Full text: Proceedings of the International Congress of Education of the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, July 25-28, 1893

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.
	        
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