FOOTNOTES:
[923] Laws of Wisconsin, 1923, chapter 21.
G. THE AMERICAN LEGION SCHOOL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TO FOLLOW THESE LINES:[924]
1. It is meant for a textbook to teach history, not literature nor the meaning of words. Hence, it must be simple, easily read in the upper grades of Grammar Schools, that is, by boys and girls from twelve to fifteen. It must fit their intelligence. AVOID INFLATED WORDS: EXPLAIN UNKNOWN IDEAS.
2. It must inspire the children with patriotism, must preach on every page a vivid love of America. It must BELIEVE in our land, and make others believe in it. It must believe in democracy. SPEAK WARMLY; HAVE ENTHUSIASM.
3. It must build up character. It must emphasize that our ancestors accomplished great deeds, and thus strengthen the children to attempt brave deeds themselves. It must tell of noble things and praise them. Hence it should preserve the old patriotic legends, though pointing out where these are legends rather than facts. PRESERVE THE LEGENDS; PRAISE NOBLE DEEDS.
4. It must speak in an earnest spiritual strain, believing in God; and not being afraid to mention Him, though of course never in a sectarian way. It must not rouse religious or racial hatred or distrust. It must create a confidence in righteousness and decency. ENCOURAGE FAITH; BUILD HIGH SELF-RESPECT.
5. It must speak the truth, so that no child learns afterward to distrust it. But in telling the truth it must be careful to tell truth optimistically. It will mention the blunders of the past so the child learns to be careful; but it must dwell on failure only for its value as a moral lesson, must speak chiefly of success. EMPHASIZE EFFORT AND SUCCESS, NOT FAILURE.
6. It must be non-partisan. It must give each State and Section full space and value for the achievements of each, not centralize on any one section. It must give each political party praise for what the party has accomplished, but praise none unduly by belittling others. CARRY NO PROPAGANDA.
7. It must INTEREST the children. Too little emphasis has perhaps been laid on this point. A few facts made living will last with the child; a mass of unattractive detail is soon forgotten. Keep lists of things for an appendix. DEAL WITH PEOPLE RATHER THAN THINGS.