AUTHOR'S PREFACE. All THE preface to Symbolic Education contains a promise of which the present volume is a partial fulfillment, although upon further reflection I have abandoned my original plan of publication. kindergartners who love and appreciate the MotherPlay will realize that it needs more extended comment than that plan provided for, and will, I hope, accept this book as an attempt to show how each motto, song, and commentary should be studied. As these letters may fall into the hands of some readers not familiar with the Mother-Play, it seems well to mention that they deal with comparatively few of the subjects discussed in that remarkable book. They will do most good to those in whom they quicken a resolution to master not only the Mother-Play, but all the works of Froebel. There is an old superstition that no arrow goes straight to its mark unless it has been dipped in the marksman's blood. The study of the Mother-Play has taught me truths through which, had I known them when I most needed them, I might have avoided many errors and been spared much sorrow. With the hope that my book may help others to avoid my own mistakes, I commit it to the generous judgment of readers, many of whom are already my friends. AVON, December 27, 1898. SUSAN E. BLOW. LETTERS TO A MOTHER. LETTER I. HEART INSIGHT. FALLING! FALLING! MOTTO. A game to strengthen the whole body. All a mother does or says Is inspired by thoughtful love. To her child her life is given, Thought, and word, and deed, and prayer; And her hold, an instant broken, To his mind is but a token Of her constant care. Soon her arms must loose their hold, That no jar or fright may wound him- And for this, her thought and love Must his little life prepare; Teaching first how she is needed, That through her fond cautions heeded He may learn self-care. HENRIETTA R. ELIOT. |