FOOTNOTES:

[25] See Preface, page [xiii].

[26] Literally “to put into” from the Latin in and struo.

[27] Literally “to lead out of” from the Latin e and duco.

CHAPTER XI
STUDYING THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD

“Would you know how to lead the child? See and observe the child; he will teach you what to do.”

—F. Froebel.

“The ideal which has animated all my own feeble educational endeavor, and without which I should be without hope in the world of pedagogy, is the reconstruction of education based not so much on existing conditions in society as on child-nature. It is one thing to fit the child for a preëxisting social condition, and a very different thing to develop all his own latent powers to their uttermost and trust to their development for all future reforms. Holding, then, as I do, that childhood has in it indefinite possibilities that are some realized, some repressed or crippled, nipped in the bud in a way for which home, school, and church must share responsibility, and that if every spring of possible knowledge and power were touched, even by the lightest suggestion at its nascent psychological hour, we should in a few generations develop a superior race of men, we have in this faith in the possibilities of childhood and youth the most central and impregnable of all the fortresses of optimism.”

—G. Stanley Hall.

How to Study a Child. A complete study of the child includes his physical and psychological characteristics, personality, gifts, deficiencies, his heredity, environment, training. In studying a child it is of first importance to avoid carefully any stirring of his self-consciousness, which might lead to either morbidness, introspection, priggishness, or vanity. The necessary physical measurements should be made as naturally and impersonally as possible, without discussion. The physical inspections should be made incidentally, during the processes of the daily life, without comment. Recording, except of measurements, should be done without attracting the attention of the child,—preferably not in his presence, and filed without his knowledge. The child’s traits or characteristics should not be discussed in his presence. Psychological characteristics can best be studied under natural, usual conditions:

(1) in the child’s play: what he plays; how he plays
(2) his stories: what he prefers or tells
(3) his handiwork, especially his drawing
(4) what he observes
(5) his questions

A Score Card for Home Use. The following score card has been especially prepared to meet the practical needs of the untrained layman and amateur in the intelligent observation and better understanding of normal young children. It does not attempt to include marked abnormalities. It is merely preliminary to a more detailed and scientific analysis by the specialist. Such a general score card is necessarily applicable only for certain ages. The following outline does not attempt to cover special development beyond ten years of age.

Physical Measurements and Inspection. During the first year the weight should be taken weekly, at the same hour, in order to bear the same relation to feeding, bath, elimination; other physical measurements and inspections should be recorded at least quarterly. In the succeeding years records should be made at least semi-annually and preferably quarterly. The person in charge of young children should observe daily the physical conditions, and be able to detect at once the special danger signals, or deviations from the normal.

Any person careful in details and accuracy can make these measurements and inspections, at least as preliminary to the specialist. Detailed directions are given in Pamphlet V, American Medical Association Press, and in “The Health Index of Children” (Hoag). For ordinary household use, the apparatus required includes a new, firm tape measure, yardstick, accurate beam scales, and cards for testing vision. For school or institutional work it is desirable to have also calipers, laboratory apparatus for taking heights, instruments for taking blood pressure, and a dynamometer for testing strength of muscles. Economic and social conditions, differences of race and heredity, will cause considerable variation among children of the same age.

Psychological Analysis. No generally accepted standards or tests have yet been devised for measuring psychological development. The standards developed by Binet and Simon for mental ability as one phase of psychological age, have been widely tested in this country but have not proven wholly satisfactory. American revisions are now being worked out. The outline here given does not provide standards for measurement, but depends entirely upon the judgment of the person making the analysis. During the first year a chronological record can profitably be kept of the psychological development, noting particularly each gain in motor control, every indication of increasing recognition of sense impressions, the development of speech.

Standards of normal and average conditions and development can be learned by:

(1) observations of numbers of children of the same age.

(2) the study of published tables of measurements.

(3) published records, studies, and stories of children.

The Tables of Indications and Summaries have been added to assist in gaining a clear picture of the child’s condition and the factors calling for special constructive measures, elimination, treatment, improvement, or development.

