Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/241

 FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH 22f

Response service.

Hymn.

Poem.

Class sessions.

Hymn. (Kindergarten returns with other classes.)

Children's prayer.

Song of praise.

KINDERGARTEN. Children about 3 to 8 years of age.

Class B. Ethical Ideals.

Stories of the obedient, respectful, helpful child. Class A. Ethical Ideals.

Stories of the generous, loving, truthful child. Both Classes. Religious Ideas.

God the One who makes all things live and move and have their

being. All are his children.

INSTRUCTIONS TO TEACHERS.

Teach without making much explanation of why it is right to do this and not that. Set forth ethical ideals by means of stories, and incite the scholars to imitate the children of the stories. Set forth religious ideas by means of talks about plants and animals ; get the scholars to watch them live.

The opening and closing of the kindergarten is to be by means of a lit- urgy written for this department. The kindergarten meets with the rest of the school for the musical opening, and joins also in the closing exercises.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT. About 8 to 10 years of age. Class B. Ethical ideals.

Elementary discussion of the qualities of the obedient, helpful, loving,

respectful, generous, truthful child.

This child is to be made to appear a reasonable and possible child. Class A. Ethical ideals.

Elementary discussion of the qualities of the strong, intelligent, useful,

industrious, thoughtful, brave,

skillful, unselfish, conscientious men and women.

The boys and girls are to become men and women, and the school

hopes that these qualities will be gained by them. Both Classes. Religious ideas.

God the life of nature wants his children to grow into the fulfillment of their highest ideals. Conscience is the voice of God, and is t> be obeyed. Punishment comes when conscience is disobeyed. True joy comes from obedience to God's voice.