CreditsHow to Keep the Credits in the HomeFor every duty the child has done put down | after the name of the duty the child has performed. Example:Cutting wood||||| ||||| ||||| |Taking bath ||||| ||||| || This is to indicate the number of times.ALL THAT ARE 5 CREDITSALL THAT ARE 10 CREDITSCanning jar of fruit...........Music practice (30 min.)..........Making and baking cake.........Milking cow.......................Making and baking pie..........Crocheting (hour).................Sweeping room..................Cleaning basement.................Making bed.....................Making apron......................Setting table..................Keeping front yard clean..........Dusting furniture..............Keeping back yard clean...........Making handkerchief............Keeping sidewalk clean............Making any other thing.........Keeping alley clean...............Keeping room ventilated........Keeping steps and porch clean.....Splitting kindling.............Politeness to seniors.............Cutting wood...................Table etiquette...................Bringing in fuel...............Blacking stove.................ALL THAT ARE 15 CREDITSScrubbing room.................Running errands................Up first and building fire........Taking care of birds...........Sprinkling lawn (1 h.)............Washing teeth..................Clerking in store (1 h.)..........Taking bath....................Driving team (1 h.)...............In bed by nine.................Helping with freight (1 h.).......Up by seven....................Making and baking bread...........Helping others dress...........Attending Sunday school...........Brushing clothes (self)........Attending Church service..........Polishing shoes (self).........Feeding cow or other animal....ALL THAT ARE 30 CREDITSGathering eggs.................At school with cleanWashing clothes (2 h.)............HandsIroning clothes (2 h.)............FaceTaking care of baby (2 h.)........TeethPreparing meal (family)...........NailsCleaning barn.....................Hair combedCleaning henhouse.................Carrying papersALL THAT ARE 40 CREDITSMaking dress (self)...............Cutting half rick of wood.........Spading up 400 sq. ft. garden.....Total........................Send in report on or before the 10th of each month.
How to Keep the Credits in the HomeFor every duty the child has done put down | after the name of the duty the child has performed. Example:Cutting wood||||| ||||| ||||| |Taking bath ||||| ||||| || This is to indicate the number of times.ALL THAT ARE 5 CREDITSALL THAT ARE 10 CREDITSCanning jar of fruit...........Music practice (30 min.)..........Making and baking cake.........Milking cow.......................Making and baking pie..........Crocheting (hour).................Sweeping room..................Cleaning basement.................Making bed.....................Making apron......................Setting table..................Keeping front yard clean..........Dusting furniture..............Keeping back yard clean...........Making handkerchief............Keeping sidewalk clean............Making any other thing.........Keeping alley clean...............Keeping room ventilated........Keeping steps and porch clean.....Splitting kindling.............Politeness to seniors.............Cutting wood...................Table etiquette...................Bringing in fuel...............Blacking stove.................ALL THAT ARE 15 CREDITSScrubbing room.................Running errands................Up first and building fire........Taking care of birds...........Sprinkling lawn (1 h.)............Washing teeth..................Clerking in store (1 h.)..........Taking bath....................Driving team (1 h.)...............In bed by nine.................Helping with freight (1 h.).......Up by seven....................Making and baking bread...........Helping others dress...........Attending Sunday school...........Brushing clothes (self)........Attending Church service..........Polishing shoes (self).........Feeding cow or other animal....ALL THAT ARE 30 CREDITSGathering eggs.................At school with cleanWashing clothes (2 h.)............HandsIroning clothes (2 h.)............FaceTaking care of baby (2 h.)........TeethPreparing meal (family)...........NailsCleaning barn.....................Hair combedCleaning henhouse.................Carrying papersALL THAT ARE 40 CREDITSMaking dress (self)...............Cutting half rick of wood.........Spading up 400 sq. ft. garden.....Total........................Send in report on or before the 10th of each month.
How to Keep the Credits in the Home
For every duty the child has done put down | after the name of the duty the child has performed. Example:
Cutting wood||||| ||||| ||||| |Taking bath ||||| ||||| || This is to indicate the number of times.
