SPECIAL WORK 10 PREPARE PUPILS FOR CITIZENSHIP. 275
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of events considered chronologically. So in the life of every individual,
if his first schooldays are marked as being in the administration of
Andrew Jackson, or James Buchanan, or Grover Cleveland, this forms a
central date from which, in later years, he may go backward or forward
in the history of the country. All previous events he learns historically ;
all subsequent events come within the period of his remembrance.
Nor is this matter of history of little importance in the patriotic view.
The knowledge of the facts of one’s country must be known before one
can hiave love of country. What has been said, therefore, is sufficient to
‘ndicate that we must begin very early in the life of the pupil to teach
nim the essential facts of the history of this nation.
9. The learning of patriotic selections.
10. The singing of natriotic songs.
11. The observance of patriotic anniversaries, such as Independence
Day, Memorial Day, the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans, and that
of Bunker Hill, Washington’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday, and so on.
Of course, much more can be done under several of these heads in the
years of the grammar school than in the primary grades, therefore they
will be considered more fully later.
THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
During the years included in wliat 1s usually called the grammar
school course, much can be done both incidentally and by systematic
study, in relation to the responsibilities of citizenship and the duties of
-he citizen.
1. The subject should pervade the atmosphere of the schoolroom. The
seacher should constantly bear in mind that each pupil is an American
citizen ; therefore, in all teaching, more especially in geography and
history, the question of citizenship should be uppermost in the mind.
[ am aware that this is very indefinite. It is doubtless true that many
teachers are not prepared, either naturally or by their previous training,
‘or this sort of teaching, but the same thing is true in regard to other sub-
jects ; both preparation and instinct must be present, or no great success
can be secured. Nevertheless, it is true that every teacher can do much,
f she has the will to prepare for this important work.
2. One of the most important means for inducing the spirit of patriot-
sm and preparing pupils for the duties of citizenship is to be found in
special work connected with the study of the history of our country.
In the colonial history, the character of the first settlers, their strength
of mind, intelligence, and earnestness of purpose may be dwelt upon
with great advantage. The period of the American Revolution and the
formation of our national government gives fine opportunities to incul-
cate a spirit of loyalty to our republican government, and of patriotism
and appreciation of our peculiar political institutions and advantages.