If charts are used the printed matter should be large enough for the pupils to read without undue strain on the eyes. Glass surfaces should be avoided to prevent objectionable reflections and all figures and illustrations should be plainly visible, but objectionable bright colors and clashy combinations should be avoided.
Cloakrooms
In school buildings having no lockers the pupils must place their wraps in a cloakroom. There should be such a room for each classroom. The cloakroom should be well ventilated, lighted and heated and should be connected with both the hallway and the classroom.
Special attention should be given the wet clothing and provision made for drying the same. This can be nicely taken care of during school hours by the janitor. Children should never be allowed to sit in damp clothing during the school hours. All dressing-rooms, cloakrooms and lockers should be kept clean.
Water Supply
It is very essential that an ample supply of fresh, pure water be provided. The old drinking cup is a thing of the past, except possibly in some of the smaller country schools, and it is fortunate that a more modern method has taken its place. The supply fixtures, such as the drinking fountains, should be conveniently located and in a part of the building easily accessible to the pupils. A sufficient number of fountains should be provided so there will be no necessity for crowding. They should be placed in a well lighted and properly heated portion of the building and special care taken that the floor does not become damp and unsanitary. The fixture which allows a constant bubbling of the water is most satisfactory, since it eliminates the necessity for the child to operate and hence lessens the temptation for the child to play in the water.
Toilets
Ample toilet facilities should be provided and separate toilets arranged for the girls and boys. The toilets may be placed in the basement of the school building, but special attention must be given to their proper ventilation. They should be kept so clean that it will not be necessary to use deodorizers; they should be constantly and automatically flushed. The floors should be of cement to allow thorough washing every day and the urinals of slate or some other hard, non-absorbent material. In the girl’s toilet the seats of the water closets should not be too high. Where practicable there should be a separate toilet for the little girls and stools provided with U-shaped seats. This will assist very materially in maintaining cleanliness. The toilets should be well ventilated and lighted. This is of special importance and should receive the most careful attention. A matron should be in attendance to help care for the kindergarten children and also those of the lower grades. The toilets at all time should be under supervision of a competent, dependable person.