a new interest to him. It begins to function in a developing way. On account of his limited experience he can go just so far. This the kindergartner understands and she knows because of his needs she must step in, extend the problem, furnish suggestion and give help. She must offer patterns for the children to imitate so that the children's impulses to express shall be daily raised to higher levels. She strives in her work to strike a happy medium between impression and expression, between imitation and creativity." In conclusion let me say, that the progressive kindergartner hopes to find a sane balance between a following and prescriptive education. She believes that "The true kindergarten-the kindergarten which fosters the self-activity, spontaneity, and play-impulse of the child; that promotes his individuality, and that at the same time inculcates a regard for law and a respect for the rights and privileges of others; that arouses in the child a wholesome interest in the life about him, and that quickens his senses, will exert a lasting influence-one that will tell all through the period of his mental development." ARTISTIC INK BLOTS By Clarence T. Hubbard No simpler form of amusement could be devised than the making of "blots." To do this you secure small pieces of rough paper-the soft, rough kind is best. Dip a pen or a sharpened point of wood into a bottle of ink and drop a few dobs onto the center of the paper. Fold the paper tightly and squeeze it out. Open it up and some of the queerest designs will be found. Faces, animals, landscapes and butterflies will be recognized. Any paper will answer although the soft, absorbant kind is better. No skill is required-simply a dob of black ink, a press on the folded paper and the sketch is completed. HOW THE CHILDREN KEEP A WEATHER CAL- When Children See All Nature Doing and Making By Mrs. Bertha Lewis If nature-study is to be begun for the first time, the easiest introduction is by the time-honored topic of the weather, in conjunction with the day. A weather calendar naturally follows, the days being marked with appropriate colors and symbols, yellow for sunshine, grey for cloudy, kite for windy, umbrella for rainy, etc. The calendar may be decorated to represent the main nature-study idea for the month, a snow scene for January, skating for February, etc. Daddy has a newspaper every morning; why should not the children have one of their very own? Theirs can be a sheet of drawing paper hung beside the calendar, on which one of the children may draw a flower, etc. These drawings may not be works of art from the grownup standpoint, but they aid the child to observe and to tell, as well as he is able, what he has seen. He should be shown where he can improve his work, but the original sketch should never be interfered with or criticized. A more accurate representation can be given in a separate lesson after the child has had a chance for further observation, but in no way connecting this with his first drawing on the calendar, lest he become discouraged or selfconscious and try to express something which he has not really seen. To adopt a tree in springtime is another good plan. Have the children give the tree a name and so make of it a companion. Always include the family name of the tree. Frequent visits must be made to the tree because it cannot come to the children. Notice how the buds are arranged on the branches, which of them grow most rapidly; and what they turn into, leaves, flowers or branches. Try to discover if the tree has any other visitors; bright eyes will soon discover many. Play a game around the tree; sing to it: "Time is never wasted listening to the trees; If to heaven we arose as grandly as these, Holding to each other half their kindly grace Haply we were worthier our human place." Because the child after making mud pies is told that his face is dirty, he naturally concludes that all soil is dirt. Point out to him that it is only when out of place that it is dirt, for in place it is the home of miracles, the matrix from which comes that wonderful force we call life. Let the children make experiments with different kinds of soil-clay, sand, loam. In this way they will become familiar with the names and textures of each. Have the children notice the changes in the air, that it is hot in summer, cold in winter, dry in sunny weather, damp in rainy weather, calm, breezy or very windy. Explain why we should be careful to breathe only good air, breathe deeply and expand our lungs; that we live in the air as the fish live in the water; that birds fly up and down in the air as fish swim up and down in the water, that air is all above us just as the water is above the little water animals that crawl on the bottom of ocean or river. Every child is familiar with water in many forms, but perhaps the wonders of its forms are so common that he has not noticed how miraculous they are. "We cultivate the imagination of our children by tales of the prince who became invisible when he put on his cap of darkness and who made far journeys through the air on his magic carpet and yet no cap of darkness ever wrought more astonishing disappearances than occur when this most common of our Earth's elements disappears from under our very eyes, dissolving into thin air." What child has not noticed the steam rising from the damp pavement when the sun comes out after a shower? The drops of water are donning their magic caps and flying off into the atmosphere to become invisible to our eyes. The next time we see them, it may be as part of the white cloud sailing across the blue sky. Then there is the magic power which brings back the vapor spirit to sight and touch. This magician's name is Cold or Jack Frost who transforms our water drops again and gives them many fancy shapes. When the child sees so many things smaller and weaker than he, all doing something and making something, he too longs to join this busy world. He may well use such occupations as cutting, pasting, weaving and modelling, for the birds, trees and spiders do all these things, while the flowers are painted with colors taken from the sunbeams and from the earth. Stories of animals and insects may be appropriately told to emphasize the nicety and exactness of work done by creatures