Lesson XXIV. The purpose of this lesson is to enable the child to see the way in which simple societies were formed, the necessity for the division of labor, and an early, if not the earliest, form of worship. This lesson also illustrates a step in advance in the development of the primitive family.
Lesson XXV. This lesson illustrates the first efforts of man to make a shelter. Previous to this he was protected by such shelters as nature afforded. Now he begins to adapt nature’s gifts to his own needs. The construction of the rude shelter illustrates what is probably the second step in the evolution of the textile arts, the first being the weaving of a cradle. In both cases the motive was undoubtedly the desire on the part of the mother to protect her child.
Lesson XXVI. The suggestions in this lesson, together with those under Basketry, pp. 138-139, are probably all that are required.
Lesson XXVII. Let the child suggest other uses to which fire might have been put than those named here. Let him also suggest other ways in which food might have been cooked accidentally. Encourage him to make a connected story which will embody what he has thought. Lead him to discover some of the advantages that arise from the use of cooked food.
Reference: Katharine E. Dopp, “Some Steps in the Evolution of Social Occupations,” III., IV., The Elementary School Teacher, March and April, 1903.
Lesson XXVIII. The purpose of this lesson is to supply an experience that will pave the way to an understanding of coöperative action.
Lesson XXIX. This lesson illustrates the way in which leisure hours were used so as to secure not merely recreation, but a training for the Serious activities of life. The child will readily appreciate the significance of the primitive dance, for it is closely related to his own spontaneous play.
Reference: Katharine E. Dopp, The Place of Industries in Elementary Education, pp. 25-34.
Lesson XXX. This lesson explains one very important reason for wearing ornaments. The child’s instinctive love of ornaments may be utilized to train him in habits of industry just as easily as the same process took place in the development of the race. Really beautiful necklaces and bracelets may be made by children, if they take pains in stringing seeds of various sorts in such alternations as to give pleasing effects. It is worth the while to encourage the child to see the beautiful in nature and to train him to adapt nature’s forms so as to secure still more pleasing effects.
Reference: Katharine E. Dopp, The Place of Industries in Elementary Education, pp. 25, 27, 115.