132. The imperfectly developed bones of the young child will not bear long-continued exertions or positions without injury. Hence the requisitions of the rigid disciplinarian of schools, are unwise when he compels his pupils to remain in one position for a long time. He may have a “quiet school;” but, not unfrequently, by such discipline, the constitution is impaired, and permanent injury is done to the pupils.
133. The lower extremities, in early life, contain but a small proportion of earthy matter; they bend when the weight of the body is thrown upon them for a long time. Hence, the assiduous attempts to induce children to stand or walk, either naturally or artificially, when very young, are ill advised, and often productive of serious and permanent evil. The “bandy” or bow legs are thus produced.
What effect has moderate, regular labor upon the growing youth? 131. What remark respecting the kind and amount of labor? At what age are the bones best fitted for labor? 132. What effect has long-continued exertions or positions on the bones of a child? What is said of the requisitions of some teachers, who have the famed “quiet schools”? 133. Why should not the child be induced to stand or walk, either naturally or artificially, at too early an age?
134. The benches or chairs for children in a school-room should be of such a height as to permit the feet to rest on the floor. If the bench is so high as not to permit the feet to rest upon the floor, the weight of the limbs below the knee may cause the flexible bone of the thigh to become curved. The child thus seated, is inclined to lean forward, contracting an injurious and ungraceful habit. Again, when the feet are not supported, the child soon becomes exhausted, restless, and unfit for study. In the construction of a school-room, the benches should be of different heights, so as to be adapted to the different pupils, and they should also have appropriate backs.
Fig. 29.
Fig. 30.