(1) The Spiritual Foundations of Reconstruction A Plea for New Educational Methods (2) The Great War Brings it Home The Natural Reconstruction of an Unnatural Existence

Abstract

(1) WE welcome the freshening breeze in the educational proposals brought forward by. Dr. Hayward and Mr. Freeman. “The function of the schools is to educate the community into a knowledge of Truth, a sense of Beauty, and a love of Goodness; that function they have failed to discharge.” According to the authors, the failure is largely due to laughably “unpsychological” methods. A revolution is necessary. “Arithmetic, handicraft, language, and kindred efficiency subjects may be taught—taught to Jack and Jill by Bob and Dick.” But “the class teaching of the Bible, literature, music, history, and certain other subjects should be largely abolished in favour of a liturgical, ceremonial, or celebrational treatment.” There should be days devoted to great personalities (St. Paul, Alfred the Great, Joan of Arc, St. Francis, George Washington) or great ideas (the League of Nations, France, agriculture, science, freedom). The humdrum duties of life should be expounded in lessons in which the main emphasis is on the reason, matters of personal hygiene, for instance, being brought home by scientific argument. In the liturgy reason would be subordinate to feel ing—to “admiration, hope, and love.” Repre sentatives of all sects, parties, professions, move ments, etc., as well as teachers, should be urged to give addresses to the whole school at times set apart for this in the liturgical arrangements. On such occasions, so far as accommodation could be provided, parents and “the public” should be invited.

(1) The Spiritual Foundations of Reconstruction. A Plea for New Educational Methods.

By Dr. F. H. Hayward Arnold Freeman. Pp. lxi + 223. (London: P. S. King and Son, Ltd., 1919.) Price 10s. 6d. net.

(2) The Great War Brings it Home. The Natural Reconstruction of an Unnatural Existence.

By John Hargrave (“White Fox”). Pp. xvi + 367. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1919.) Price 10s. 6d. net.