In chapters 17, 18, 19 and 32, unpleasant facts are given in plain language. They are facts that parents do not teach their children and that most teachers will not frankly treat with classes in a school. Though they are disagreeable to discuss, they are essential for children of school age to know. Now that the dependence of public health upon personal hygiene is recognized, personal habits and sanitary conditions are more frankly dealt with than formerly.
It is an excellent thing occasionally, to have one or two points of an assigned lesson answered in writing. Any topic that the teacher may think advisable to treat in this manner may be discussed on paper at the beginning of the recitation, five or six minutes being allowed for that purpose. Even a whole chapter may be assigned to be studied with a view of answering in writing the questions at the end of the chapter. The written test can then take the place of the usual oral recitation. This method is suggested to the teacher who hesitates to discuss orally certain plain but essential facts.
Chapter 32 on the Spread and Prevention of Consumption can be treated with best results orally, if the pupils are first made to feel the great danger of consumption and to realize the possibility of preventing the vast havoc wrought by that dread disease. The attitude of teacher and pupils should be that while the discussion may be disagreeable, the disgusting habits referred to in the text are so commonly practised that unless their dangers are taught this disease can never be wiped out.
[INDEX]
Air, amount necessary for health, [45];
effects of impure, [45–48];
fresh air, when needed, [45–48];
how secured, [46], [47];
how changed in body, [45];
necessity of pure air, [45–48]
Air cells, [175]
Alcohol, effect of, on body, [67–70];
on brain work, [70];
on consumptives, [69];
on descendants, [69];
on liver, [68];
on morals, [69];
on nervous system, [69];
on powers of resistance, [68];
on stomach, [67];
false ideas about effects of, [67];
what business men think of, [70]