Visual Education (Jan 1923-Dec 1924)

78 Visual Education The open garbage pail — who will suggest what children can do? There is hesitation; then come various suggestions : "Feed it to the chickens." Bad. "Burn it." Impractical in summer. "Dump it in the ocean." Thoughtless. It is necessary again to hint that the pail is uncovered, and some one shouts : "Put the lid on !" Surely, and keep it on ! And the speaker draws from hiding the lid of the pail, neatly fitting it into place. The sick man? The health department, the doctor and an intelligent nurse will see that flies are kept away. Flies should never be allowed in the sick room. We don't stop, however, with our efforts to keep flies from unclean objects. How (exhibiting the miniature screen door) are our houses protected? But screen doors and windows are often carelessly left open, or they become broken. Can boys and girls help keep the house fly-tight ? This glass of milk ? Correct— milk should be kept covered and in a cold ice-box. This piece of bread? Itept covered, too, and the table should be cleared of food, crumbs and dishes as soon after meals as possible. The baby, asleep in the carriage? A little girl mentions mosquito netting, and a piece of proper size is brought forth by the speaker, who invites the girl to show just how it is put in place. Last but not least, the fly swatter is waved in air and all the boys and girls are asked to rise, swipe the air vigorously, and repeat in unison the slogan for the day: SWAT THE FLY The fly created for this little talk was purposely made to look "mean," for that's what he is — man's meanest enemy. Child Health Organizations Merge El 'i CATORS who regard a wider extension of positive health education among S( hool boys and girls as one of the brightesl hopes for the better America of .-ill our dreams, will find abundant cause for rejoicing in the recently announced union of the Child Health Organization of .America with its sister organiza tion, the American Child Hygiene Association, to form the American Child Health Association, with headquarters at 370 Seventh Avenue, New York City. In the four years of its existence, the first-named organization has dealt exclusively with the child of school age; the other has devoted itself to the problem of the younger child and his mother. To the greatly broadened field of work which the merger opens up, each body brings a staff of splendidly enthusiastic, highly trained and efficient workers. With the increased resources, financial and otherwise, which the new association will command, it is not too much to expect that the next few years will see its famous slogan — "Health in Education, Education in Health" — not only officially adopted but really lived in every school in the land. No organization which has so fully grasped the psychology of appealing to the child through picture, plays, jingles, songs, dolls and games, and which packs into all these delightful devices so much science and sound pedagogy in addition to so much sheer artistry and jollity, could fail to hit its high-set mark. Its ideals are stamped indelibly upon every book and leaflet that has issued from its press, and upon every plan it has put forth for dramatizing and visualizing health teaching. It is good to note that official recognition has already crowned this work: these two cooperating organizations were recently chosen by the Commonwealth Fund as the logical groups to carry on a five-year Child Health demonstration to be financed by the Fund in each of three American cities. Fargo, North Dakota, has been selected for the first demonstration, and reports from that field will be followed with keen interest. Characteristic of the unique personalities of those who have had the destinies of the Child Health Organization in charge is that association's fourth annual report, which has just been issued. In the guise of a quaint little "Almanack," it tells a story of accomplishment that is brimful of interest and inspiration. We earnestly urge every teacher and mother who is not already acquainted with the health education movement to seek an introduction through the medium of this alluring "Child Health Almanack."