Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 65, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 April 1917 — Gardening Essential Factor In School Work, Is Claim. [ARTICLE]

Gardening Essential Factor In School Work, Is Claim.

School gardening, not as an exercise ' or a diversion, but as a fundamental factor of ftcomplete, rounded education, is urged by Van Evrla Kilpatrick of New York, president of the School Garden Association of America. The child who does not come into direct contact with growing plants and animals is deprived of his natural heritage, Mr. Kilpatrick, a pioneer in school garden work in America, declares. It took a long time to get physical training and industrial branches, inzeluffing domestic science and art for the girls, incorporated into the curriculum of the public schools, Mr. Kilpatrick points out The teaching of agriculture, which should carry with it-an appreciation of the great outdoors and its wholesome influences, he says, is just as essential and in time will be so recognized. . “The purpose 6f our organization is to carry that message to the people,” Mr. Kilpatrick said. “It is a little unfortunate many look upon school gardening as a pleasing diversion. It is that, but vastly more. It is an essential factor in a complete education and should be supported in the public schools as such.”