Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 64, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 November 1909 — FRESH AIR? SCHOOLS. [ARTICLE]

FRESH AIR? SCHOOLS.

W hat do you think of school children .sitting at desk-, studying and reciting lessons, out of doors, in winter? “Cruel, harsh, inhuman." you say. Are you sure? Don’t be so fast. They have such schools in Germany, in Massachusetts, Rhode Island. New York and other states; and the children, who in thp beginning were sick and weak;' gTt(strong, healthy, well ami happy. It is the fresh cold air and good plain,, food supplied to the weaklings that rtfltkes them well, strong and happy. The "Outdoor School" at Providence, Rhode Island, is a room, two sides of which have been removed* making a pavillion. There is sunshine and air on all sides. The puny children who have been picked out of the schools, arrive at 8:30 a. m. They are immediately taken to a

warm, well ventilated room, adjoining the pavillion, where they are examined as to their comfort. Their feet must be dry and warm, their hands and faces, necks and ears clean, their clothing dry and warm. A bath is given them if necessary. They usually have had something to eat at their homes, but now a cup of hot soup and bread, or hot cereal with milk and fruit, generally stewed apples or peaches, is given them. Alter thia, the weather being cold, they put on a heavy woolen overcoat reaching to the floor, artic overshoes, woolen gloves and woolen cap, and out into the outdoor pavillion they go and sit at seats and desks as in the ordinary school room. Now the reciting of lessons and studying begins and the general school routine goes on. Sometimes the canvas curtains at the open sides are lowered all or part of the way to keep out storm or wind, but up they go unless the blustering weather make it absolutely necessary to keep them down. Sometimes soapstone warmers or hot bricks are used to keep feet warm. It is simply astonishing what this outdoor school does for health, happiness and book progress of the children. Puny, catarrhal, consumptive, white lipped, lack-luster eyed children, soon begin to grow rosy, fat and strong. Colds are heard of no more, catarrh improves or gets well, the shine of health and the smile of happiness appears on the once wan sad faces, and' they advance more rapidly In their studies. This is a great lessen in how to get well and keep well. Of all the

medicines In this world—cleanliness of body, plain, well cooked food and plenty of fresh air, beat them all. So long as we force children into unventilated bedrooms and into poorly ventilated, stove-warmed, poorly lighted schoolrooms, just so long sickness among children and the trade in short coffins will be on the boom. J. N. HURTY, State Health Commissioner.