Physical Measurements[28]

Name_____________________ Age: Years_____ Months_____ Weeks_____
Height standing[29]_____ In._____ Under Average_____ Over
Height sitting_____ In._____ Under Average_____ Over
Weight_____ Lb._____ O—z._____ Under Average_____ Over
Circumferences: Head_____ Chest_____ Abdomen_____
Diameter of Chest: Anterior-posterior_____ Lateral_____
Chest Expansion__________ Lengths: Arm_____ Leg_____

Physical Inspections

General Appearance:RobustAnemic
VigorousLanguid
Posture, standing: (2)ErectStooping
Chest sunken
Head forward
Abdomen forward
Posture, sitting: (1)ErectChest sunken
Back curved
On hipsOn curve of spine
Gait: (4)NormalWaddling
ElasticHeavy
Toe forwardToe in
Toe slightly outwardToe outward
Head:Shape normalBox shaped
Not symmetrical
Fontanel closedFontanel not closed (after 18 months)
Hair:ColorScant
AbundantRough
EvenBrittle
Fine
Coarse
Scalp:ClearScurf
PinkDandruff
Eruptions
Vermin

Figures at right in parentheses indicate age at which observation may normally or profitably begin, if not applicable during first year.

Features:RegularUnsymmetrical
Eyes:[30]Color
ClearMuddy
SparklingDull
IntelligentStaring
NormalCrossed
Protruding
Squint
Good conditionInflamed
Watery
Discharge
Frown
Work held near
Farsighted
Nearsighted
Headaches
Eyelids:NormalSwollen
Inflamed
Sore
Discharge
Styes
Granulated
Drooping
Nose:LargeSmall
Pinched
Bridge normalBridge sunken (normal during first year)
Discharge
Obstructions, e.g. adenoids
Snuffles
Mouth:Well-shapedUgly shape
LargeHeld open
SmallDeformed by pacifiers or thumb sucking
Breathes through mouth
Canker sores
Breath sweetOffensive
Tongue:ClearCoated
NormalProtruding
Swollen
Tied
Teeth:NumberDelayed first teeth
Delayed second teeth
Prolonged retention first teeth
Extra teeth
RegularIrregular
Projecting
Good conditionDiscolored
Tartar deposits
Decayed
Gums:HealthyPale
Bleeding
Spongy
Swollen
Receding
Throat:ClearSwollen
Enlarged tonsils
StrongSubject to sore throat
Coughs
Lips:FullThin
Swollen
RuddyPale
Good conditionSore
Chapped
Fissured
Chin: (2)NormalReceding
Projecting
FirmWeak
Jaw: (2)FirmWeak
Strong
Ears:LargeSmall
Projecting
NormalMisshaped
Good conditionSore behind ears
Discharge
Earache
Hearing normalDefective
Neck:Normal sizeSmall
Swollen glands
Scars
Skin:Free from blemishesRough
Scaly
Pimples
Eczema (where located)
Ringworm
ClearMuddy
RuddyPale
Tanned
Freckled
FirmSoft
Puffiness under eyes
Muscles:Firm (½)Flabby
Well developed (1)Weak
 Especially
  Back
  Trunk
  Grip
  Leg
Complementary pairsUnequal in balance
 balanced (1)
 Back and chest
 Right and left of trunk
 Right and left of neck
 Right and left of back
Back:StraightCurvature; anterior-posterior
Curvature; lateral, to right
Curvature; lateral, to left
Shoulders:ErectStooped
SquareSloping
EqualUnequal (which lower)
Blades flatProjecting
Chest:ExpandedSunken
DeepFlat
Shallow
Barrel-shaped (after 1 year)
Funnel-shape (breast bone sunken)
Pigeon-breast (breast bone prominent)
SymmetricalUnsymmetrical
Beaded ribs
Good expansion (3)Poor expansion
Abdomen:FirmFlabby
Hard
NormalDistention
Rupture at navel
Inflammation at navel
Rupture at groin
Arms and Hands:Equal lengthUnsymmetrical
NormalEnlarged Joints
Clubbed fingers
Ambidextrous
Right-handed (1)Nails discolored
Left-handedNail defects
Legs:Equal lengthUnequal
StraightBowed
Knock-knee
Enlarged joints
Ankles strongWeak
Feet:Arch normalFlat foot (1½)
Stands squarely (2)Shoes run over:
 outer edge
 inner edge
 heels
Well shapedToes pinched
Swollen
UnblemishedCallouses
Corns
Bunions
Defective nails
Excessive perspiration
Chafed toes
Genitalia:NormalInflamed
Discharge
Protruding of rectum
Itching
Buttocks chafed
Nerves:SteadyExplosive
Dull
Fears: (specify objects)
Irritable
Restless
EnduranceEasily fatigued
NormalGeneral misbehavior
Tantrums, hysteria
Malicious destruction
Bed-wetting
Nail-biting
Masturbation
Headaches
Convulsions
Motor Coördinations:Steady (for age)Retarded
Sits alone (½)Stumbling (3)
Creeps (9 mo.)Dropping things (3)
Stands (1 year)Speech defects (3)
Walks alone (1½)Spasmodic movements
Controls eliminationsTwitching of eyes, face, muscles
 Urine (1)Chorea (St. Vitus’ Dance)
 Feces (2)Paralysis (what muscles)
Holds own cup (1)
Holds own spoon (1)
Runs (2)
Marches (3)
Claps to rhythm (3)
Feeds self neatly (3)
Dresses self (3)
Skips (4)
Uses scissors (5)
NormalOther abnormalities
Nutrition:Appetite goodPoor
Hungry between meals
Gluttonous
Simple food relishedOverfastidious
Abnormal appetites, e.g., dirt, chalk
Good digestionColic
Regurgitation, eructations
Gas in stomach
Intestinal gas
Nausea
Elimination:Urine: ClearCloudy
 Straw colorDark
Bloody
 Odor slightStrong
 PainlessPainful
Irritating
 Normal quantityScant
Excessive
Retained
Stools: Smooth (infancy)
 Well-formedWatery
 Mustard color (infancy)Green
Black
Bloody
Undigested curds
 Slight mucusMuch mucus
 Odor slightStrong, offensive
 1 to 3 passages dailyConstipation (less than 1)
Diarrhea
Perspiration:
 SlightExcessive: head, under arms, cold sweats
 Odor slightSour
Sleep:QuietRestless
SoundWakes easily
Dreams
No. hoursNightmares
NapNo nap
Sufficient for ageInsufficient
Respiration:DeepShallow
DiaphragmaticChest
Mouth breather
RegularIrregular
Normal countRapid
Slow
Pulse:RegularIrregular
FirmWeak
Normal countRapid
Slow
Circulation:EfficientSluggish
Cold hands
Cold feet
Temperature:NormalIrregular
High

