color harmony. Any one color combined. with the white of the paper, produces a monochromatic, or one color harmony. The crayon should be drawn in lines, either vertical or horizontal so close together that they touch, and each drawn so carefully that they begin and end just on the lines of the square. Repeat the lines in another direction over the first, and the surface will be well covered, and if the crayons are used so lightly that no gloss appears, they may be worked over each other indefinitely, and the colors will be soft and delicate. For another exercise prepare the papers in the same way, and then connect the points on the edge of the square with diagonal lines, and a series of diamonds will be formed instead of the small squares. Next use a similar foundation, only with a three inch square and points one inch apart, and make some simple geometric crosses by strengthening some of the lines. When the vertical and horizontal lines are drawn, strengthen the lines at the corners and it will make the Greek cross. If diagonal lines are drawn from the points, a St. Andrews cross is made. In coloring this sheet two colors may be used, one in the cross itself, and another in the square which forms the background. This gives an opportunity of showing how light and dark tones of any color may be combined, or how different colors will harmonize when they are used together. The complementary colors, red and green, blue and orange, and vellow and violet, form the foundation of many combinations of different colors. The stars made on a foundation of sixteen small squares make charming sheets, and if daintily colored are as attractive as they are instructive. When the pricked papers are given to the pupils, if a series of dots are placed on the blackboard in the same relative positions as the holes on the papers, and the design is worked out as the children follow directions, the very earliest lesson in reading a working drawing is given, and the pupils are learning how to help themselves. Another form in which the pricked pattern may be developed is to put several geometric figures together to make borders. The diamond pattern must have points pricked opposite each other, and they are then connected with diagonal lines in both directions. Triangles may be used in the same way, and if one of the stars or crosses are cut out carefully, and are placed side by side and marked around a still more elaborate border can be made, and if the figure used has been the subject of a previous lesson, and is then cut out by each pupil, the work on the border is just as much the individual work of each child as if he had constructed each star separately. By using the same method, the figures may be used to form a surface pattern and good practice be given in letting the pupils judge for themselves that the spaces between the figures are equal, and the rows straight. If help in these points is needed, prick the place for each figure and have the star that is being used as a pattern laid on the holes. These exercises can be used before the pupils have the ability to measure, and they are so simple and clear that the pupils will see that they mean something, and they are sufficiently attractive to rouse their ambition to get them right. The manual arts exercises should aim to teach skill and good workmanship, and good taste will follow naturally. THE COMING OF THE ROBINS IVALOO MAXSON EVERTS "Here comes Teddy Beetle. I wonder what the news is?" remarked a tall red Tulip to the smaller flowers in the garden. All craned their necks to get a glimpse of the active little messenger as he hurried up the path leading to Dame Nature's front door. "It must be exciting news for he acts so important and Blue Bell is ringing hard to get someone to the door as soon as she can. May is just opening the door now. Perhaps she will tell us what it all means." "Good morning, Teddy," exclaimed Mav as the dignified young messenger doffed his cap and presented the telegram, "I suppose this is for Mother?" "Yes, Miss May, and I am to wait for an answer," replied Teddv. "A telegram, May?" called Dame Nature, "well, just open it and see what it says, please." "Oh, Mother, it's from Mr. Robin and he wants to know when they are to come." "I expected to hear from him in a day or two, so you can tell him to come right away," replied her mother. Hastily writing the message May handed it to Beetle who tucked it under his wing and departed in great haste. Noticing the eager expressions on the faces of the flowers, May slipped into the garden just for a moment to tell them the news, and cautioned them to be good children and go to bed early so they would look bright and fresh in the morning when the company arrived. Then smiling happily she hurried back into the house to help. with the final preparations. "Well, daughter," said Dame Nature, "I am glad we have our spring dressmaking done. The Robin family always comes early and I feel very uncomfortable if every thing is not ready for them. Now let me think what must be done before they arrive. A shower to fill my pantry with their favorite food, and a clear