficult to arouse interest in the subject. This was done by means of a discussion about puppets between teacher and pupils. Children had seen puppets in moving pictures and showed a vital interest in learning more about them. They read all available material on the subject. Reports were given on puppets of China, Japan, Italy and throughout Europe. They learned that puppets were really recent immigrants to America. A group told in- teresting incidents in Tony Sarg's life, and his mysteries of the puppet stage.
All of this information led to a keen desire on part of children to make a puppet show of their own. There was so much to learn they decided it would be best to start with a familiar story. They chose "The Three Bears." It was suggested that if the puppet show was a success, it might be given to other members of the school. Com-
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mittees chosen by the class were held responsible for var- ious parts of the work such as : scenery, properties, furni- ture, stage, characters, story writers and those who should take the speaking parts.
To show the different subjects included in this unit it might be analyzed as follows:
Reading-Stimulated with desire to find out all they could about puppets. They read many books which other- wise would have meant very little. Some of these were Tony Sarg's Marionettes, Puppets of Different Lands, Pinocchio, Adventures of a Marionette, A Book of Mar- ionettes.
Oral and Written English-Much opportunity for good wording and expression in writing and presenting story. They wrote letters of invitation. Advertised show. Made tickets.
Arithmetic-Practical problems of business in running show. Required knowledge of measuring. Developed idea of proportions.
Geography-Location of original homes of puppets.
Spelling and vocabulary building-Contact with new words and those needed in written work listed and spelled.
We believe that units of this kind not only give splen- did opportunity to teach fundamental principles but it shows children a direct need for knowing such informa- tion which stimulates nearly one hundred per cent in- terest, the secret to successful learning. It also builds up habits of concentration, perseverence and social co- operation all of which are necessary to happy living.
We were very glad to have such a large number of parents and friends attend our evening session held No- vember 12. We greatly appreciate this cooperation and hope that all feel welcome to visit us at any time.
We are proud of our group of twenty-five girls and boys who come to school at eight o'clock one morning a week to receive orchestra instruction from Mr. G. Her- bert Clarke. This group includes ten violins, two clari- nets, three flutes, three cornets, one saxophone, one man- dolin, three banjos and two drums.
There is also a class of eighteen pupils who are taking
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lessons in piano from Miss Susan Bowditch. This group is showing much progress.
The rest and nutrition class is proving itself a very worthwhile undertaking. At present, there are fifteen children in this class. We are very grateful to the Plym- outh Post No. 40 of the American Legion for the gener- ous financial support which they have given toward the running of this class.
It is gratifying to know that nearly every child in this class has shown steady gain in weight, better physical condition, and has improved in scholastic standing.
HELEN M. RIESE, Principal.
REPORT OF MT PLEASANT SCHOOL
Upon commencing our school year we chose the word "Cooperation" as our guide or watchword. This word has been emphasized in all the class rooms. Letters were sent to parents suggesting ways in which they could co- operate in making the Mount Pleasant School a Most Pleasant School. The response has been most unusual. The interest of the parents was shown by a ninety-one percent attendance on Parents' Night. Parents have also visited the school freely throughout the year, and have shown utmost willingness to help.
I can also certify to the cooperative and conscientious efforts of the teachers in my three schools to do their best for the pupils and the town with all at their disposal. I am grateful to them for their very evident desire to get at the facts regarding the real needs of each pupil. They are teaching not only formal subjects, but also self con- trol, respect for law, straight thinking, good living, health rules, morals, and proper use of leisure. Most of the classroom teaching is in the form of individual or group instruction.
Preparation of material for all the groups, the re- tarded, the average and the accelerated, is made in every subject. The technique of teaching the retarded group or the accelerated group differs radically from that em-
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ployed in teaching the average group. For example a common characteristic of the superior children is lack of concentration. Things come so easily to them that the capacity for effort is limited through lack of exercise. The teachers with such groups devise material which calls forth the maximum effort of these pupils. In the slower groups, the teachers are finding out why these pupils are slow. Low mentality is not always the principal factor. Many of the so-called slow pupils are normal children with "inferiority complexes" or other forms of emotional disturbances. The teachers' objective in these cases is to secure first, the confidence of the pupils in her, and, second, confidence in themselves. The approach with most of these children is in physical activity, in the de- velopment of motor skills, or in the industrial arts, rath- er than through conventional academic subject matter.
