I'LL BE A SOLDIER

GERTRUDE ALLYN LONG

In the outskirts of a town in Northern Ohio stood an old brick farm-house. One side of the house was covered with woodbine, while suspended from the long porch across the front, was a drapery of wisteria blossoms. It made a striking picture, with its background of hickory-nut, beech and maple trees. Walking down the lane, at some distance, hand in hand, came little Richard and his young mother. Richard was joyously singing, "When I'm big I'll

his toys were kept. The little wooden soldiers were chosen, and he arranged them in rows of twos and fours, using one for the captain of the company, and another for the general of the army.

Soon a sound of distant guns, and a dull tramp o. weary feet reached the mother's ears, and suddenly the dreadful battle was in progress. Oh, it could not be! God would surely hear her prayer, and give her strength to reach the spot where her precious boy lay slain. Did he whisper her name as his spirit passed away and she

two kindergarten teachers, mothers, babies. and kindergarten children.

The trolley ride was about two miles into the country; when the car stopped at the entrance to the woods the children were delighted. They ran across the rustic bridge, over the brook, and on into the woods by a path lined with beautiful willows on the side of a pond.

We stopped to take photographs of the children in the May-pole dance and the King and Queen. Every one decided they were so hungry that it must be lunch time. Gathering in a kindergarten circle we opened the lunch baskets. When lunch was

SUGGESTIONS FOR MAY

LILEON CLAXTON

Our April work closed with the May party. Our plan for May will of necessity begin with the same thought. The experiences of our out of door party at this season of the year may well be chosen as the basis for many lines of thought. Now, too, some of the seed planting has come to quite a stage of development. It would be quite impossible to undertake to say just when attention should be given to the At anytime, as growing things about us. often as possible, they should be spoken of.

As much time as possible should be spent out of doors. Stories may be told in a shady spot. Occupation work of a simple

finished the children played games, watched the little fishes in the brook and gathered O! such beautiful bouquets of flowers and ferns.

The time came all too soon when we collected our belongings to watch for a car. Everyone had enjoyed the outing and each mother promised to visit those beautiful woods again very soon. When we reached the end of our journey all were happy though tired, yet looked forward to the time when the children would again select. their King and Queen for another wonderful May Party.

VIOLET A. E. ROBERTS,

1 Carlton Place, Passaic Park, N. J.

character can be done outside. Gift boxes have been carried to the grass or a cozy corner of a playground. Games may be played out of doors. More walks are now possible. Wet sand for tunnels, hills, valleys, river beds, mud pies may be freely indulged in from now until the close of the

year.

The policeman will be quite in evidence in our frequent walks so he will be a fitting subject for the "Helper" this month.

The awakening of animal life is quite as marked as that of the flowers. We will have bird life as as center of this thought. Butterflies will probably flit about. Their resurrection will be a source of delight and awe to us. The bright sunshine, blue

Sleeping Beauty.

Stories

Garden plots of other classes in the school and in neighboring schools. Farmers' plots.

Illustrative Material

Pictures relating to May Day.

Strawberries, radishes, pictures of strawberry plants and plots, radish plants and plots, other garden plots.

Gifts and Occupations

Continue gift work in connection with gardening. Much time will be spent on actual gardening so that the regular gift and occupation periods will be fewer. Sticks-Rings-Seeds.Flower borders.