Page:Historia Verdadera del Mexico profundo.djvu/85

 The institutions. There were three basic institutions; the Telpochcalli or "House of youth", for the basic instruction of children and young people; the Cuicacalli or the "House of song", where they learned "Flower and song" (understood as wisdom and beauty< ) to express their immeasurable spiritual force through art. Finally the Calmécac, or "The House of measure", center of higher learning, where the priests, administrators and leaders were formed. Education began at home and the child was the center of attention and affection of the entire family. Babies were provided all the tender care that the family could give, but when the child turned seven years old was sent to the Telpochcalli and entered a system of strict discipline, strict order and scrupulous hierarchy. Girls and boys were treated equally as far as discipline. The educational system was the “Spartan” type and prepared them for the "internal war" (Classical period).

Children and young people of both genders, were taught not only science, as mathematics, astronomy, biology, or arts like singing, music and dance; In addition to learning to speak correctly; "read" and paint their codices, teachers taught them ____________________