Certain contagious diseases of the eyes temporarily or permanently impair vision. At any sudden redness or white discharge, the child should be immediately taken to the physician, as blindness may follow in a few hours after infection, although it is preventable by a simple immediate treatment. Children should be warned never to use public towels or wash basins, or to touch the eyes with soiled handkerchief or dirty hands.
The eyes should be washed daily with the boric acid solution until three or four years of age, and after that with the plain or slightly salt water, using the boric acid whenever irritation or redness appears.
Motor Training and Poise. Provide some play apparatus that requires motor coördination.
12 months to 3 years. A stile, of one or two low steps, adjusted to the baby’s size, with handrail each side, on which he can climb up and down. Tenpins, large size ringtoss.
Use a small enamel cup for drinking, and let the child, when feeding, use his spoon and cup himself as early as he shows an inclination, which should be not later than a year and a half. Do not scold when he spills things while learning. By three years he should have control, and be held to strict carefulness and neatness in eating.
3 to 6 years. Jumping place, with elevation 1 to 2 feet from which to jump toward a marked space. Teach the child how to jump correctly, landing on the soles of the feet and bending the knees as he lands.
Car rail or substitute to walk along, preferably raised 1 to 6 inches from the ground. A single painted board 4 inches wide, or a painted mark 2 inches wide will answer.
Ringtoss more difficult
Throwing at a mark on the ground, floor, or wall
The fence for walking sidewise or for swinging from, as used by Montessori