The Blue-Bird Song

 

1. I know the song that the blue-bird is  singing
 Out in the be apple-tree where he is of  swinging;

Brave little fellow the, skies may be dreary,-

Nothing cares  he while his heart is so  cheery;

Hark! how the music leaps out from his throat!

Hark was there ever so  merry  a note?

Listen a while and you'll hear what he's saying,

Up in the apple tree swinging and and swaying.

2. Dear little song blossoms down under the snow, 

You must be weary  of winter, I know; 

Hark! while I sing you a message of cheer,

Summer is coming and spring time is here! 

Dear little snow, drop I pray you a rise;

Bright yellow crocus, come, pen your  eyes;

Sweet little violets hid from the say cold,

Put on your mantle of purple and gold. 

References:

THE PRIMARY PLAN BOOK BY MARIAN M GEORGE MARCH A FLANAGAN COMPANY CHICAGO 1912

  

The Blue Bird

The Blue Bird - Sialia sialis 

The Bluebird

By Maurice Thompson 

Sing strong and clear, O Bluebird, dear! 
While all the land with splendor fills, 

While maples gladden in the vales, 

And plum-trees blossom on the hills;

 Float down the wind on shining wings, 

And do thy will by grove and stream, 

While through my life spring's freshness runs 

Like music through a poet's dream. 

One of the first birds to arrive in the spring migration is the Bluebird. One may wander through the woods in the early part of March, when the icy chill of winter, and the warmth of the coming spring seem struggling for the mastery, and hear the clear sweet warble of this beautiful bird. What wonder is it that the early New England settlers called him the Blue Robin and hailed his coming with delight. 

THE BLUEBIRD 

By Rexford 

Winged lute that we call a bluebird, 

You blend in a silver strain 

The sound of the laughing waters, 

The patter of Spring's sweet rain; 

The voice of the winds, the sunshine, 

And fragrance of blossoming things. 

Ah! you are an April poem, 

That God has dowered with wings. 

THE BLUEBIRD 

By EMILY H. MILLER

I KNOW the song that the bluebird is singing 

Out in the apple-tree, where he is swinging. 

Brave little fellow! the skies may be dreary,- 

Nothing cares he while his heart is so cheery. 

Hark! how the music leaps out from his throat! 

Hark! was there ever so merry a note? 

Listen awhile and you ll hear what he's saying 

Up in the apple-trees swinging and swaying. 

"Dear little blossoms, down under the snow 

You must be weary of winter, I know; 

Hark while I sing you a message of cheer; 

Summer is coming and springtime is here. 

Little white snowdrop! I pray you arise; 

Bright, yellow crocus, come open your eyes. 

Sweet little violets, hid from cold, 

Put on your mantles of purple and gold. 

Daffodils! daffodils! saym do you hear? 

Summer is coming and springtime is here." 

MEMORY GEM 

"O, BLUEBIRD, up in the maple tree, 

Shaking your throat with such bursts of glee; 

How did you happen to be so blue? 

Did you steal a bit of the sky for your crest, 

And fasten blue violets into your breast? 

Tell me, I pray you, tell me true!" 

THE BLUE BIRD.

By  EBEN E. REXFORD

Listen a moment, I pray you! 

What was that sound I heard? 

Wind in the budding branches, 

The ripple of brooks, or a bird?

Hear it again, above us, 

And see, a flutter of wings! 

The Blue bird knows it is April, 

And soars to the sun and sings. 

Never the song of the Robin 

Could make my heart so glad; 

When I hear the Blue bird singing, 

In spring, I forget to be sad. 

Never was sweeter music- 

Sunshine turned into a song, 

To set us dreaming of summer, 

When the days and the dreams are long. 

 Winged lute, that we call a Blue bird, 

You blend in a silver strain 

The sound of the laughing waters, 

The patter of spring's sweet rain. 

The voice of the winds, the sunshine, 

And fragrance of blossoming things. 

Ah! you are a poem of April 

That God has dowered with wings.

References:

1. BIRDS and NATURE IN NATURAL COLORS JANUARY 1904 ΤΟ MAY 1904 

2. The School 1917

3. THE PRIMARY PLAN BOOK BY MARIAN M. GEORGE A FLANAGAN COMPANY CHICAGO 1912

4. VICK'S ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE 1904

 

COLORING PAGE- EGGS IN THE NEST

 COLORING PAGE- EGGS IN THE NEST  

HOW TO FIND EASTER 

 "THIRTY days hath September, 
Every person can remember; 
But to know when Easter's come 
Puzzles even scholars, some. 

When March the twenty-first is past 

Just watch the silvery moon, 

And when you see it full and round 

Know Easter 'll be here soon. 

