KINDERGARTEN WORK

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 222, 14 June 1920, Page 6

KINDERGARTEN WORK

A deputation representing ! the New Zealand Free Kindergarten Union waited upon the Minister of Education (tho Hon. C. J. Parr) on Saturday. The speakers were Mrs. Gill, Mrs. Giikins'-n, arid Miss Sea ton. Their principal request was that the Ereo Kindergarten centres throughout New Zealand should be allowed to establish classes of about 15 children from 5 to 7 years of age, for the purposes of teaching reading and writing, to enable students to learn how to teach these subjects. It was stated that student teachers, on' leaving the Free Kindergarten schools, found themselves deficient in this knowledge, «.nd had to tako special lessons. At presont the Kindergarten takes children only to five years of age, and reading and writing are not taught. Many parents do not believe in sending their children to the public schools before they are seven; and it was suggested that the classes desired might ho composed of these children, who wero at present practically wasting > their time from five to seven years. Tho deputation also requested increased financial assistance in the form 1 of larger subsidies, so that more adequate . salaries might be paid to teachers.

The Minister expressed himself ns being very sympathetic with the work done by the Free Kindergarten. He appreciated the efforts of the teachers and would look into theVequests made.with a view to seeing what could be done.