day tomorrow; I think that is all I need to arrange. May, call up the Weather Bureau office and ask Father Weather to send a shower tonight, please, and then have the clouds stay at home tomorrow for the Robins are coming and I want Sun here to help welcome them." "All right, Mother, Father says he can arrange it," said May as she ran out into the garden just in time to join her mother in bidding Sun good night. "Now." said Dame Nature, "we must go to bed for the Robins come early and there will be a great deal to do." Almost as soon as their heads touched the pillows they were lulled to a restful sleep by the pit pat of the rain-drops as they gaily danced on the fresh green leaves. of the stately trees standing near. At the first peep of dawn they were up, and had just finished dressing when the company arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Robin and family appeared very dignified and important as usual. They were happy to see Dame Nature and delighted to find May at home. But all seemed in a great hurry to find rooms for the summer so Dame Nature and May started out at once to help them. It was quite a task to arrange everything to suit this large family. A few of the older and more wealthy members wanted to rent regular bird summer cottages with five or six rooms. Other elderly ones who had very little money asked for quiet sheltered nooks under roofs and piazzas, some high up, others low down. Some of the younger ones wanted to rent whole trees or steeples high up in the air where they would be well away from the cats. The tops of the tallest trees were in such demand that the rent went up at once for everyone thought they would be such nice, safe places for the little birds. It took several days to get things arranged and then the settling began. Plain brown twigs were in great demand as mission style had penetrated bird-land. Not a lawn needed raking that spring for the robin nest builders needed every brown leaf and branch. As soon as the homes were ready, the morning concert drills began. The hour set for the chorus practice was half past four but individual practice went on all day. The flowers in Dame Nature's garden grew prettier every hour and their cup of happiness was full for the little songsters came many times a day and, perching on the garden gate, sang just for them. Father Weather sent warm delightful days, and all the Robin family settled down to the joys of their sojourn in the North. THE GARDEN MARY LOIS LOUDON "The Garden," is a little play or exercise for four small children, one carrying a small spade, one a small rake, another a handful of seeds, and the fourth a small sprinkling pot. The girls wear large garden hats tied under their chins and the boys large sun hats. First Boy recites (pretending he is really spading): First the garden bed is made With sturdy arm and trusty spade. Second Girl recites while she rakes: Then the greatest care we take To smooth the ground o'er with our rake. Third Girl recites, kneeling as if planting the geeds: When the earth is warm and fine Fourth Boy recites swinging watering pot: Together: After that, all of us know We must wait for the things to grow. MOTHERS' CIRCLES DEPARTMENT (A second letter to a young mother. The first appeared in Kindergarten Magazine November, 1909.) My Dear Friend: I should have written sooner to thank you for your gift to our new baby. A little square shawl of flannel for a baby, similar to the one you sent, is one of my first memories and I always love to see or touch one. It must be from the memory of my baby brother who was born before my fifth birthday for he had such a little shawl. You see I am taking occasion to warn a young mother how much a very little girl may be impressed by an article of dress! and a boy too! Recently I took a little four year old to visit a kindergarten. As he entered he announced, "I have a new suit." He made everything anew for me much as I have long loved the kindergarten. Everything seemed just suited to this playful little boy, but the fishes in the aquarium and a real live dove were best of all. So my next word to you is to secure a living pet for your little daughter. One pet at a time is ideal. The life, the movement, the feeding, rivet the attention and teach the child to observe for very love. The need of regularity in feeding and watchful care brings gradually the lesson of punctuality and develops responsibility. But you say I am way ahead of your little two year old for she cannot share responsibility for a while yet! I will leave it for you to fix the day, not too soon, not too late. Read in Frobel's Mother Play: "Beckon to the chickens small, Come, dear chickens, one and all." I remember helping to feed the chickens in a large hen house when I was about four years old. One day I dropped a silver spoon between the slats as I was feeding the chickens. I was dreadfully frightened, having no idea that any one could go in to get it. I was afraid to tell even my kind grandmother. I can remember my shame and fear both. How few realize how keenly a child suffers! I was astonished when grandma stepped in