ALL THAT ARE 5 CREDITSALL THAT ARE 10 CREDITSCanning jar of fruit...........Music practice (30 min.)..........Making and baking cake.........Milking cow.......................Making and baking pie..........Crocheting (hour).................Sweeping room..................Cleaning basement.................Making bed.....................Making apron......................Setting table..................Keeping front yard clean..........Dusting furniture..............Keeping back yard clean...........Making handkerchief............Keeping sidewalk clean............Making any other thing.........Keeping alley clean...............Keeping room ventilated........Keeping steps and porch clean.....Splitting kindling.............Politeness to seniors.............Cutting wood...................Table etiquette...................Bringing in fuel...............Blacking stove.................ALL THAT ARE 15 CREDITSScrubbing room.................Running errands................Up first and building fire........Taking care of birds...........Sprinkling lawn (1 h.)............Washing teeth..................Clerking in store (1 h.)..........Taking bath....................Driving team (1 h.)...............In bed by nine.................Helping with freight (1 h.).......Up by seven....................Making and baking bread...........Helping others dress...........Attending Sunday school...........Brushing clothes (self)........Attending Church service..........Polishing shoes (self).........Feeding cow or other animal....ALL THAT ARE 30 CREDITSGathering eggs.................At school with cleanWashing clothes (2 h.)............HandsIroning clothes (2 h.)............FaceTaking care of baby (2 h.)........TeethPreparing meal (family)...........NailsCleaning barn.....................Hair combedCleaning henhouse.................Carrying papersALL THAT ARE 40 CREDITSMaking dress (self)...............Cutting half rick of wood.........Spading up 400 sq. ft. garden.....Total........................
Send in report on or before the 10th of each month.
Mr. Elliott sent out a mimeographed sheet explaining the rules to be observed in the contest, giving a list of the credits, and also a list of the articles to be exhibited at the fair. The rules, and the list of articles are given here.
Rules
All boys and girls now in one of the eight grades of the Charleston public schools, District No. 34, may enter in one of the four classes; D, first grade; C, 2d and 3d; B, 4th and 5th; A, 6th, 7th, and 8th. Home credits for each month must be reported to the school for record on or before the 10th of each month. Records to be confidential. We hope that every home will enter into this, and that theparent will be very careful and conscientious in the marking. Credits to be kept by parents.
A List of Articles to be exhibited
For School Fair Exhibit—To be determined by Judges
Household Economics—
1. Domestic Science: Best loaf of bread, cake, pie, dozen cookies, dozen doughnuts.
2. Domestic Art: Best made plain dress, plain apron, shirt-waist, sofa pillow, handkerchief, patchwork pillow, darning or repairing specimen.
3. Canning: Peas, peaches, apples, pears, cherries, string beans.
Agriculture—
Best 5 ears of corn, 5 potatoes, 5 selected apples, 5 carrots, 5 onions, 5 turnips, squash, pumpkin, raised by pupil.
Horticulture—
Nasturtiums, pansies, sweet peas, each 10 sprays; asters, dahlias, chrysanthemums, each 5 sprays—raised by pupil. Best 5 roses cared for by pupil.
Poultry—
Best cockerel, or pullet, or cockerel and pullet reared from a setting of 15 eggs.
Manual Training—
Best mechanical drawing, joined work, tabouret, small piece of furniture, large piece of furniture, basket, bookbinding, etc.
School Work—
What teachers see fit to make it—drawing, etc.
Music—
Best played selection on piano, violin, cornet, or other instrument: or orchestra or band: solo singing or chorus. In band or orchestra work pupils may be judged collectively or singly. Same judgment for all chorus work.
Something more may be added later.
Yours for a good fair,
The Teachers.H. W. Elliott,City Superintendent.
Mr. Elliott writes: "I believe there is nothing that will link the home and schoolmore closely than the system of credits. There is one danger, however, of cultivating dishonesty on the part of the over-anxious one. This we watch, but this tendency is sometimes noticeable. Occasionally we find a youngster attending Sunday school or church fifteen or twenty times a month."
Examples of the scheme of a weekly record with monthly report are plans in operation in Jackson County, and in Weston, Umatilla County, Oregon. The rules and schedule following were published by Mr. J. Percy Wells, county superintendent of Jackson County.
Rules governing Home Credit Work1. No pupil shall be required to enter the home credit contest, and any pupil shall be free to quit the contest at any time, but if any one quits without good cause, all credits earned shall be forfeited.2. Once each month the parent or guardian shall send to the teacher, with signature affixed, an itemized statement containing a record of the work each child has done during the preceding month. The child may make out the list, but the parent or guardian must sign the same.3. At the end of each school month the teacher shall enter on the pupil's report card the total number of credits for home work duringthe month, as certified to by the parent or guardian.4. Any pupil who has earned at least two hundred credits for home work during any school month shall be entitled to have 10 per cent added to his grade in any subject, or distributed among several subjects, and 1 per cent additional for each twenty additional credits up to four hundred credits.5. All pupils who shall have earned four hundred credits or more during any month shall be entitled to a half-holiday, and shall have their names entered on a roll of honor.6. Forfeitures—Dropping out of contest without cause, all credits earned; unexcused absence, all credits due; unexcused tardiness, 25 per cent off all credits due; less than 90 per cent in deportment for any month, 10 per cent off all credits due.These rules may be modified by teachers to suit local conditions. If the half-holiday system of awards is not satisfactory, some other system may be substituted.To parents and guardians:In this plan for giving school credit for home work it is not the intention of the school to intrude upon the domain of the home, but to coöperate with the home in the interest of the boys and girls. Here is a splendid chance for the school and the home to come closer together, and we believe both will be improved thereby.