After the moon has reached its full 

Then Easter will be here 

The very Sunday after, 

In each and every year. 

And if it hap on Sunday 

The moon should reach its height, 

The Sunday following this event 

Will be the Easter bright.

References:

1.Werner's Readings and Recitations No 57 Easter Celebrations WRITTEN COMPILED OR ARRANGED BY STANLEY SCHELL 1916

2.THE POULTRY WORLD HARTFORD CONN MARCH 1880 

SEAT WORK LESSON- THREE LITTLE CHICKEN

 DRAWING LESSON- EGGS AND THREE LITTLE CHICKEN

By MAUDE M. GRANT 

ILLUSTRATED BY BESS BRUCE CLEAVELAND 

1. FIRST STEP- COUNTOURING THE EGG SHAPE.

Three eggs three eggs 
Now watch and see 
What these small eggs 
Are going to be 

2. SECOND STEP- ADD THE HEADS AND BEAKS

Make three round heads, 

And three beaks, too,

A wavy line

Right in plain view. 

3. THIRD STEP- ADD EYES, TAILS AND LEGS

Add tails and eyes 

And tiny feet. 

These chicks have found 

A worm to eat. 

References:

1. NORMAL INSTRUCTOR AND PRIMARY PLANS, JANUARY 1929

Duck Pattern

 

Freehand cutting- Duck Pattern

Drawing: Elsa Steward Clark, Ohio 

Project: Easter booklet 

4rth Step- Fourth week

Freehand paper cutting, Coloring page

1.Using the illustrated duck pattern,- see that each child has two. Color yellow and paste two ducks together, with the exception of the wing, which is to be folded over. Fold the small pasting flap back. and paste onto the blue pond. The duck will then stand up and seem to be swimming in the water.

2.s Illustrate Stevenson's poem:

 The rain is raining all around 

It rains on field and tree; 

It falls on the umbrellas here, 

And on the ships at sea.

 Do this in any medium.  

References:

Primary Education for April 1923   

Mr. Frog enjoys the rainy April weather

 

Freehand cutting- Mr. Frog enjoys the rainy April weather 

Drawing: Elsa Steward Clark, Ohio 

Project: Easter booklet 

3rd Step- Third week

Freehand paper cutting, Coloring page

 

1. Mr. Frog enjoys the rainy April weather. Have children cut toad stools, free hand, from folded paper to insure symmetry .Use frog patterns to draw around.

Color lower portion of frog a yellow green and the back- dark green with black spots. Mount both on gray paper, or make a rainy day picture by adding strokes for rain.

 2. A hyacinth border will brighten any schoolroom.

 Cut flower pots from folded paper, and color light brown with a simple dot design in dark brown.

Cut and color green leaves freehand. 

Cut the flower from folded paper with an irregular edge, and have each row color theirs differently.

 Pink lavender and light blue are good colors. 

3. A rabbit doll is a problem children like Start with oval shaped paper and fold in half. Cut as indicated. It is always wise to draw on the board just how to proceed in the cutting. 

References:

Primary Education for April 1923   

Mr. Duck with Umbrella

 

Freehand cutting- Mr. Duck with Umbrella 

Drawing: Elsa Steward Clark, Ohio 

Project: Easter booklet 

3rd Step- Third week

Freehand paper cutting, Coloring page

1. April is the rainy month. Cut umbrellas in various ways- open, closed, and half open.

 Color and mount 

2. Show Mr Duck out walking in the rain. Use gray paper and color lower part of the paper green. 

Use a duck pattern and paste it onto the grass. Color the duck yellow and the umbrella black. 

Draw rain with slanting crayola strokes. 

Chicken Coop

3. Construct a chicken coop. Fold a sheet of 6" x 9" manila paper as indicated. 

Start by folding the pasting flap. The openings are not hard to cut if they are kept rather large.

References:

Primary Education for April 1923  

Baby Chick

Freehand cutting of baby chick 

Drawing: Elsa Steward Clark, Ohio 

Project: Easter booklet 

1st Step 

Fold a sheet of 6" x 9" manila in half the short way. Cut the open edges so that booklet is egg shaped. Place the rabbit pattern against fold, and cut away all of cover around the rabbit, him attached to the fold. Color the remaining cover purple and leave the rabbit white.

2nd Step 

Start with a circle and follow illustrated steps 

If the teacher will take each step slowly and have each child cut right,- with her excellent results will be obtained 

Color chicken's bill and feet orange and eye black 

 Make a simple April landscape of sky ground and fence 

Place chickens cut in previous lesson on fence or show child feeding them. 

