How to Study and Teaching How to Study by Frank M. (Frank Morton) McMurry
page 76 of 302 (25%)
page 76 of 302 (25%)
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would be dissatisfied if all this work were done for them. Any one has
observed that small children are disappointed if they are not allowed to perform necessary little tasks that lie within their power. Also, they enjoy those toys most that are not too complete, and that, therefore, leave some work for their own imaginations. This quality of childhood is characteristic of youth and of adults. An author would not be forgiven if he stopped in the midst of his discourse to explain a reference. Eminent writers, like Longfellow, for example, are even blamed for attaching the morals to their productions; and terseness is one of the qualities of literature that is most praised. In other words, older people, like children, love activity. Although they at times hate to work, they do not want authors to presuppose that they are lazy or helpless; and they resent too much assistance. Since, therefore, the many omissions in the presentation of thought are in accordance with our own desires, we would do well to undertake the necessary supplementing without complaint. THE ABILITY OF CHILDREN TO SUPPLEMENT THOUGHT There are several facts indicating that children have the ability to undertake this kind of studying. _Reasons for assuming that children have this kind of ability 1. Their vivid imaginations_ One of the chief powers necessary is a vivid imagination by which concrete situations can be clearly pictured, and children possess such |
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