Rules governing Home Credit Work
1. No pupil shall be required to enter the home credit contest, and any pupil shall be free to quit the contest at any time, but if any one quits without good cause, all credits earned shall be forfeited.
2. Once each month the parent or guardian shall send to the teacher, with signature affixed, an itemized statement containing a record of the work each child has done during the preceding month. The child may make out the list, but the parent or guardian must sign the same.
3. At the end of each school month the teacher shall enter on the pupil's report card the total number of credits for home work duringthe month, as certified to by the parent or guardian.
4. Any pupil who has earned at least two hundred credits for home work during any school month shall be entitled to have 10 per cent added to his grade in any subject, or distributed among several subjects, and 1 per cent additional for each twenty additional credits up to four hundred credits.
5. All pupils who shall have earned four hundred credits or more during any month shall be entitled to a half-holiday, and shall have their names entered on a roll of honor.
6. Forfeitures—Dropping out of contest without cause, all credits earned; unexcused absence, all credits due; unexcused tardiness, 25 per cent off all credits due; less than 90 per cent in deportment for any month, 10 per cent off all credits due.
These rules may be modified by teachers to suit local conditions. If the half-holiday system of awards is not satisfactory, some other system may be substituted.
To parents and guardians:
In this plan for giving school credit for home work it is not the intention of the school to intrude upon the domain of the home, but to coöperate with the home in the interest of the boys and girls. Here is a splendid chance for the school and the home to come closer together, and we believe both will be improved thereby.
JacksonHome Credit Schedule, School District No. 2Jackson County, OregonName of Pupil, Goldie Trefren. Age, 11. Grade, 4th.Month ending March 23, 1914Credits1st2d3d4thTotalweekweekweekweekBuilding fire[6]1767727Milking cow1151515853Splitting and carrying in wood (12 hours' supply)2....................Turning cream separator2....................Grooming horse2....................Gathering eggs1675422Feeding chickens, pigs, horse, or cow11212111247Churning or making butter3....................Blacking stove3....................Making and baking bread10....................Making biscuits2....................Preparing meal for family622228Washing and wiping dishes4....................Sweeping floor, each room11212121450Dusting furniture, each room14....5211Scrubbing floor, each room422228Making bed (after school)122116Washing, starching, and ironing own clothes, worn to school each week30....................Bathing, each bath4444416Arriving at school with clean hands, face, teeth, nails, and hair combed2555520Practicing music at least 30 minutes2....................Retiring on or before 9 o'clock1777728Bathing and dressing baby2....................Sleeping with windows open or with window-boards2777728Work not listed, per hour6865423————————————Total364L. S. Trefren,Parent or Guardian
Home Credit Schedule, School District No. 2Jackson County, OregonName of Pupil, Goldie Trefren. Age, 11. Grade, 4th.Month ending March 23, 1914Credits1st2d3d4thTotalweekweekweekweekBuilding fire[6]1767727Milking cow1151515853Splitting and carrying in wood (12 hours' supply)2....................Turning cream separator2....................Grooming horse2....................Gathering eggs1675422Feeding chickens, pigs, horse, or cow11212111247Churning or making butter3....................Blacking stove3....................Making and baking bread10....................Making biscuits2....................Preparing meal for family622228Washing and wiping dishes4....................Sweeping floor, each room11212121450Dusting furniture, each room14....5211Scrubbing floor, each room422228Making bed (after school)122116Washing, starching, and ironing own clothes, worn to school each week30....................Bathing, each bath4444416Arriving at school with clean hands, face, teeth, nails, and hair combed2555520Practicing music at least 30 minutes2....................Retiring on or before 9 o'clock1777728Bathing and dressing baby2....................Sleeping with windows open or with window-boards2777728Work not listed, per hour6865423————————————Total364L. S. Trefren,Parent or Guardian
Home Credit Schedule, School District No. 2Jackson County, Oregon
Name of Pupil, Goldie Trefren. Age, 11. Grade, 4th.Month ending March 23, 1914
Credits1st2d3d4thTotalweekweekweekweekBuilding fire[6]1767727Milking cow1151515853Splitting and carrying in wood (12 hours' supply)2....................Turning cream separator2....................Grooming horse2....................Gathering eggs1675422Feeding chickens, pigs, horse, or cow11212111247Churning or making butter3....................Blacking stove3....................Making and baking bread10....................Making biscuits2....................Preparing meal for family622228Washing and wiping dishes4....................Sweeping floor, each room11212121450Dusting furniture, each room14....5211Scrubbing floor, each room422228Making bed (after school)122116Washing, starching, and ironing own clothes, worn to school each week30....................Bathing, each bath4444416Arriving at school with clean hands, face, teeth, nails, and hair combed2555520Practicing music at least 30 minutes2....................Retiring on or before 9 o'clock1777728Bathing and dressing baby2....................Sleeping with windows open or with window-boards2777728Work not listed, per hour6865423————————————Total364L. S. Trefren,Parent or Guardian
L. S. Trefren,Parent or Guardian
The following letter, dated April 20, 1914, is from Mrs. Bertha McKinney, of a district near Ashland, Jackson County.