after opening the door to pick up the spoon. I had never seen anyone go into the hen house with the hens and that frightened me too. I was afraid the hens would hurt grandma. These memories coming back to me help me understand the mind of a little child. He cannot make connections which are perfectly clear to us, so clear that it is only by sincere efforts to put ourselves in his place, that we learn to be patient. The mother should try to think herself back into her childhood. Many little details will come back that she thinks lost. "Child heart, mild heart O my little wild heart. Thou art the veriest mouse Or let me come down to you." They liketo play toot-toot-too-oo on a long red Christmas horn like this one. Then they like rap-a-tap-tap! tick-a tack-too! You can make that noise with hammer and nails. THE INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN UNION Seventeenth Annual Convention at St. Louis, April 23-29, 1910 Advance program of seventeenth annual meeting of the International Kindergarten Union, St. Louis, Mo., April 23-29, 1910. Headquarters: Hotel Jefferson, Twelfth and Locust streets. Officers President, Miss Alice O'Grady, Chicago; first vice-president, Miss Nina C. Vandewalker, Milwaukee; second vice president, Miss Clara Wheeler, Grand Rapids; recording secretary, Miss Caroline D. Aborn, Boston; corresponding secretary and treasurer, Miss Ella C. Elder, Buffalo; auditor, Miss Margaret Giddings, Denver. The International Kindergarten Union comes to St. Louis on invitation from the mayor of St. Louis, the board of education, the St. Louis Froebel society and the Under-Age Free Kindergarten Association. Local Committee General chairman, Miss Mary C. McCulloch; entertainment, Mrs. John B. Shapleigh; transportation, Mr. E. D. Luckey; finance, Miss Nellie Flynn; exhibits, Miss Mabel A. Wilson; printing, Miss Jennie C. Taylor; accommodations, Miss Clara P. Albright; badges, Miss Hattie M. Austin; music, Mr. E. L. Coburn; press, Mr. Chas. E. Witter; place of meeting, Mr. John Rush Powell. PROGRAM Places of Meeting Hotel Jefferson, Twelfth and Locust streets; Teachers' College, Park and Theresa Aves., Tuesday afternoon; Soldan High School, Union and Kensington Aves., general meetings; Union Club, Jefferson and Lafayette Aves., play festival. Saturday, April 23rd, 8 p. m. Committee of Nineteen. Monday, April 25th, 10 a. m. Committee of Nineteen. Monday, April 25th, 7 p. m. Board meeting. Tuesday, April 26th, 2 p. m. Conference of Training teachers and supervisors. Closed meeting. The Materials of the Kindergarten. Miss Julia Wade Abbott, Teachers' College, Columbia University. Tuesday, April 26th, 8 p. m. First open meeting of the International Kindergarten Union, The Making of Our Little Citizens 1. The Changing Population of our Large Cities. Mrs. Anna Garlin Spencer, Director of School of Ethics and member of faculty of New York School of Philanthropy. 2. The Kindergarten and the Family of the Little Foreigner.-Miss Hortense Orcutt, Supervisor of Free Kindergarten Association, Savannah, Georgia, 3. The Process of Americanization in the Kindergarten and the School.-Mr. Frank Manny, Principal, Western State Normal School, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Wednesday, April 27th, 9:30 a. m. Invocation. Address of Welcome. Response. Report of Recording Secretary.-Miss Caroline D. Aborn. Report of Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. Miss Ella C. Elder. Report of Auditor.-Miss Margaret Giddings. Report of Committee on Foreign Correspondence. Miss Netta Faris, chairman. Report of Committee on Propagation.-Miss Ada VanStone Harris, chairman. Report of Parents' Committee.-Miss Fanniebelle Curtis, chairman. Report of Committee on Foreign Relations.Miss Annie Laws, chairman. Report of Committee on Nominations.-Miss Mary D. Shute, chairman. Appointment of Committee on Time and Place. Reports of Delegates. Wednesday, April 27th, 2 p. m. Discipline and the Kindergarten 1. The Psychology of Discipline.-Prof. Edwin A. Starbuck, Iowa State University, Iowa City. 2. Froebel and Discipline.-Miss Laura Fisher, Boston. 3. Common Sense and Discipline.-Miss Anna Williams, Supervisor of Kindergartens, Philadelphia. Wednesday Evening, 8 p. m. The Renaissance of Play.-Speaker to be announced. The Service of Dr. Harris to the Kindergarten.— Miss Susan E. Blow. Thursday Morning, 9:30 a. m. Business meeting. Thursday Afternoon, 3 p. m. Play Festival Four groups of games will be played by Kindergartners from Boston, New York, Chicago and Cincinnati, and St. Louis will direct the general games in which it is hoped all visiting kindergartners will join. The board requests that those participating in the games wear white dresses. Friday Morning, 9:30 a. m. Past and Present Conditions in the Kindergarten- Friday Afternoon, 2 p. m. The Beginnings of Manual Art in the Kindergarten. Walter Sargent, University of Chicago. The Beginnings of Musical Art in the Kindergarten.—Mrs. Frances E, Clarke, Supervisor of Music, Milwaukee, Wis. EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT There will be an exhibit of work showing the |