The method of handling this narrative before the class will be similar to that of the fairy tales. A simple and vivid recital of the facts, with frequent questions and discussions, so as to draw the story closer to the child's own thought and experience, should be made by the teacher. Much skill in illustrative device, in graphic description, in diagram or drawing, in the appeal to the sense experiences of the pupils, is in demand. The excursion to places of interest in the neighborhood suggested by the story begins to be an important factor of the school exercises. As children grow older they acquire skill and confidence in oral narrative, and should be held to greater independence in oral reproductions.
One of the best school editions of "Robinson Crusoe" is published by Ginn & Co.
A simple edition for second grade is published by the Public School Publishing Co.
The teacher should be supplied with one of the larger, fuller editions of "Robinson Crusoe," like that of Houghton, Mifflin, & Co., in the Riverside Literature Series. It furnishes a much fuller detail of knowledge for the teacher's use. It will also be of great advantage for classroom use to possess an illustrated edition like that of George Routledge & Sons.
The full treatment of this story, first in simple, oral narrative, later by its use as a reading book, and later still by the child reading the complete edition for himself in private, illustrates the intensive concentration of thought and constructive activity upon a great piece of literature as opposed to a loose and superficial treatment. Such a piece of work should remain for life a source of deeper thought, feeling, and experience.
OTHER EDITIONS
Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. American Book Co.
Robinson Crusoe. Lee and Shepard.
Robinson Crusoe for Youngest Readers. Educational Pub. Co.
Robinson Crusoe. University Publishing Co.
De Foe's Robinson Crusoe (Hale). Ginn & Co.
De Foe's Robinson Crusoe. Maynard, Merrill, & Co.
"HIAWATHA"
The story of Hiawatha has been much used for oral treatment in primary grades, and as a basis for exercises in learning to read. Later the complete poem has been much read in third, fourth, or fifth grade as a piece of choice literature.
A story which is growing so rapidly in favor with primary teachers may explain our effort to determine its educational value.