Pupils of the first, second, and third grades, who have earned two hundred credits in a month have a half-holiday. Those of the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades must have earned three hundred credits to entitle them to the half-holiday, and of the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades, four hundred credits. When all have the required number of credits, all have the half-holiday. I have twenty pupils, and all are doing the home credit work. I keep the record of the credits earned in a notebook, and place the number earned by each pupil on the monthly report card. I think the plan a good one, though in a few cases the parents are not careful enough with their part; that is, they sign the blank form, then the child can put down any number he pleases. I have had only one such case.
Pupils of the first, second, and third grades, who have earned two hundred credits in a month have a half-holiday. Those of the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades must have earned three hundred credits to entitle them to the half-holiday, and of the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades, four hundred credits. When all have the required number of credits, all have the half-holiday. I have twenty pupils, and all are doing the home credit work. I keep the record of the credits earned in a notebook, and place the number earned by each pupil on the monthly report card. I think the plan a good one, though in a few cases the parents are not careful enough with their part; that is, they sign the blank form, then the child can put down any number he pleases. I have had only one such case.
Superintendent Joel O. Davis, of Weston, tells of the manner in which his school began to use home credits:—
The opportunity came in October of last year, when an unexpected influx of pupils made it necessary for us to engage an extra teacher and adopt a departmental plan for the fifth to eighth grades inclusive. This made it necessary for those grades to prepare two lessons at home, thus making the required home reading a burden. I at once offered these students the choice of reading the required books, and writing the reviews, or makingthe points by home work, under the conditions as shown by the accompanying card. Nearly every child accepted the home work plan, and went to work enthusiastically.
The opportunity came in October of last year, when an unexpected influx of pupils made it necessary for us to engage an extra teacher and adopt a departmental plan for the fifth to eighth grades inclusive. This made it necessary for those grades to prepare two lessons at home, thus making the required home reading a burden. I at once offered these students the choice of reading the required books, and writing the reviews, or makingthe points by home work, under the conditions as shown by the accompanying card. Nearly every child accepted the home work plan, and went to work enthusiastically.
On the opposite page is one of the Weston credit cards, filled out by a pupil, Crete Allen:—
Home Work Record, Weston Public SchoolCredits will be given for the performance of the following named duties when this card is returned, at the end of the month, properly signed by the parent or guardian.These credits will be accepted in place of the home reading heretofore required, at the rate of 100 points for each book.The parent must check the work each day as performed.Any evasion or falsification of the record will forfeit all claim to credit.To obtain credit each duty must be performed by the child unaided by others, and must be well and satisfactorily done.No credit will be given for work that is paid for by the parent or others.Parents are requested to see that the above conditions are complied with and to encourage thoroughness and truthfulness by using care in recording so as to give no unearned credits.Make one mark, and only one, for each duty each day.[7]
Home Work Record, Weston Public School
Credits will be given for the performance of the following named duties when this card is returned, at the end of the month, properly signed by the parent or guardian.
These credits will be accepted in place of the home reading heretofore required, at the rate of 100 points for each book.
The parent must check the work each day as performed.
Any evasion or falsification of the record will forfeit all claim to credit.
To obtain credit each duty must be performed by the child unaided by others, and must be well and satisfactorily done.
No credit will be given for work that is paid for by the parent or others.
Parents are requested to see that the above conditions are complied with and to encourage thoroughness and truthfulness by using care in recording so as to give no unearned credits.
Make one mark, and only one, for each duty each day.[7]
weston1st2d3d4thTotalweekweekw eekweek1.Carrying wood1......122.Feeding horse...............3.Feeding cow14141414564.Feeding pigs531414365.Feeding chickens......1346.Milking cow425643501607.Cleaning stable7366228.Washing dishes1.........19.Drying dishes21......310.Making bed...2...2411.Sweeping room3......5812.Setting table85421913.Clearing table11...1314.Tidiness77562515.Brushing teeth52241316.Cleaning nails622414——————————Total............370No. 14 includes general tidiness, hanging hat and coat, puttingaway clothes, shoes, stockings, etc., and will be givenmore credit than any other one duty. Parents should use carein marking this number, as the aim is to inculcate habits ofneatness and thoughtful consideration of others. This endcan easily be defeated by careless or unfair marking.I hereby certify that the above record is true and correct.Mrs. J. E. Allen(Parent or Guardian.)
