The manual arts as an illustrative factor in history and geography in the upper grades

Abstract

The experiments herein described were undertaken for the purpose of discovering to what extent the Manual Arts could be used profitably, under ordinary school-room conditions, in illustrating history and geography in grades five, six, and seven. It is proposed to show that illustrative handwork can be used profitably as a method of study by giving the children something to do which they will wish to do but which cannot be done successfully without a practical knowledge of the subject-matter to be studied. That illustrative handwork can be used profitably as a method of recitation by requiring the children to make something which they cannot make unless they have gained clear and definite ideas of the subject which has been studied. That work of this kind not only has a place as a regular form of study and recitation but that it can be done without exceeding the limit of time allotted to the subject. That the equipment and materials necessary are easily obtainable in any school. That work of this kind may be carried on in the regular class-room. That such methods may be used by teachers who have not been trained in Manuel Arts.