References:

Primary Education for April 1923 

April Book Cover

  April Book Cover 

Project- Paper Cutting for Grade II 

Theme; Spring, Rain, Nature Studies, Zoology, Ducklings, PPE- Umbrella, Safety

Supplies:

Mount or cover gray 12" x 9" 

Black cutting paper 6" x 3

Black crayola 

Fold black cutting paper to make two squares 3" x 3" 

From this folded square cut two ducks with umbrellas, cutting together that they may be alike. 

With black crayola about 3 1/2, from top draw water line. 

About five inches from top- draw a second line.

 In enclosed space print word -Rain

In space above- make small slanting dashes of black crayola,- to represent rain.

 Mount cut outs on water line. 

Tie in with cord the pages of paper, suitable for subject or lessons, for which used. 

References:

NORMAL INSTRUCTOR AND PRIMARY PLANS APRIL 1930

Let's Take the Road and Follow April

 Let's Take the Road and Follow April 

By ANNETTE WYNNE   ALICE HESS BEVERIDGE 

1. Let's take the road and follow April, 

April's heart is wild with glee.

April's lips were made for laughter 

 What tho rain and tears come after

April calls and we are free!

2. Let's take the road and follow April 

Just a merry child is she 

Where she treads green things start growing 

What tho  pril calls- we must be going-

April April calls and we are free!  

Words reprinted by permission from "For Days and Days" by Annette Wynne  1919 by Frederick A Stokes Company  

References:

NORMAL INSTRUCTOR AND PRIMARY PLANS APRIL 1930

Safe and Sound

 A Reading with Music 

Safe and Sound 

By ANNETTE WYNNE  and ALICE HESS BEVERIDGE 

Safe and sound, in the ground, 

Little seeds are lying so*-

Just like-this all in a row*- 

But when April dances round- 

Like this*- with singing sound, -

And there's not a trace of snow- 

Up they ll jump before we know- 

Like this*- and start to grow. 

All day long the small plants try 

This way to reach the sky,* 

Some little flowers peep all about,

And then when school at last is out, 

The children gather in the sun 

And pick the flowers one by one- 

So*- and then comes snow; 

Once again all in a row* 

Little seeds lie underground, 

While Mr Rough Wind rides around.

*- With suitable actions 

The words of the poem are reprinted by permission from "For Days and Days" by Annette Wynne Copyright 1919 by Frederick A Stokes Company Book rights reserved.  

1. References:

PRIMARY EDUCATION- POPULAR EDUCATOR  April 1927

Down the Drops Came

 Down the Drops Came 

by CHAS E. BOYD 

Down the drops came, tınkle, tinkle,
With a sudden dash and sprinkle,   

Tho' as blue as perwinkle was the sky.

"Some mysterious hocus-pocus 

Knocked above us and awoke us," 

Cries a little yellow crocus, 

With a sigh.

There's a roaring, there's a clatter 

There's a smoky dash and spatter 

Of the dust, as comes the patter 

Of the drops.

Such a drencher, such a pelter 

Is it; yet, when, helter-skelter 

Everything has found, a shelter, 

Then it stops.   

SONG OF THE SPRING.

SONG OF THE SPRING. 

MY laughter has broke o'er the azure sky, 
And the sombre clouds have arisen to fly;
 My voice through the woods has again been heard, 
And recalled to its haunt the exiled bird.

I ve come to the haunts that I knew of yore-

To the rich man's lawn, to the cottage door; 

But I see the gloom of the storm-cloud cast 

O'er homes lit with love when I saw them last. 

I have made the earth like a fair young bride 

And now farewell, for I may not abide; 

I go to the land that knows not of blight, 

Where cometh no shadow of sorrow or night.  

I shall see no graves of the lovely there,

For Death cannot breathe in celestial air; 

I go where fadeth not blossom or tree: 

Will ye come with me?will ye come with me?

Rerefences:

1. THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER APRIL 13 1889 

The Pitchers

The Pitchers 

The studies in Rhythm- The Grand Americana. The grand school of the ballet of The USA- Isadora Duncan was the first one who taught this method of Physical Education in the schools of The USA, The UK, and The USSR.
The performance was approved by The Department Of Education Of The USA.
The article is presented as it is.

Studies in Rhythm 

Marjorie Woolnoth England 

Imagination 

THE studies given here, aim at expressing the spirit, rather than  of the music, therefore a certain amount of license in following the music note for note is allowable.

In teaching, the story or theme of the study should first of all be described to the children, while the music being played, so that they may be able to visualize scene before setting out to portray it.  

scene before setting out to portray it 

While giving the children a definite line of thought to follow, they should be encouraged to fill in detail expression according to their own ideas. It will be that in most of the studies provision has been made self-expression. Thus, the children dance to the Piper's piping at their own free will, with the observance of landmarks, such as standing still at the break of the music. In this way the study is infinitely more joyous and beneficial to the children than if they were to follow set steps through. They must not be allowed, however, to movements that are contrary to the rhythm and of the music. 

