Miller's Mind training for children Book 2 (of 3): A practical training for successful living; Educational games that train the senses — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Miller's Mind training for children Book 2 (of 3): A practical training for successful living; Educational games that train the senses
John Stuart Mill · en
A child was sent to the grocery store for four items, and instead of
carrying a list he made a picture of the counter in the store as his
reminder. The items to be purchased were a sack of Salt, a bottle
of Vinegar, some Fly Paper, and Potatoes. He pictured the Fly Paper
sticking on the edge of the counter and on it balanced the sack of Salt
and the bottle of Vinegar, then he saw himself throwing the Potatoes at
them.
A picture of this kind will enable the child to remember a few items
without difficulty. The Hitching Post idea which follows soon will be
more accurate and enable him to extend the list to any length.
A boy, who often went away to school without bringing in his wood, made
a picture of himself running out of the door to school, when slipping
off the porch he sailed through the air and landed on the wood pile.
The next morning, when he went out of the door and across the porch,
his picture flashed into his mind and he stopped and brought in some
wood before leaving.
A girl had formed the habit of throwing the towel on the chair instead
of hanging it up. She made a picture of herself throwing down the towel
when it became entangled in her feet and tripped her up as she walked
away, throwing her headlong.
Reminder pictures of this kind must be visualized by the child, even if
suggested by the parent. Do this pleasantly and even playfully, being
careful not to arouse the antagonism of the child. If he is stubborn
in the matter you can gain nothing, unless you secure his co-operation
and pleasant interest. To keep these pictures in mind and to use them
at every opportunity will aid in forming correct habits. Make them
startling and interesting, and when possible, put real feeling into
them. Induce the child to feel the pain of his fall; feelings give life
and power to visualized pictures.
A boy was told to stop at a neighbor's and deliver a note for his
mother on his way to school. He pictured the front gate of this
neighbor's fence swinging out and stopping him. He tried to go over the
gate and the more he climbed, the higher it became. Seeing the gate as
he passed on his way to school reminded him of the note.
A tablet was needed at school and had been forgotten several times. A
picture of the tablet barring the door of his home, so that he could
not get in, reminded the boy to go at once to the store and make the
purchase.
On her way to church a girl was given a message to deliver to a certain
lady, after the service. She pictured herself trying to get out of the
door of the church, but the lady blocked the way refusing to allow her
to crowd through. When she started out, seeing the door, which was part
of the picture, it reminded her of the lady, and she delivered her
message.
Beware of Procrastination