Our Schools in War Time—and AfterDean, Arthur D. (Arthur Davis)
History
Our Schools in War Time—and After
Dean, Arthur D. (Arthur Davis)
Education -- United States; World War, 1914-1918 -- War work -- Schools
Throughout the entire country at the same hour the sons of
France shall pay respect to the spirit of their nation and shall
pay tribute to the heroism of those who are pouring out their blood
for liberty, justice, and human right.
The words of the teachers on this occasion should be simple and
to the point. They should be adapted to the age of their hearers,
some of whom are children, some youths. Each of our schools has
sent its quota of combatants to the firing line,--professors,
teachers, or pupils; the words of the teacher to the class should
call forth the noble remembrance of the dead, in order to exalt
their example and engrave it forever in the memory of the children.
Moreover, in its broad lines, calmly, clearly, they should tell
the causes of the war,--the aggression without excuse,--and how
before the civilized world, France, eternal champion of progress
and right, has been compelled to prepare herself, with her valiant
allies, to repel the assault of the modern barbarians.
The furious conflict which we are carrying insistently to
victory adds each day to the glory of our soldiers a thousand deeds
of heroism from which the teacher may take the best part of this
lesson. He should prefer these supreme models of action to the vain
repetition of phrases, in order to make a fit impression on the
minds of the children.
A vivid recollection of this first school hour ought to remain
imprinted forever in the spirit of the pupil, who is the citizen of
to-morrow. The teacher who has known how to make this impression
will remain worthy of the confidence of the republic.
America too will have its lesson sheets, and a most timely one on
"Lessons of the Great War in the Classroom" has been prepared for
teachers of history by the National Board for Historical Service
(Washington, D.C.) with the distinct purpose of suggesting certain
aspects of history, ancient and modern, which have gained a new
interest in the light of the great war. The following excerpts are
extremely suggestive of special opportunities and obligations for
teachers in school service:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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