The teachers are continually studying and preparing for the other common causes of individual difficulty, such as interrupted schooling, poor health, specific physical weaknesses and limited social background life.
Only in a few cases do we have a language difficulty on account of foreign parentage. But for these few much special help is given, so that they may possess a vocabu- lary sufficient to permit them to carry on the work of a regular grade.
The achievement tests given early in the year have been very beneficial to us in the grouping of the pupils, as well as in showing the varying abilities of the classes in either direction from the standard scores.
To be effective any system of grouping must be flexi- ble. Therefore, the teachers are always on the alert to make transfers from one group to another when circum- stances justify a reassignment into a new group.
Thus we are working for more pupil activity, measur- ing the success of our methods by the pupils' growth and initiative, self-appraisal, self-control, and group coopera- tion. Secondly, we strive to stimuate each pupil to work to capacity, and thus reduce the number of retardation.
For the benefit of our large group of bus pupils, we have resumed the serving of warm lunches. The chil- dren fully realize the value of warm lunches, and are
E
N T E
N
A
R
Y
TER C
TEETH EPIDEMICS TEST CLEANLINESS T /ESINUTRITIONTHAL Ť DO EXERCISE
+
ATRA ROAD + OYOUTH
OFF
LTH
HEAL
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TEMPLE OF HEALTH Showing Results of a Year's Study of Health Activities, Correlated With School Activities (See Hedge School Report)
CITIZENSHIP CARNIVAL
EXIT
FLAGS DF MASSACHUSETTS
0
CITIZENSHIP CARNIVAL Showing Various Types of Activities Connected With the Tercentenary Theme (See Hedge School Report)
BUILDERS OF MASSACHUSETTS 300 YEARS OF NOBLE SERVICE
SERVICE
630
9
OBEDIENCE
KINDNESS
LOYALTY
COURACE
TRUTH
******* *******
PLYMOUTH
GATEWAY OF CITIZENSHIP Showing Picture of Arrival of Governor Winthrop and Ideals of Citizenship (See Hedge School Report)
SCENES FROM JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION In Observance of Massachusetts Tercentenary and Anniversary of Oregon Trail
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always ready and eager to extend their services in help- ing to make the project a success.
With such excellent teachers, pupils, curriculum, equip- ment and building, our greatest needs at the present time are an assembly hall, and an improved playground. There has been a slight extension on one side of the play- ground, but it is still unsatisfactory.
SIGNE L. JOHNSON, Principal.
REPORT OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL
The Individual School, following its customary policy, has tried faithfully, during the past year, to bring all studies down to the level of each child's understanding and within his comprehension, so that each pupil might be able to progress according to his own rate of speed, in work best suited to his physical and mental needs.
The child, who is unhappy because of repeated failure, is a liability, but the child, who has developed habits of success, is a social as well as an economic asset. Know- ing this, the school seeks to send each child home at night with the belief that the day has been well spent.
The main ambition of the school is to make the learn- ing process so interesting and vital, that the children may become susceptible to the finer influences of life and impervious to many less desirable ones.
The problem of making success, where there has been failure, is largely one with which the individual teacher has to deal. For, it is success, no matter in how small a degree, that develops efficient, social attitudes.
We have tried to provide for individual differences through richness and variety of work, even in minimum essentials. Intentionally, the school program is very flexible, allowing each child to advance as rapidly as his ability or aptitude allows.
Available records of former pupils show that the work of the school has not been in vain; that the greater num- ber of the pupils have become useful and law-abiding citizens.
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Since many of the children come from a distance, the one session plan has been continued, enabling the teach- ers to keep the pupils under constant supervision during school hours. During cold weather, a hot drink was pre- pared and served by the girls, who set the tables and washed the dishes. After lunch, the boys swept the rooms and put things in order for the afternoon session.
Although the enrollment of the school is not large, the chronological ages range from seven to sixteen years. This means that the academic and industrial activities must spread over a wide territory, from kindergarten work to subjects taught in the grammar grades.
Many young children, from seven to nine years of age, became members of the school during the past year. To inculcate good habits in these young children; to correct acquired, undesirable habits, and perhaps to make such adjustment that some may return to the regular grades requires the constant attention of a classroom teacher, therefore instruction to the older pupils in household and industrial arts has been curtailed.