so much more helpless than we, and in this way a desire to do good and accurate work will be stimulated. Now that Easter is over, let me offer a little suggestion to the wise mother who has deferred purchasing her little daughters' Spring coat until the soaring prices of children's coats resumed their normal price. Easter came unusually early this year, that means the kiddies are still wearing their winter wraps. And as Easter Sunday's weather is generally unreliable the practical mother was apt to take time in selecting the little Spring coat and hat. Prices were a bit high forsooth. Every kiddie's heart's desire is to look "pretty" on Sundays. Children naturally all love light colored clothes, tho mother may hesitate in selecting the light attractive materials, fearing they are too unserviceable. But if little daughter is careful of her "best clothes" surely she will take extra pride in keeping her pretty little coat unspotted. I offer this hint: If you intend to make your tot's coat at home, choose a simple pattern requiring the least amount of tailoring and depend upon the color and quality of the material for style effect, rather than a difficult design. A simple model cut loose, and belted in by a broad belt of the same material. A smart convertible collar attached, that could be worn high on cool days or turned down when the weather was warmer. Heavy stitching with silk and good-looking bone buttons in matching shades, finishes a very attractive little coat. Don't hesitate to make your little daughter attractive. Please her in the appealing light shades, such a beautiful variety as Raspberry, Pekin Blue, Quaker Gray, Rose, delicate green, and biscuit shade (tan). She will wear it all during the Spring and summer months for dressy occasions, and then as soon as the Fall comes, her thrifty mother may remodel it a trifle. First she could dye it at home with dye purchased at the drug store. A navy blue, burgundy or even tobacco brown. Remove the belt, the button moulds could be covered from the material of the belt. A new collar and deep cuffs of wool plaid or velour added, and a circular band of extra material, same as collars and cuffs, lengthened the bottom of the coat. That may become short owing to the youngster's rapid growth during the summer. Thus you can really have two coats from one. Remember you cannot dye a dark coat unless you make it an unappealing sombre color. However, if your youngster is one of those who are inclined to be "tomboyish" than a demure little girl, it is best to choose a darker color such as trape gray, cadet, royal blue, bottle green and the browns. Broadcloth, serge, gabardine, and even wool jersey are the materials up-to-date for the juvenile Spring coats this season. A chic little coat may even be fashioned out of Mother's old-fashioned suit or big sister's light full plaited skirt. Thus the clever mother saves on her clothing allowance and is able to buy extra "Thrift Stamps." [ FROCKS FOR THE KINDERGARTEN KIDDIES. MAKE THEM AT HOME Bertha Crocker Cook 32 Ford Place, Bridgeport, Conn. Never have school and playtime frocks for kiddies been simpler, and yet there is a certain dainty charm which makes them suitable not only for the "romp hours" but the dress-up time as well. There is nothing like gingham to give practical service, and the spring forecast reveals the fact that it is going to be just as popular for the wee maid as for grown-up sister. And just the thing to wear under heavy coats, and so fresh and winsome after the continual wearing of woolen and serge dresses. A very fine assortment in the ginghams, also chambray, was recently offered in a large shop for nineteen cents a yard. As only three yards are required for a child's dress, you can readily see how very economical and sensible these little school dresses are. A mother of a little girl of eight recently showed me a quaint little dress of Parsely green gingham, the wise mother had taken advantage of the numerous bargains now going on and had fashioned the little frock at home. The little green dress was of stripes, consequently the box plaits were easily accomplished. Two box plaits in front and two in the back are smart. A black patent leather belt may be slipped through the plaits. Large patch pockets were placed at the hips, while a smart "Buster Brown" collar of pique finished the neck; and pique trimmed the rather high turn-back cuff, giving a finished touch to the long sleeves. This simple little frock was buttoned all down in front with large pearl buttons, and could be unbuttoned and laid flat, simplifying the ironing of it when washed. April and May have windy and wild spells. Already marbles and jumping ropes are appearing on the streets, and when that happens we may feel sure spring is upon us and be prepared to meet her adequately clothed. In clothes as in everything else the kiddies come first and mothers often like to get the little one's wardrobe settled before she turns her attention upon her own. Over-trimmed Combine "art with sensibility." dresses offend good judgment and prevent the kiddies from enjoying themselves to their fullest. Another delightful and simple little frock is made of pink chambray. The open neck with a dainty collar of handkerchief linen in white, makes an excellent combination. A yoke is generally becoming to children. The front of the frock is cut in panel little model you could give a French touch to, by simply flouncing a nice width for the skirt. A round neck edged with a narrow hemstitched frill, and sleeves too can be finished with the frill. A mother has not much time to spend upon the mere choice of clothes this year as she has always previously done, her time is very much preoccupied with countless things that are claiming her attention. So she may be relieved to find her choice limited to some degree. There is also a satisfaction to know the child is dressed creditably. With this simple out line to go by-Presto! and little Ellen has likely to be an amiable, well behaved young person than her small neighbor whose hat is selected at a haphazard fashion or simply because it happens to be in style, without regarding the child's individuality or personality. What is becoming to one child might be hopelessly unsuited and look forlorn