The following examinations can be made only by specialists. Physician or physical education director:

Heart, lungs, genitalia; liver, spleen; hernia; sinuses, ductless glands

Enlarged tonsils, adenoids; defects of palate; blood pressure; arteries

Spinal curvature or faulty posture (except marked); asymmetry of arms, legs, chest; flat foot

Osteopath, or physician or physical director with osteopathic training: displaced vertebræ; spinal irritation

Oculist (not Optician): Defects of eyes (except marked)

Specialist: Defects of ears (except marked)

Dentist: Defects of teeth and gums (except marked)

Special chemist:

Urine, for acidity, albumen, sugar, casts

Feces, for worms, putrefactive bacteria

Blood, for hæmoglobin, leucocytes, acidity, germs of venereal disease, tuberculosis.

Physical Habits

Sleep:Bed aloneWith another
OutdoorsIndoors, scant ventilation
Indoors, windows open
Regular bedtime hourIrregular
Quiet before bedtimeExcitement before bedtime
EarlyLate hour
Given soothing syrups
Bathing:Daily water bathsLess than one daily
NumberToo frequent
KindToo warm
TemperaturesNot followed by cool
Cool sponge
Air bathsNot given
Sun bathsNot given
Feeding:Regular hourIrregular
Prescribed intervalsIntervals too short
” ” long
Eating between meals
Simple dietInjurious foods
Balanced, rational dietDietary not analyzed
” poorly balanced
Chews well (2)
Eats slowlyRapidly
Motor Activity:EncouragedRestricted by clothing
” by carriage
Outdoors or open-air roomIndoors; poor ventilation
In raised, sanitary penOn floor
Toys sanitaryUnsanitary; allowed pacifier
” harmlessDangerous
Surfeit
Kept from crowdsTaken to stores (4)
” ” theater (10)
” ” movies (8)
Handling:ModerateExcessive
RationalLifted by arms
Tossed
Rocked
Jolted

