P.N.E.U. Notes.
Volume 7, 1896, pgs. 478-480
Edited by Miss Frances Blogg, Sec., 28, Victoria Street, S.W.
To whom Hon. Local Secs. are requested to send reports of all matters of interest connected with their branches, also 30 copies of any prospectuses or other papers they may print.
The Library Committee acknowledge, with many thanks, the gift of the following books:--
"The Great Giant Arithmos" (Aldis).
"Ten Minutes' Lessons in Sight Singing" (Larkins), from Mrs. Reynolds
Salter.
"A Garden of Pleasure" (E. V. B.) Miss H. Webb.
"Elements of Number" (1 to 10, and 10 to 36). Messrs. Swan,
Sonnenschein & Co.
"On Stimulus." From Mrs. Arthur Sidgwick.
Belgravia.--The Committee are glad to report that the work of the Session has been of a most encouraging character. The meetings have been largely attended, and new life seems to have been infused into the Branch. Several ladies have kindly made their private classes open to other members of the Branch, and it is hoped that this plan will be pursued during the coming Session. Forty-six new members have joined this year, and the Committee feel that if each member would make the Society known amongst his or her friends, a much larger increase of members might be looked for. The next programme of Lectures will be issued in October.
Hyde Park and Bayswater.--Hon. Sec., Mrs. Franklin, 9, Pembridge Gardens, W. (At home Thursday mornings). The programme for the next Session will be issued in September. The following classes will be organized:-French classes for school boys and girls, conducted by Mdlle. Duriaux, on Mondays and Thursdays, 5.30-6.15, and morning classes by one of her trained teachers. French games for little children, Wednesdays 4.45. Swedish drill by Miss Armstrong (for five years teacher at Madame Bergman Osterberg's Gymnasium, Hampstead), Thursdays 4-5. Hockey for girls over twelve, Wednesdays and Fridays. Further particulars from Mrs. Franklin.
Hampstead and St. John's Wood.--The last meeting of the Session was held on Wednesday afternoon, June 10th, at Ettrick House, Steele's Road, by the kind permission of Mrs. Howard Glover, who presided. Mrs. Steinthal addressed the members on "How I teach my children."
After an account of the methods used in connection with the Parents' Review School, specimens of the children's work were handed round. Questions were asked freely by the audience, who were much interested. There was a good attendance.
Wanstead and Woodford.--An arrangement was made to visit Epping Forest Museum, on July 8th, when Mr. Cole, who has arranged the collection of objects for the Essex Field Club, was present, and explained the exhibits to the children of members of this Branch.
Dulwich.--A meeting was held on Tuesday, June 23rd, at The Chestnuts, Dulwich Common. Miss Cooper (the head mistress of the Dulwich High School for Girls), read a most excellent paper on the subject of "Home Work." The Rev. J. H. Mallinson (head master of Dulwich College Preparatory School), then spoke on the same theme, and gave many practical and useful hints to parents.
The next course of meetings will begin early in October, for which a programme will be prepared.
Wimbledon.--(Hon. Sec., Miss Saunders, Oakholm.) Owing to the illness of Lady Thompson, the inaugural meeting of this Branch was held at Copse Hill House (by the great kindness of Mrs. Giles) instead of at Cottenham House, as was first arranged. The chair was taken by the Rev. Sir Peile Thompson, and about thirty ladies and gentlemen were present. Dr. Schofield addressed the audience and spoke of the general aim and scope of the P.N.E.U., and insisted strongly on the fact that though there is no system for training children, there are principles and methods. The great tool in the hands of all who have to do with children, is the setting up of "a habit," which is stronger than ten natures. Mrs. Franklin also spoke on the various agencies at work in connection with the P.N.E.U. About fourteen ladies and gentlemen gave in their names as members of the Branch, at the conclusion of the meeting.
Eastbourne.--Owing to unavoidable circumstances, Miss Webb's promised lecture on "Heredity" had to be postponed until Friday, the 10th July, when a drawing-room meeting of members and their friends (ladies only), was held at Ingleside, Selwyn Road, at four o'clock. This was the concluding meeting of the session. Miss Barnett has kindly promised her lecture for the October meeting.
Hastings and St. Leonards.--Members of this Branch and their children are specially asked to get note-books, of any size and shape, and fill them with sketches and records of all sorts of animal and plant life and their ways; also pressed specimens. There is great room for originality, and Mrs. Edward Venables hopes that many books may be received by her by mid-October, at St. Bernard's Lodge, St. Leonards-on-Sea.
Bedford.--On the 28th May, a meeting was held at the Bedford Kindergarten, when an address was given by Mrs. Franklin on "A P.N.E.U. Ideal of Education." The Mayor of Bedford presided.
The last meeting (until the autumn) was also held at the Kindergarten, on the 13th June, when the members of the Branch had the privilege of hearing Miss Mason for the first time. There was a large attendance, and the chair was taken by A. Ransome, Esq. Miss Mason's address was listened to with deep attention, and cannot but prove fruitful with good, both to those present and to the future progress of the Branch. After congratulating the Bedford Branch on work already done, Miss Mason dealt with the question of right child-training, which she said was essentially the work of the parents by virtue of their parenthood. Definite lines of psychology and physiology must be found that this training may be carried out. Psychological lines first, because the P.N.E.U. recognised the importance of the borderland that lies between the mind and body. The law of habit was the great governing power in the science of child training. The only way to overcome one habit is to create another, and knowing this, the members of the P.N.E.U. had to set to work to frame habits and manners. Another fundamental principle of the Union was the importance of initial ideas. A great idea has life, it grows and strengthens, it brings other ideas. Parents must find the right moment to present an idea to a child. Vigour was instilled into the child's mind; the eye flashed, and then it was the parents knew their idea had taken root. Parents, therefore, should enter seriously into educational work, making it their highest aim to leave the world better than they found it. A hearty vote of thanks to Miss Mason concluded a most successful meeting.
The Natural History Club, formed in Bedford early in May, has, so far, been very successful. The Girls' Division numbers some thirty-six members, and the Boys' (formed more recently) about ten. Various scientific friends have given most valuable help in conducting the fortnightly rambles for Geology and Botany. Thanks to their active sympathy, the young members are encouraged to take a real and increasing interest in the beauties and wonders of nature, and some have begun to keep Natural History Diaries. It is hoped that a good programme will be arranged for next term. Hon. Sec., Miss C. F. Barnett, 5, The Crescent.
The Office (28, Victoria Street) will be closed during the month of August, but letters will be forwarded.
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