1st2d3d4thTotalweekweekw eekweek1.Carrying wood1......122.Feeding horse...............3.Feeding cow14141414564.Feeding pigs531414365.Feeding chickens......1346.Milking cow425643501607.Cleaning stable7366228.Washing dishes1.........19.Drying dishes21......310.Making bed...2...2411.Sweeping room3......5812.Setting table85421913.Clearing table11...1314.Tidiness77562515.Brushing teeth52241316.Cleaning nails622414——————————Total............370No. 14 includes general tidiness, hanging hat and coat, puttingaway clothes, shoes, stockings, etc., and will be givenmore credit than any other one duty. Parents should use carein marking this number, as the aim is to inculcate habits ofneatness and thoughtful consideration of others. This endcan easily be defeated by careless or unfair marking.I hereby certify that the above record is true and correct.Mrs. J. E. Allen(Parent or Guardian.)
1st2d3d4thTotalweekweekw eekweek1.Carrying wood1......122.Feeding horse...............3.Feeding cow14141414564.Feeding pigs531414365.Feeding chickens......1346.Milking cow425643501607.Cleaning stable7366228.Washing dishes1.........19.Drying dishes21......310.Making bed...2...2411.Sweeping room3......5812.Setting table85421913.Clearing table11...1314.Tidiness77562515.Brushing teeth52241316.Cleaning nails622414——————————Total............370No. 14 includes general tidiness, hanging hat and coat, puttingaway clothes, shoes, stockings, etc., and will be givenmore credit than any other one duty. Parents should use carein marking this number, as the aim is to inculcate habits ofneatness and thoughtful consideration of others. This endcan easily be defeated by careless or unfair marking.I hereby certify that the above record is true and correct.Mrs. J. E. Allen(Parent or Guardian.)
No. 14 includes general tidiness, hanging hat and coat, puttingaway clothes, shoes, stockings, etc., and will be givenmore credit than any other one duty. Parents should use carein marking this number, as the aim is to inculcate habits ofneatness and thoughtful consideration of others. This endcan easily be defeated by careless or unfair marking.I hereby certify that the above record is true and correct.
Mrs. J. E. Allen(Parent or Guardian.)
At the close of a later letter Mr. Davis wrote:—
From my experience with this experiment I feel that the plan is worth all it costs and more, that itshould be extended to include all the grades, that modifications to meet the needs of different communities can easily be made, and that the pupils and patrons of any district will appreciate and support some such plan if it is carried out faithfully. I kept a ledger account with every child, and at the end of the month posted a bulletin exhibiting the condition of each pupil's account. The interest was shown by the manner in which they gathered about the board and compared their credits. Some of the comments upon some lazy boy's or girl's lack of effort were rather caustic, but served as effective spurs to the delinquent.
From my experience with this experiment I feel that the plan is worth all it costs and more, that itshould be extended to include all the grades, that modifications to meet the needs of different communities can easily be made, and that the pupils and patrons of any district will appreciate and support some such plan if it is carried out faithfully. I kept a ledger account with every child, and at the end of the month posted a bulletin exhibiting the condition of each pupil's account. The interest was shown by the manner in which they gathered about the board and compared their credits. Some of the comments upon some lazy boy's or girl's lack of effort were rather caustic, but served as effective spurs to the delinquent.
In Pend Oreille County, Washington, six weeks is the unit of time for credit records. Miss Hester C. Soules, the County Superintendent, has issued the following circular:—
THE HOME WE WORK TOGETHER THE SCHOOLSCHOOL CREDIT FOR HOME WORK
In order that the school and home may unite forces, that the school may help in establishing habits of home-making, and that our boys and girls may be taught that their parents are their best friends and need their help, the following system of credits has been devised for use in the schools of Pend Oreille County.
Certificate of Promotion with Distinction
Any pupil who has completed the work of his grade in a satisfactory manner is entitled toPROMOTION WITH CREDITto the next higher grade, provided he obtains 300 points for Home Work. He is entitled toPROMOTION WITH HONORif he earns 500 points.
Six weeks' faithful and regular performance of the home duties listed below will entitle the pupil to credit as indicated.