An arrangement, whereby the older boys have received instruction in woodworking, several periods a week, from Mr. Walton of the Junior High School Faculty, has ac- complished gratifying results. They have made mahog- any footstools with hooked-rug tops, wooden animals, trays and book-shelves.
The girls have woven scarfs on looms, and have done some preserving of fruits and vegetables, cut-work, cro- cheting and sewing.
It is well known by educators in general, that girls of this type usually become housekeepers at an early age. Therefore, it seems advisable, that more training in do- mestic science should be given to these girls, while they are in school, to fit them more properly for adult life.
An evening session was held November 12, 1930, from 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. A part of a regular day's work was demonstrated, consisting of lessons in academic subjects, followed by individual work on industrial units.
MARY L. JACKSON,
Principal.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Much attention has been given to the development of instrumental classes in the elementary grades during the past year.
An interesting and invaluable feature of pre-instru- mental training begins in the first grade and continues through the second and third years. It is embodied in the Toy Orchestra. Apart from the joy and pleasure it gives to children and teachers alike, it is of great im- portance in the development of rhythm and concentration, and proves of intrinsic value to every child participating.
Instrumental class work is recommended for pupils of the fourth grade and up. Exceptions have been made, however, and third grade pupils have done creditable work.
Economic conditions have retarded the work some- what, but the response of parents, children and teachers has made it possible to establish the work in a satisfac- tory way.
Seventy-five pupils have been enrolled in the piano classes and under the direction of Miss Bowditch, this project has been most successful. Children enjoy work- ing together, and the piano-class as a socialized activity, is an effective means of creating interest. Progress is greatly accelerated by the spirit of friendly rivalry. Many a child may never learn to play well, but will find in his own limited ability a joy and satisfaction which will brighten his whole life.
The same is true of instrumental classes other than piano, and Mr. Clarke is conducting classes in Violin, Cello, Banjo, Mandolin, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet and Drums. The total enrollment at present is fifty-seven.
The music work at the high school consists of general chorus for all students with no opportunity for glee club work because of the short school day. While it is desir- able to have a music period in which all may partici- pate, the lack of a special music period has been keenly felt by a large number of students who are interested in a more serious way.
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The Individual School has developed an extensive rep- ertoire of standard songs, and the chorus singing is a very creditable and interesting feature of the work ac- complished there.
The schools at Cedarville, Manomet and Cliff Street have been supervised as regularly as the centrally located schools.
The upper grades of the Manomet School presented a Christmas operetta which was very successful. The pro- ceeds have been used to purchase a piano for the school, and it is proving a source of great enjoyment for all con- nected with the school.
Later in the year, it may be possible to extend instru- mental class instruction to the pupils of Manomet dis- trict, and the proven success of this work in the town schools certainly justifies such action.
FRANCES H. BUCK.
REPORT OF DRAWING SUPERVISOR IN JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
My work in Drawing consists of Junior High and High School classes. The Junior High School work has been so divided that definite art subjects are taken up for study, and an original problem illustrating each is worked out by the individual students. The subjects for the year's study are: lettering, design, color harmony, and object and figure drawing.
About seventy High School students are taking Draw- ing this year. The students are divided into two groups, those in the Home Economics group for which Drawing is compulsory, and the elective group made up of those taking the regular Drawing course.
The Home Economics sections work out problems con- nected with their regular course. For example, studies in table decoration, flower arrangement, place cards and favors are made in the Freshman year; the second, cos- tume design; the third, interior decoration; and in the senior year health illustrations. In addition to this each
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student makes a large poster illustrating a definite sub- ject, and works out a special craft problem. Some of the latter are tooled leather, block printing and oil painting on cloth or metal.
The student taking the regular Drawing course work individually. In this way they are allowed to progress as rapidly as they are able. Choice of problems is based on the interests of the individual. Mechanical drawing, posters, crafts, design, figure and object drawing are the most popular.
The purpose of these courses, both the Junior and Sen- ior High, is not to train artists, that is the work of the special art schools, but to instill in each child a love and appreciation of the beautiful through practical problems worked out by the students themselves, as it is only through the actual handling of these materials that a definite knowledge, which should lead toward a greater appreciation, can be gained.
VIRGINIA DOWLING.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES
Each teacher, from Grades I to VI, inclusive, is pro- vided with a typewritten outline which contains illustra- tive drawing, perspective, color-study, design lettering, papercutting and construction similar to that used in other towns. It is understood that problems that corre- late with other studies, may be substituted for lessons in this course, provided that they have equal value for the child's artistic training.
