Play Periods Necessary
The school affords an environment that is entirely different from that which the child has been accustomed to; therefore the beginner should be allowed much liberty and should not be compelled to remain in his seat more than one-third of the time. This should be divided into short intervals, alternating work and play. It must be remembered that the small child is active; therefore it is imperative that he be given various exercises that will call into play the different muscles of his body. This will have a tendency to relieve the fatigue from sitting at the desk. When children first start to school they usually lose weight and become more or less nervous during the first few days or weeks.
The child should be allowed sufficient free time during each day for play and for the development of initiative. The amount of home work required should be very carefully considered and regulated according to the capacity and ability of the child; yet care must be taken or the especially bright child will be overworked and will not be given enough time for play and the development of a real childhood.