History

Feeding:Maternal nursing 9 to 12 monthsLess
More
Cow’s milkBottle: how long
Patent foods (specify)
Illnesses: (state age, duration, permanent effects)BronchitisSubject to colds coughs, constipation, indigestion, nervousness, other illness
Convulsions
Diphtheria
Earache
Eczema
EpilepsyOperations (age) for adenoids, tonsils, vaccination, others
Measles
Meningitis
Mumps
Rheumatism
Rickets
Scarlet Fever
Scurvy
Summer Complaint
Tuberculosis
Whooping cough
Others

Heredity

MotherFather
Nationality
Race
Height
Weight
Occupation
Education

Predispositions

Mother’s[31]Father’s[31]Brothers
Mother FamilyFather Familyor Sisters
(how many)(how many)(how many)
Marked mental gifts
Nervous disorders
(form)
Alcoholism
Tuberculosis
Kidney disorders
Cancer
Pulmonary weakness
Digestive disorders
Blindness (form)
Deafness (form)
Living
Dead
Ages at death
Causes of deaths

Congenital Factors

Rank in birth (1st, 2d, etc.)
Age of brothers and sistersLiving:At death:If had lived:
(in years and months):
MotherFather
Age at birth
Vigorous[32]
Fair health[32]
Sickly[2]
Nervous[2]
Use alcohol[32]
Excess
Moderate
Use tobacco[32]
Excess
Moderate
Use drugs[32]
Excess
Moderate

Indications

Vitality and Endurance

Sound digestion
Normal eliminations
Normal temperature, pulse, respiration
Normal posture
Normal increase in height and weight
Nerves steady
Sleep quiet, sound, undisturbed
Diaphragmatic breathing
Good chest expansion
Large nose, unobstructed
Large neck
Eyes clear, sparkling
Lips ruddy
Teeth sound, normal number
Muscles firm
Skin clear, ruddy, elastic
Active, vigorous play
Good-humored, optimistic

Low Vitality

Susceptibility to colds, coughs
Susceptibility to contagious diseases
Sensitiveness to cold
Poor nutrition
Peevishness, irritability
Easily fatigued
Poor chest development
Shallow breathing
Pallor
Small neck, nose
Adenoids

Poor Nutrition

Underweight
Overweight
Indigestion
No appetite
Capricious appetite
Rickets
Languor
Peevishness
Delayed dentition
Ridges and notches on teeth

Auto-intoxication

Low vitality
Constipation
Eruptions on skin
Coated tongue
Offensive breath
Rheumatism

Rickets

Pallor, anemia
Retarded growth in height and weight
Enlarged joints at wrists and ankles
Muscles flabby; sometimes fat
Enlarged abdomen
Breastbone sunken or protruding
Round shoulders, bent back
Delayed dentition and walking
Large square head

Scurvy

Loss of appetite; pallor
Loss in weight
Swelling of ankles and knees
Swollen gums
Black and blue spots on legs
Cry of pain when handled
Pain when legs are moved

Nervousness

Restlessness, fidgeting
Disturbed sleep
Irritability, peevishness
Tempers, hysteria, tantrums
Spasmodic movements
Stumbling, dropping things
Falling easily (after 2 years)
Nail-biting
Bed-wetting
Masturbation

Defective Vision

Squinting
Frowning
Book or work held near face
Headaches
Nervousness
Irritability
Indigestion

Deafness

Persistent inattention
Directions persistently slighted
Disinterest in music
Incorrect articulation (after five years)
Dull, stupid expression
Head persistently held at one side
Complains of roaring in ears

Adenoids (or other nasal obstruction)

Small nose
Sunken bridge (after 1 year)
High arched palate
Mouth breathing
Chronic cold
Nasal voice
Stupid expression
Nervousness
Irritability
Imperfect articulation

