4. The Relation of Manners and Morals—Are American manners deteriorating? The teaching of manners by historic stories. Sympathy, the foundation of courtesy. Self-restraint, the essence of manners and morals.
Books to Consult—Gow: Good Morals and Gentle Manners. Wiggin: Lessons on Manners. Dewey: How to Teach Manners in the School-room.
A talk may follow the first paper, pointing out that kind treatment of animals, especially of pets, tends to teach children gentleness, sympathy, and consideration. A little paper might take up the subject of the modern ideals of manners.
VII—OCCUPATIONS
1. Reading—Direction by parents and librarians. To how much liberty in taste and choice is a child entitled? Lists of good books for children. Discussion: What good books can we suggest? What books shall we avoid: poorly written, over-sentimental, and with low ideals.
2. Gardening—The children's plot. Flowers and vegetables. Household rewards. Competition and prizes. The autumn exhibition. Children's books about gardening. Gardens for city children.
3. Care of Fowls and Animals—Moral value: sense of responsibility, kindness, practical sense. Raising of fowls for market. Ownership of animals: the lamb, the colt, the calf, the pig.
4. Household Work—Value of the regular task in teaching system, order, and punctuality. Housework for boys: care of rooms, cooking, and kitchen work. For girls: the normal routine made attractive. Reading from Blessed Be Drudgery, by Gannett and Jones.
5. Handicraft—The children's workroom and its furnishing. Work in wood, metal, plaster, and leather. Drawing, painting, embroidery, etc.
6. Music—Should all children be taught to play and sing?