Our Little Swiss CousinWade, Mary Hazelton Blanchard
General
Our Little Swiss Cousin
Wade, Mary Hazelton Blanchard
Children -- Switzerland -- Juvenile literature; Switzerland -- Social life and customs -- Juvenile literature
"It is not enough for these children to study their lessons from books
and then be whipped if they do not get them. They must see how real
things are; they must study from objects. The living birds and flowers
should help them. They must learn to shape things for themselves, and
see as much as possible with their own eyes. Then they will love to
study; they will enjoy their schools, and be happiest when there."
He set a new fashion for the world. His pupils learned so fast and well
that other teachers came to watch and learn his ways. His fame spread
to other countries, to England and America. They also copied his manner
of teaching. Not only Swiss children, but those of different lands,
began to enjoy their schools better. It all came about through the kind
and loving work of Pestalozzi.
Carl has never known of a boy being whipped in his school. Such a
punishment is seldom given in Switzerland. The teacher tries love and
kindness first. If these fail, the boy is turned out of school. It is a
terrible disgrace; it will follow the boy all his life, and he dreads
it above everything.
After the mayor had spoken of Pestalozzi to the children, he bade them
be proud of their schools and their school-buildings, which were finer
than even the council-houses. He told them to be glad that all children
of Switzerland, no matter how poor they were, could go to these schools
and learn of the great world around them.
As he spoke, he could see in the faces of thousands of little ones that
they were proud indeed.
Carl whispered to Franz, who stood beside him:
"There is no country like ours, is there, Franz? We could not be happy
anywhere else, I'm sure."
His friend replied, "No, indeed, Carl. It is the home of free men, and
we must grow up to keep it so. I don't care if we do have to study for
six hours every school-day. We learn all the faster and, besides, we
have ever so many holidays."
The best part of the holiday came in the evening, for that was the
time for fireworks. There was a grand display on the shore of the
lake. There were rockets, and Roman candles, and fire-pictures, and
many other beautiful pieces which lighted the sky and were reflected
in the waters of the lake. Many of the people watched the display from
the decks of the little steamers, which were also bright with coloured
lights.
The time came all too soon for the homeward journey.
"What a lovely time I've had," sighed Carl, as he reached his own door.
"I only wish it were going to be to-morrow instead of to-day."
"It was a fine show indeed," said his father. "Everybody looked well
and happy. But I must say that I liked the dress of the people of our
own village better than that of any other."
CHAPTER II.
THE MOUNTAIN PASTURE
"HERE, Carl, take this kettle, and you, Franz, may carry the other,"
said Carl's mother.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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