INTRODUCTION. THE aim of this book is to lead the beginner to a knowledge of the principles of numbers in such a way that he shall comprehend clearly every step. It is a law of mind that the first notions in any department of thought are acquired through the use of the senses, through sense perception. Hence, we have introduced, at every step, the oral lessons dealing with a variety of objects. But it is of great importance to remember that objects should be used no longer than they serve their purpose; as soon as the child has grasped the idea firmly, the use of objects should be discontinued. The teacher must determine, by careful observation, when this stage is reached. Very likely many children will need less of this oral work than is here given; others may need even more. The teacher is not asked to follow these exercises blindly and mechanically; they are intended to be suggestive merely. The teacher should remember that the oral exercise is to lead up to the matter in the lesson "For Study"; hence, that exercise should always precede the study lesson. After the child has mastered the lesson "For Study," it is expected that he will be called upon to recite it, or to be examined upon it, in the usual manner of conducting class recitations. The oral lesson is to prepare him for the study; the recitation is to determine the success of his study. This book calls for the employment of an unusual amount of time in the early steps. It does not demand a great deal of memorizing, but what it does ask for should be perfect. It fully recognizes the truth that slow but sure progress at the beginning is certain to result in a great saving of time in the end. |