It would be well if it could be understood that drawing instruction in our schools is not for the benefit of a small group of artistically inclined children, but is meant to be of future use to every child. Some of our aims are to develop habits of accurate observation, neatness, a respect for good workmanship, and that power to judge and select which is the foundation of what is known as good taste. This year, whenever possible, we are em- phasizing appreciation by asking pupils to search in mag-
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azines or newspapers for material similar to their own designs, lettering or illustrative drawing.
The important part that drama plays in modern life is being recognized now in the schools of many cities by an increased use of plays, pageants, marionettes and min- iature tableaux. We probably shall find it advisable to introduce more activities of this type which are an aid especially in literature and history courses.
During the past year, the quality of the drawing done in the sixth grades has been so very unusual as to de- serve mention. Pupils in all the schools were awarded medals in the Mass. S. P. C. A. Poster Contest. The tea tiles which they decorated with designs developed from their own nature drawings are superior to most of the ones illustrated in the advertising material sent out by the firm from which we buy the tiles.
FAITH C. STALKER.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR THE HIGH SCHOOLS
Each boy and girl in the junior high school receives in- spection and definite instruction in posture. Good body mechanics means the correct poise and control of the body with the normal functioning of every organ.
The correction of physical defects has been given ad- ditional time by the girls' and boys' physical directors. The school physician's lists of below standard pupils have been given special class work. These pupils meet twice a week, and are given instruction and exercises which if followed daily will improve their condition. This re- quires the cooperation of the home and school.
Boys and girls that are candidates for the various high school athletic teams are required to pass the physical ex- amination of the school physician. Responsibility for accidents during the playing season is not assumed by the school. Very few accidents have occurred, and none of a serious nature. In the games where much personal
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contact is unavoidable the protective equipment provid- ed has reduced the injury problem to a minimum.
The intramural activities in the junior and senior high schools have shown sustained interest. Mass partici- pation has been stressed.
The junior high school boys' Leaders Corps has aided materially in the discipline and functioning of the daily calisthenic period. The boys have accepted their responsibilities and the quality of leadership has been ex- cellent.
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The girls' athletic program at the high school is func- tioning in a satisfactory manner. Field hockey and bas- ketball have shown increased interest and attendance.
The junior high school girls are having intramural ac- tivities once a week at Memorial Hall. This is the first opportunity the girls have had to participate in an after school activity, and large numbers have responded.
J. H. SMITH.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY GRADES
Physical Education and Health Education have a com- mon primary objective - the promotion of physical welfare. The methods and materials employed in the achievement of this objective are not the same, but the ultimate aims of the two subjects are identical.
A closer unification of the two departments has been achieved during the past year, especially in the effort to raise the standard and improve the posture of the chil- dren. The activities program should be a valuable means of attack in the accomplishment of the health objective. Good posture is the habitual right use of the body. There- fore, it is highly important that children should be taught how to stand, how to sit, how to move without strain or lost motion under all conditions. Of great im- portance, too, is the setting up of the right posture ideals. Mimeographed sheets of physical exercises are prepared by the Physical Education Supervisor, and giv- en to each child in need of corrective work. These chil-
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dren are chosen as the result of a consensus of opinion of the teacher, the doctor, who makes the examinations; and the director of physical education. This group is met and the exercises interpreted with an explanation as to why we are striving to have the posture improved. All exercises are simple and cannot result in any injury be- cause of lack of supervision. Foot exercises are also prepared to be carried on at home - the classroom teacher acting as coordinating agency.
The activities program is based on the natural play instinct. An effort this year has been made to make each grade's work an actual progression, in skill and achieve- ment. The lower grades are given an abundance of su- pervised play activities, as well as activities which grow out of other phases of the classroom work. Classes are divided into several playing groups in order to secure greater activity. In the upper grades an athletic pro- gram is built around the team game skills-soccer, basket- ball and baseball.
BEATRICE E. GARVIN.
REPORT OF AMERICANIZATION AND EVENING SCHOOL
A few years ago the classes were largely made up of illiterate minors - those who have not completed the work of the first six grades, but who are old enough to have obtained employment. These are required by the law of the Commonwealth to attend evening classes until such work shall have been accomplished, or they have become twenty-one years of age.
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