on another. A dainty little Spring bonnet for a brunette could be fashioned for around fifty cents thus: Get a small mushroom shape, it could be purchased at one of the Woolworth stores for a trifle. Bright gold color silk straw sewed on neatly and trimmed with black-eyed SEVERAL WAYS TO SAVE SUGAR-WHICH IS YOUR WAY? her dresses, without the usual, hand in mother's, tired little feet trotting to keep step with others, on the annual spring shopping expedition. HER FIRST SPRING HAT Bertha Crocker Cook 32 Ford Place, Bridgeport, Conn. One reason why Mother and Auntie enjoy choosing the wee little maid's first Spring hat is because they cannot help remembering with what entrancing delight they wore their first dress-up hat! And never before have such pretty fascinating models been on display in the shop windows. New shapes intricate as unfolding flowers, others sweet and simple; and still others quaint and adorable as their small wearer, they have all the simplicity of childhood and added to this modern air of smartness that is very charming. Silk, ribbons, streamers, flowers, shirring, and dainties of all sorts go to make our little ladyship's up-to-date Spring bonnet. It is the wise mother who realizes that children are just as susceptable to the influence of hats as their elders, and the little girl whose bonnet is chosen with an eye for beauty and especially becomingness, as well as for practical qualities is far more Susan daisies, and black velvet ribbon completes this little hat and looked quite refreshing and charming. Another little piquant childish hat is a poke bonnet shape, of navy blue straw. High crown. Cut rim two and a half inches either side of center back up to the crown, then turn up to the crown. Two small bunches of bright red cherries can be purchased in Woolworth's for a small sum, arrange the cherries attractively, at both sides of the hat. Light blue velvet ribbon brought around the crown and tied in a bow in back with streamers, finishes this quaint little hat and is quite fascinating on a little blonde. Now, Mother, remember no beruffled hat for wee daughter this season, the simpler the more charming and piquant. "For the Kiddie's Hat Reflects the Charm of Childhood." The proud never have friends; not in prosperity, for then they know nobody; and not in adversity, for then nobody knows them.-Sydney Smith. Have a purpose in life, and, having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you.-Carlyle. A strong and faithful pulpit is no mean safeguard of a nation's life.-John Hall. RONALD'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT J. M. Niven, 39 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, Canada "Mother," cried Ronald, rushing into the kitchen, "May I send a birthday present to old Mr. Gordon?" Mrs. McKay laid down the cake she was removing from the oven, and stared in surprise at her son. "Who's Mr. Gordon and why should you give him a present?" "O mother he's that nice old man who lives in the little brown cottage at the end of our street. He always speaks to me when he sees me. But I only found out his name today when I was in the grocer's He was there too, and I heard him telling Mr. Johnson that if he was spared till next Sunday that he would be seventy-five years old. I thought what a jolly surprise it would be if we sent him a birthday present, for he lives all by himself." "But I've seen a young man going in and out of the cottage. I thought he was a relation," said Mrs. McKay. "O, that was his grandson," said Ronald, "and he's gone to the war. Mr. Gordon is worrying a lot because he hasn't had a letter yet. Do let's do something for the poor old man, mother, he doesn't seem to have many friends." “All right son, what would you like to send him ?” "You know best mother, but I think he'd like a letter best of all, for he's always watching for the postman." "Well, I'll buy a nice book for you to send, and you can write your own letter. Just leave room for me to add a line or two." Ronald's letter to old Mr. Gordon read as follows: Dear Mr. Gordon: I am sending you this letter and birthday present because I know you miss your soldier boy so much, and because I want to let you know that there is a little boy at number 62 on your street who is wishing you many happy returns of the day. If I were older I'd go to the war too like your grandson. From Ronald McKay. The P. S. was written by Mrs. McKay. Will you come in on Sunday afternoon and have a cup of tea with us? Ronald's Mother. "Well, upon my word," said Mr. Gordon to himself next morning when he had read the note, "if this doesn't beat all. Somebody wants me to tea. It's many a long day since I was invited out. Yes. I know that little curly headed chap at number 62 and a nice youngster he is. And see the book they've sent me. I'll surely go on Sunday and thank them." The old man made his way to a cupboard where in a box on a shelf was his suit of black clothes carefully wrapped in paper. "They'll do all right," said he, "even if they are twenty years old. It's funerals mostly that I've worn them at." On Sunday afternoon Ronald's father and mother greeted Mr. Gordon kindly and made him welcome. After tea Mrs. McKay sat at the piano and sang some of the good old hymns, in which the visitor with quavering notes was able sometimes to join. "You have given me one of the happiest evenings of my life," said the old man at parting. "I think I appreciate it all the more because it was all such a surprise." "It has been a pleasure to us," said Mr. McKay, "to hear your stories of pioneer life. We of this generation know too little of the hardships our forefathers went through in settling this country. We hope to see you often, Mr. Gordon. We have to thank Ronald for getting you here." "Yes it was the little chap's letter that went to my heart. And I will gladly come again to see you." Six weeks later after a very short illness old Mr. Gordon passed away. Among the papers in his desk, was found his will, in which all he had was left to his soldier grandson with the exception of a twenty dollar gold piece which he left to his little friend Ronald McKay "in memory of a kind act and a pleasant friendship formed on my seventy-fifth birthday." "It was awfully kind of Mr. Gordon," said Ronald |