Points1.Sawing, splitting, and carrying in wood and kindling252.Building fires or tending furnace203.Caring for horse or cow and doing other barn chores154.Caring for poultry and gathering eggs105.Working in the school or home garden, or on the farm206.Delivering milk or carrying water207.Running errands cheerfully108.Doing without being told209.Mowing the lawn2010.Feeding pigs1011.Making a bird-house and feeding the birds2012.Making useful piece of woodwork for the home2513.Cleaning barn2014.Churning1515.Turning Cream Separator1016.Retiring at nine o'clock or before1017.Bathing at least twice each week1518.Sleeping in fresh air1519.Getting up in the morning without being called1020.Preparing one meal alone daily for the family2521.Blacking stove1022.Helping with the breakfast, and with the dishes after breakfast1523.Preparing smaller children for school1024.Not being tardy1025.Cleaning teeth daily2026.Making own graduating dress—Eighth Grade3027.Writing weekly letter to some absent relative—Grandmother preferred2028.Reading and reporting on one approved library book2029.Reading aloud fifteen minutes or longer each night to some member or members of the family circle2030.Practicing music lesson thirty minutes daily2531.Building fence, 10 rods20Fence may be built at intervals during any one period of six weeks.32.Clearing1⁄4Acre of land30Land may be cleared any time during the school year and at different times provided the1⁄4A. is completed before school closes.33.Care of younger children2034.Raising one fourth acre of vegetables2035.Taking sole care of plants and flowers1536.Sweeping floor and dusting furniture1037.Making beds1038.Mopping and caring for kitchen1039.Scouring and cleaning bath tub and lavatory1540.Helping with the washing2041.Sprinkling and ironing clothes2542.Making and baking bread, biscuits or cake. Exhibit2543.Setting table and serving1544.Helping cook supper and helping do the dishes after supper2045.Doing own mending2046.Learning to knit or crochet1547.Raising six varieties of flowers1548.Making piece of hand-work for the home25——Total840
Certificate of Promotion with Distinction
—————— having completed the work of the —— Grade in the Pend Oreille County Schools, in a satisfactory manner, and having earned —— points in our Home and Outside Industrial Work Plan, is hereby promoted to the —— Grade with ———— and is commended for Industry, Fidelity to Home and Cheerful Helpfulness.
Given at Newport, Washington, this ———— day of ——, 191 .
———————— ————————Superintendent.Teacher.
The city of Los Angeles, California, uses a plan of marking home work on the report card and giving no other incentive. Notice that a certain number of minutes daily for ten weeks is the unit, and that the number of minutes varies according to the age of the child. Observe the emphasis on care of yards and streets, also on care of little brothers and sisters.
Report of Committee on Home Credits,Los Angeles Schools
The Committee on Home Credits makes these recommendations:—
1. That the "Home Credits" be not used as a substitute for other work, and also that they be not applied to increase the grade of other subjects except as any work well done necessarily improves all work of the child.2. That the words "Home Credit" be writtenon the new cards just published, and that in the future these words be printed as a regular part of the card, with space for inserting the number of credits.3. That in the several grades the following constitute one credit:—(a) First and second grades, 10 minutes of daily work for 10 weeks.(b) Third and fourth grades, 15 minutes of daily work for 10 weeks.(c) Fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, 20 minutes of daily work for 10 weeks, and that multiples of such work in 10, 15, 20 minutes be allowed so that a child may earn several credits each ten weeks.4. That the following subjects be selected for the initial trial of the plan:—
1. That the "Home Credits" be not used as a substitute for other work, and also that they be not applied to increase the grade of other subjects except as any work well done necessarily improves all work of the child.
2. That the words "Home Credit" be writtenon the new cards just published, and that in the future these words be printed as a regular part of the card, with space for inserting the number of credits.
3. That in the several grades the following constitute one credit:—
(a) First and second grades, 10 minutes of daily work for 10 weeks.
(b) Third and fourth grades, 15 minutes of daily work for 10 weeks.
(c) Fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, 20 minutes of daily work for 10 weeks, and that multiples of such work in 10, 15, 20 minutes be allowed so that a child may earn several credits each ten weeks.
4. That the following subjects be selected for the initial trial of the plan:—
1.Taking care of the baby.2.Bathing baby.3.Washing or wiping dishes.4.Washing or ironing clothes.5.Washing windows.6.Scrubbing floor.7.Sweeping floor.8.Setting table.9.Dusting and putting room in order.10.Sweeping or cleaning yard.11.Sweeping sidewalk.12.Cleaning street in front of home.13.Care of garbage can.14.Getting meals.15.Making beds.16.Mending clothes.17.Making new or making over old clothes for family.18.Working in shop or store.19.Working in and caring for garden.20.Running errands, going to market, store, etc.21.Driving delivery wagon.22.Selling papers.23.Taking little brothers and sisters to school, clean and on time.24.Clean hands, faces, clothes.25.Clean heads.26.Raising poultry or rabbits.27.Any other outside work peculiar to particular district if approved by Supervising Superintendent.
