The songs in this book are available in two forms: .pdf (high-qualityimage), and MIDI (sound file). When a song is presented more than once,the same files are used for both. Depending on your browser, these filesmay open directly, or may need to be downloaded for use with anotherapplication.
All references to "permission", "copyright" and similar are from theoriginal text. They are retained solely for informational purposes.
A few photographs were printed out of sequence, probably for reasonsof space. For this e-text they have been placed in their appropriatelocations, retaining the original "See page N" notation.
This book is fully protected by copyright and nothing that appearsin it may be reprinted or reproduced in any manner, either wholly or inpart, for any use whatever, without special written permission of thecopyright owner.
The following rhythmic plays compiled by Mr. John N. Richards of theNewark Department of Physical Education have been devised to meet theneeds in the transition of Physical Education activities between thekindergarten and the first few years of the primary school.
The physiologist tells us that the nervous organism of earlychildhood is injured by the strain of strict, immobile attentionrequired in formal gymnastics. Therefore it is wise to hold the child'sinterest and attention by means of dramatized nursery plays. These makelittle strain on mental application and the child is able to dramatizein motion the words and music which are planned to develop his motorco-ordination. In this way the child is gradually and interestingly ledfrom the freedom of expression, characteristic of babyhood to the morespecialized formal activities of the third and fourth years in theschool.
Mr. Richards' contribution merits widespread usage because he hasclearly and definitely described his rhythm plays so that the classroomteacher can easily make use of them without having to draw on herimagination or having to guess at the written explanation.
The book should be useful and welcomed too, not only by the classroomteacher but also by the specialist and supervisor of PhysicalEducation.
Randall D. Warden
Director of Physical Education, Newark, N.J., Public Schools
5The young people of to-day are most fortunate in their opportunitiesand advantages. The home, the school, the shop, social life and playoffer increasing fields for service. The ever increasing number ofproblems which must be faced, in this reconstruction period of ournation's life, demands leaders of broad intellect, clear vision andsound judgment. Coupled with these qualifications there must bedeveloped a moral earnestness which will make for bettercitizenship.
The trend of society movement is undoubtedly toward congested citylife. There is lamentable lack of playgrounds and properly equipped