Temperament

I.Active: quick, vivacious
Phlegmatic: slow, inert
Balanced
II.Positive: decisive, firm, determined, not easily influenced
Negative: vacillating, easily influenced, weak impression
Balanced
III.Intellectual: theoretical; tendency to think about things rather than to act
Emotional: acts upon impulse rather than thought; expends energy in emotion rather than action or thought.
Motor: eager to do, execute
(Note which tendency is strongest, which weakest)
IV.Optimistic: irrepressibly good-natured, cheerful, blithe
Pessimistic: easily gloomy, discouraged, unhappy, fearful, morose
Intermediate
V.Leader: initiative, positive, executive; inspires confidence, loyalty, and coöperation of colleagues
Follower: compliant, easily led, lacks initiative
Intermediate
VI.Original: creative
Copyist: reproduces others’ ideas, principles
Intermediate
VII.Democratic: cordial, warm-hearted, hospitable, friendly, responsive
Autocratic: snobbish, inhospitable, reserved, exclusive
Intermediate
VIII.Progressive: open-minded, temperamentally a radical, reformer
Conservative: conventional, biased by public opinion, customs; suspicious of the new
Intermediate
IX.Mystic: sees spiritual phases of a situation
Realist: lacks imagination; has Yankee “common sense”, practical
Balanced
X.Idealist: interested primarily in spiritual aspects and values
Materialist: interested only in material values, advantages, or disadvantages
Balanced
XI.Responsible: thoughtful, conscientious, good judgment
Irresponsible: absent-minded, heedless, foolish, unreliable
Intermediate
XII.Sees large aspects of problem or work
Concerned with details
Balanced
XIII.Self-reliant: ready to care for self; furnishes own initiative and encouragement
Dependent: relies on others for initiative, action, service, encouragement
Intermediate
XIV.Reaction Time:
Deliberate
Impulsive
Rapid
Slow
Moderate

