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Untitled Article
no scientific order is attempted . Sections I . and II . relate chiefly to the more obvious qualities of simple objects , and proceed to the more striking phenomena of the elements , earth , sun , moon , &c . Section III . comprehends a brief ex ami nation of the body . Sections IV . and V . relate to animals and plants ; and Section VI . includes an examination of several simple works of art , a brief examination of language , and a variety of miscellaneous experiments and questions .
Mr . Abbott states various modes in which his book has been used in schools ; for it is not a crude and untried speculation , but the result of his long and successful labours in practical education . The exercises have been performed by the whole school at once , and by a single class . In doubtful cases the pupils were
required to ascertain the fact by experiment or by observation ; and in some cases particular boys or girls were appointed to inquire into facts , or make experiments , and bring a report on the result . Certain of the questions were also set to some pupils as a lesson or exercise .
The merits of this little treatise , and its very reasonable price , ought to insure its introduction into every family and elementary school . The second work before us , namely , the ' Lessons on Objects / is more elaborate and systematic than the c Little Philosopher , ' and therefore calculated for older children . If the ' Little Philosopher ' be used ( with children at the age they usually commence school ,
the Lessons on Objects' would answer very well as a second book for the same children as they advance in capacity . The exercises of which it is composed are confined to such familiar objects as can easily be produced before the pupils ; and the desultory character of such exercises ' is corrected by making a previous selection of subjects , and presenting them in the class room . As
they are intended to be preparatory to instruction in natural history , they gradually assume a more scientific character , and thus a feeling of progress is sustained in the pupil ' s mind . It has been found indeed by long experience , that no lessons produce more continued interest , or more enlarge the minds of children , than those on objects . '
The first series presents a selection of miscellaneous simple objects , each possessing some distinguishing quality , such as glass , Indian rubber , leather , &c . The second series presents more complicated objects , the qualities , parts , and uses of which are examined as far as they come within the cognizance of the
external senses ; such as a pin , pencil , chair , &c . The third series resembles the second , but includes qualities not discernible by the outward senses , and also explanations and derivations of the more important terms . The chief aim of the fourth series is to exercise the children in arranging and classifying objects . For this purpose the spices have been selected for one set of exercises ,
Untitled Article
Rational Instruction , 61
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 2, 1835, page 61, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2641/page/61/
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