WEEKLY RECORDS, THREE OR MORE MONTHS' REPORTS
Mr. F. W. Simmonds, superintendent of city schools, Lewiston, Idaho, has instituted a plan for daily and weekly records with a report for three months, which he writes is "working out most successfully." The statement of his particular scheme which he gives in his home credit record folder is accompanied by an excellent presentation of the nature and scope of the home credit plan in general:—
A Plan for School and Home CoöperationOne of the vital problems of school administration to-day is that of securing closer coöperation between school and home life. When the child learns thateducation is living and working the best wayhe has made considerable progress on theeducational road. Our school curriculum should encourage this wholesome attitude toward the everyday tasks.Children must have time for real play and plenty of it, but let us not forget that real work is also a part of the child's rightful heritage, and that when rightly directed, children like to work—they are eager to take part in some of the real activities of life. However, they must not be permitted to attempt too much—a reasonable amount ofwork well done regularlyand suited to the child's age and ability is what is desired.Filling out this card is optional with the parent, no grade on the quality of the work done by the child is asked for, merely the approximate time regularly devoted to that task. Note the time; one half-hour, one hour, two hours, etc., in the proper column on this card. Your filling out and signing this card will assure us that the work was well done, regularly and satisfactorily.The work may include any one or more of the multitude of home tasks, or any work done regularly, as sewing, ironing, washing dishes, preparing meals, baking, cutting kindling, gardening, milking, caring for poultry, feeding stock, making beds, music lessons, tending furnace, etc.Some tasks occur daily (others weekly, as regular Saturday chores, music lessons and the like). Nothing less than ahalf-houris to be recognized, though two or more tasks may be grouped to make a half-hour daily or weekly. The average child will be anxious to figure his home service in the large; but a reasonably conservative "statement of account" will have a greater disciplinary value, and will make for efficiency.Theunitof home credit will beone half-hour's daily work throughout the month. Time spent on regular weekly tasks will be adjusted by the teacher to this basis. If the work in quantity, quality and regularity is deemed worthy, the teacher will credit the pupil with the number of home credits earned, which will be added to the pupil's standing at the end of the semester in determining promotion. Eachunitof credit in home work will have the effect of raising a monthly grade in some subject one step as frompoortofair, orfairtogood, etc. By means of home credits, a pupil has an opportunity to raise his promotion standing to "Promoted with Honor," or "Promoted with Highest Honors" as the case may be, if he should lack a point or two, and have earned enough home credits to offset this.
A Plan for School and Home Coöperation
One of the vital problems of school administration to-day is that of securing closer coöperation between school and home life. When the child learns thateducation is living and working the best wayhe has made considerable progress on theeducational road. Our school curriculum should encourage this wholesome attitude toward the everyday tasks.
Children must have time for real play and plenty of it, but let us not forget that real work is also a part of the child's rightful heritage, and that when rightly directed, children like to work—they are eager to take part in some of the real activities of life. However, they must not be permitted to attempt too much—a reasonable amount ofwork well done regularlyand suited to the child's age and ability is what is desired.
Filling out this card is optional with the parent, no grade on the quality of the work done by the child is asked for, merely the approximate time regularly devoted to that task. Note the time; one half-hour, one hour, two hours, etc., in the proper column on this card. Your filling out and signing this card will assure us that the work was well done, regularly and satisfactorily.
The work may include any one or more of the multitude of home tasks, or any work done regularly, as sewing, ironing, washing dishes, preparing meals, baking, cutting kindling, gardening, milking, caring for poultry, feeding stock, making beds, music lessons, tending furnace, etc.
Some tasks occur daily (others weekly, as regular Saturday chores, music lessons and the like). Nothing less than ahalf-houris to be recognized, though two or more tasks may be grouped to make a half-hour daily or weekly. The average child will be anxious to figure his home service in the large; but a reasonably conservative "statement of account" will have a greater disciplinary value, and will make for efficiency.
Theunitof home credit will beone half-hour's daily work throughout the month. Time spent on regular weekly tasks will be adjusted by the teacher to this basis. If the work in quantity, quality and regularity is deemed worthy, the teacher will credit the pupil with the number of home credits earned, which will be added to the pupil's standing at the end of the semester in determining promotion. Eachunitof credit in home work will have the effect of raising a monthly grade in some subject one step as frompoortofair, orfairtogood, etc. By means of home credits, a pupil has an opportunity to raise his promotion standing to "Promoted with Honor," or "Promoted with Highest Honors" as the case may be, if he should lack a point or two, and have earned enough home credits to offset this.
In the Borough of the Bronx in New York City, Mr. Frederick J. Reilly began to give school credit for home work in the fall of 1914. He issues two cards of different colors, one for the girls and one for the boys. The cards are alike except for the words "he" and "she." Notice that the cards are well planned for use in city homes. At present they are used by the children of seventh and eighth grades. Mr. Reilly says, "The important thing is not the amount of credit the child receives in school, but rather the amount of influence this may have upon the training of the child at home."