Psychological and Social Analysis

Mental Activity:AlertSlow
ResponsiveDull
CuriosityDisinterested
ExperimentingInert
ExploringListless
Persistent willVacillating
Interest in variety
Involuntary concentrationFlitting
Feeling strongSlight
Imaginative (1)Unimaginative
Self-reliant (1)Dependent
InitiativeInactive
Profits by experienceRepeats same errors
Normal intelligenceBackward
Precocious
Thought:Definite (2)Vague
Clear (2)Confused
Able to follow directions (1)Unable
Open-minded (4)Self-satisfied
Attention:Well focusedSuperficial
Flitting
Dreaming
Concentration:Involuntary, markedSlight
Voluntary, marked (4)Slight
Senses:Keen: Discrimination of differencesUndeveloped
 Sound
 Rhythm
 Musical sound
 Color
 Beauty (pictures, sculpture, Nature)
 Rhyme
 Time: Day and night
 Yesterday
 To-morrow
 Season
 Year
 Historic time
Imitation:MarkedSlight
MechanicalSlavish
Creative (3)
Memory:RetentivePoor. Due to:
MotorInattention
EmotionalLack of clearness
AuditoryLack of repetition
Visual
Verbal
Logical
Association of Ideas:MarkedSlight
Poetic (2)Prosaic
Logical (2)Superficial
Imagination:Vivid (1)Lacking
Overwrought
ClearHazy
Constructive (3)Reproductive
Resourceful (3)Unresourceful
Visual
Auditory
Reasoning:By associationEasily satisfied
Logical (2)Undeveloped
Sensible (5)Foolish
Judgment:Sensible (6)Foolish
Erratic
Requires Proof (4)Credulous
Tastes and Interests: (2)What kind of Stories
 Songs
 Games
 Handwork
 Humor
How spends free time
Æsthetic: MarkedSlight
 Rhythm
 Music
 Color
 Pictures
 Nature
 Poetry
Mechanics: MarkedSlight
 Watching
 Examining
 Contriving (1)
Philosophical: (3)
 MarkedSlight
 (Seeks reasons for life, God, death, immortality)
Questions: NumerousFew
 “What?”
 “Where?”
 “Why?”
 “How?”
Waits for answerDisinterest in answer
Asks for informationFor sake of talking
Seeks further informationEasily satisfied
Self-expression:FreeReserved
NaturalSelf-conscious
Affected
QuietOstentatious
ArtisticAwkward
ImpressiveWeak, hesitating
CharmUnattractive
Speech:Articulation perfect (4)Imperfect (Note which sounds)
Stammers
Stutters
Lisps
Clear (1)Indistinct
Slovenly
ForcibleWeak
Fluent (4)Reticent
Halting
Sentences complete (3)Incomplete
Grammar correct (5)Incorrect (Note errors)
Good vocabulary (5)Limited vocabulary
Slang
Vulgarity
Voice: (1)SoftLoud
MusicalHarsh
Nasal
Shrill
ClearHusky
VitalDrawl
Range (Test with musical instrument)Monotone
Emotions:StrongDull
Supersensitive
WholesomeMorbid
Silly
DeepSuperficial
PoisedExplosive
Moody
Good controlPoor control
Capricious
Hysterical
Eccentric
Self-respectUndue humility
Pride
Sense of humorProsaic
TrustfulSuspicious
Jealous
BuoyantEasily discouraged
CourageousFearful
DaringTimid
CheerfulMelancholy, petulant
PatientImpatient
Tantrums
Easily imposed upon
ContentedDissatisfied
SensibleVain
Conceited
Overaffectionate
EnthusiasticApathetic
Easily guidedContrary
Obstinate
Rebellious
Overdocile
DeliberativeImpulsive
Social:LoyalChangeable
Jealous
Tattling
Treacherous
GenerousSelfish
SympatheticHard-hearted
Silly
Considerate of othersThoughtless
Criticizing
CourteousRude
Bullying
Winsome, manlyIndifferent
GraciousPriggish
ConciliatoryIll-mannered
PeacemakingQuarrelsome
Manners: (2-3)CharmIndifference
Repulsion
Self-possessedSelf-conscious
Bashful
Taciturn
Seeking attention
Simpering
GentleAggressive
Boisterous
RespectfulImpudent
Interrupting
Contradicting
Trained in conventionsUntrained, awkward
Industry: (4)IndustriousLazy, shirking
PromptDilatory
Dawdling
Procrastinating
ThoroughCareless
PainstakingIndifferent
OrderlyDisorderly
SystematicErratic
ThriftySpendthrift
EconomicalExtravagant
Miserly
ForesightedShort-sighted
Shrewd
Easily imposed upon
Moral: (3)ConscientiousSupersensitive
Indifferent
Callous
GenerousSelfish
Self-seeking
HonestPrevaricating
Thieving
FrankHypocritical
Affected
Sly
Underhanded
Tricky
Brusque
MischievousDestructive
TeasingMalicious
ModestImmodest
Pure-mindedUncouth
Bold
Brazen
Unchaste
Desires and appetites controlledUncontrolled desires and appetites
Will:FirmWeak
PersistentVacillating
Subject to reasonStubborn
Motives that influence: (1)AmbitionFear of punishment
Pain to othersVanity
Pleasure to othersRivalry
Ideal good (the right)Selfishness
Joy in right doingMercenariness
Love (of others, cause, God)Material reward
Response to reproof: (1)FriendlySullen
ReboundsSulks
Acknowledges justiceResentful
Revengeful
Religion: (2)WonderApathy
Awe
ReverenceIrreverence
Sense of gratitudeThoughtless
Interest in theological questionsDisinterest
Interest in religious ceremoniesDisinterest

Natural Gifts and Talents (5). Expressiveness in any of following:

Music: vocal, instrumental; rhythm, dancing, dramatics; drawing, painting, modeling, sculpture; literature, handcrafts, mechanics; nurturing, organizing, leadership

Ideals, Ambition, Expectations (8). Extent and nature of following:

Vocational: (Will change with periods of development, environment) Professional: technical, artistic, industrial, manual Educational: economic, social, family

Training:SturdyCoddling
SimplePampered
ConsistentInconsistent
SympatheticUnsympathetic
JustUnjust
PersistentIntermittent
Scope for self-activityRepressed
IntelligentIrrational
Emotional
SincereSuperficial

Summary

Marked Traits, Physical and Psychological

Making for Efficiency: Inefficiency:
Need uprooting: Correction: Developing:
Making for social attractiveness: Unattractiveness:

Fundamental traits to be especially cultivated:

Energy
Expressiveness
Self-reliance
Persistence
Concentration
Imagination
Curiosity
Initiative
Orderliness
Responsibility
Self-control
Will
Altruism
Courtesy
Cheerfulness
Honesty