A Handbook of Home Life and Elementary Instruction, issued by
Messrs. Chapman and Hall, is a small book containing a number of suggestions for the managers and teachers of elementary schools. It would need the technical acquaintance with the " Code " which the latter possess to say how far these hints can be acted on ; but n themselves, they are sensible and good, especially with regard to needlework. The principle on which the writer proposes to base the instruction on these subjects we believe to be a true one. It is briefly expounded on page 81:—" That it is possible to train children's physical imitative faculties in a simple manner, without abnormally pressing forward and exercising their undeveloped mental faculties." —A similar though much larger volume, and one dealing especially with the subjects its title indicates, is Domestic Economy ; or, Thrift in Every-day Life. By General C. T. Bartley. (Began Paul and Co.)—It seems an admirably arranged book, intended to help teachers, and, through them, children of all ages; and certainly any person thoroughly imbued with its contents would be equipped against every bodily ill, and not a few mental ones. We can only hope, now there are so many books of the kind, all teachers, not only those of Board Schools, will find themselves able to give up some time each week, if not each day, to such subjects.
Previous page