Studies of this nature give the scope for originality, creative power with which the modern child is blessed. It also tends to develop retiring and lazy children, who are only too ready to borrow their ideas from and copy what they see before them, whereas thrown their own, they are forced to find a way for themselves.

The Pitchers 

Impersonating Eastern women, fetching water from pool or river. Straight, smooth walking, balance, erect carriage are the main points to be observed. 

Five children take position across top right corner room, a similar group taking position at bottom left of room. The latter group sits on floor while top group performs a study, afterwards performing study while group is seated. Groups are placed thus: 

One, three children, one child. 

Ready position. 

Balance imaginary pitcher on left shoulder, left arm raised above, with hand curved downward, steadying top of right hand, placed against left shoulder supporting of pitcher.

Illustration 18 

1 Top group advances diagonally to center (walking two steps to the bar), keeping formation. The leader arriving at center of room, first stands still and waits till the others fall into straight line on right and left. Eight bars. 

2 Kneel slowly, bend forward and lower pitcher into water, keeping hands at top and bottom of pitcher. Four bars. 

3 Wait in easy position each child in own attitude watching pitchers fill.( Illustration 19) Eight bars. 

4 Bend down to water, raise pitcher place on shoulder, in same position as before. Rise very slowly and steadily, with weight on front foot.Turn ready to go back/ Four  bars.

5 Walk back in same manner as 1- the leader starting first ,the others following in place. Eight bars.

As the top group finishes ,the bottom group takes ready position.  

References:

1.PRIMARY EDUCATION-POPULAR EDUCATOR, April 1927  

 

 

Easter Lily

 AT EASTER TIME  

a poem by ELIZABETH HAYNES SANDS 

This is the gift of them that sleep, 
Whose dust so long has lain- 
That they again return to us 
In softest April rain;

That they should give their bodies flesh 

To feed the budding trees, 

That they should speak to us again 

Through every summer breeze;

In every throbbing pulse of earth 

We feel their heartbeats, still, 

Hear them in every laughing stream, 

See them on every hill.

They send their message back to us 

Up through the depths of earth 

Reminding us lest we forget 

That they have found new birth 

        ELIZABETH HAYNES SANDS   

Easter Lily- Window decoration for the classroom

Themes-: Art, Drawing, Seat Project, Nature Studies, Literature, Scenario for Auditorium.

References:

1.THE GRADE TEACHER  April 1931

 

HEPATICAS

 HEPATICAS 

Dear little flowers of dainty blue, 
With hearts of palest gold, 
We love to stroke your fuzzy hoods 
And watch your buds unfold. 

The leaves that cluster at your feet 
Are torn, and ragged too, 
I think they stayed all winter, dears, 
To get a peep at you. 
     Selected 

COAST RHODODENDRON

 COAST RHODODENDRON 

IS THE STATE FLOWER OF WASHINGTON 

April coloring page-  COAST RHODODENDRON 

WASHINGTON has chosen as her state flower one of the most attractive flowers of the Pacific Coast.The coast rhododendron is a relative of West Virginia's flower the rosebay rhododendron. Both have delicate waxlike blossoms and rich deep green leaves.

The coast rhododendron grows from three to fifteen feet high. The flowers have no odor and are a delicate pinkish lavender.They blossom throughout June and July and usually grow in thickets.

COLORS:

 FLOWERS TINT OF LAVENDER WITH YELLOW 

STAMENS TO MEDIUM GREEN DEEP GREEN SHADOWS USE MEDIUM GREEN WITH TOUCHES OF BROWN LEAVES STEMS 

Coloring page  for Themes: Civic Education. Flowers, Geography, Nature Studies, Art, Drawing

References:

1. NORMAL INSTRUCTOR AND PRIMARY PLANS, April 1929

PEACH BLOSSOM

 PEACH BLOSSOM is 

PEACH -STATE FLOWER OF DELAWARE 

April coloring page- COLORING CARD By JOHN T LEMOS 

The petals of the peach blossom should be colored a deep pink. The calyx is a red brown. and the stem is a deep brown. The leaves are medium green. with dark green shadows .The large initial may be colored a rose or deep yellow. 

References:

1. NORMAL INSTRUCTOR AND PRIMARY PLANS, April 1929

Lily Pattern- Coloring page

 Traditional theme of the month of March- lessons of art and drawing. Easter Lily- Lily of St.

Joseph.Coloring page approved by The Department Of Education of The USA for the Kindergartens and the Primary Schools Of The United States Of America.

For the children- to copy.

References:

1.The lesson was found in the magazine for educators of The USA- Primary Education, March 1907.