Bronx
part 2PUBLIC SCHOOL 33, THE BRONX FREDERICK J. REILLY, PrincipalHome Record of..........Class........Term, 19........=======================================This record card is part of an effort to bring the home and the schoolcloser together; pupils will receive credit in school for the things theydo at home.Parents are invited to answer any or all of these questions as they seefit, leaving blank any that they prefer not to answer. There is nothingcompulsory about this: children will not lose in class standing if theparents do not choose to fill out this card.Please return the cardin the envelop, sealed.Answer I to V, Yes or No1st Mo.2d Mo.3d Mo.4th Mo.I.Does he get ready for school on time, without constant urging?II.Is he careful about having his hair, neck, hands, shoes, etc.,clean?III.Does he keep his books, clothes, etc., in the places assigned for them?IV.Does he prepare his school work at a regular time and without constant urging?V.Does he go to bed regularly at a reasonable hour?Answer VI to X more fullyVI.Is he willing and helpful in little household duties? What does he do regularly for which he deserves credit?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................VII.Does he attend faithfully to any extra lessons, as music, dancing, gymnasium, religious instruction, etc.? If so, what?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................VIII.Has he any hobby at which he spends a considerable part of his time, as music, drawing, photography, electricity, gardening, collecting, etc.?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................IX.Does he read much? What does he read?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................X.Does he do anything else, not already mentioned, for which he deserves credits?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................Signature of Parent:1st Mo..............3d Mo................2d Mo..............4th Mo................
PUBLIC SCHOOL 33, THE BRONX FREDERICK J. REILLY, PrincipalHome Record of..........Class........Term, 19........=======================================This record card is part of an effort to bring the home and the schoolcloser together; pupils will receive credit in school for the things theydo at home.Parents are invited to answer any or all of these questions as they seefit, leaving blank any that they prefer not to answer. There is nothingcompulsory about this: children will not lose in class standing if theparents do not choose to fill out this card.Please return the cardin the envelop, sealed.Answer I to V, Yes or No1st Mo.2d Mo.3d Mo.4th Mo.I.Does he get ready for school on time, without constant urging?II.Is he careful about having his hair, neck, hands, shoes, etc.,clean?III.Does he keep his books, clothes, etc., in the places assigned for them?IV.Does he prepare his school work at a regular time and without constant urging?V.Does he go to bed regularly at a reasonable hour?Answer VI to X more fullyVI.Is he willing and helpful in little household duties? What does he do regularly for which he deserves credit?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................VII.Does he attend faithfully to any extra lessons, as music, dancing, gymnasium, religious instruction, etc.? If so, what?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................VIII.Has he any hobby at which he spends a considerable part of his time, as music, drawing, photography, electricity, gardening, collecting, etc.?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................IX.Does he read much? What does he read?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................X.Does he do anything else, not already mentioned, for which he deserves credits?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................Signature of Parent:1st Mo..............3d Mo................2d Mo..............4th Mo................
PUBLIC SCHOOL 33, THE BRONX FREDERICK J. REILLY, PrincipalHome Record of..........Class........Term, 19........=======================================
This record card is part of an effort to bring the home and the schoolcloser together; pupils will receive credit in school for the things theydo at home.Parents are invited to answer any or all of these questions as they seefit, leaving blank any that they prefer not to answer. There is nothingcompulsory about this: children will not lose in class standing if theparents do not choose to fill out this card.Please return the cardin the envelop, sealed.
Answer I to V, Yes or No1st Mo.2d Mo.3d Mo.4th Mo.I.Does he get ready for school on time, without constant urging?II.Is he careful about having his hair, neck, hands, shoes, etc.,clean?III.Does he keep his books, clothes, etc., in the places assigned for them?IV.Does he prepare his school work at a regular time and without constant urging?V.Does he go to bed regularly at a reasonable hour?Answer VI to X more fullyVI.Is he willing and helpful in little household duties? What does he do regularly for which he deserves credit?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................VII.Does he attend faithfully to any extra lessons, as music, dancing, gymnasium, religious instruction, etc.? If so, what?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................VIII.Has he any hobby at which he spends a considerable part of his time, as music, drawing, photography, electricity, gardening, collecting, etc.?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................IX.Does he read much? What does he read?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................X.Does he do anything else, not already mentioned, for which he deserves credits?1st Mo.................2nd Mo.................3rd Mo.................4th Mo.................Signature of Parent:1st Mo..............3d Mo................2d Mo..............4th Mo................
Superintendent E. B. Conklin, of Ontario, Malheur County, in 1912, was the next in Oregon after Mr. O'Reilly to send a letter to parents, and to arrange for giving credits on home work. On page 149 are the inside pages of the folder that Mr. Conklin devised; it was the first of the printed home credit report cards. Notice the entries of manners, of "doing before told," and of "kindness to animals."
Mr. E. G. Bailey, superintendent of Ontario, 1913-14, writes that they have been using home credits continuously there, and that the system has proved to be a wonderful help. "It gets parents and teachers together as nothing else can, and gives the superintendent a show. The home work is to the teacher what the school work is to the parent. The teacher is enabled to get an insight into the home life of the pupil, which in turn enables her the better to deal with whatever situation may arise. In the main the parents make an effort to let the teacher know what the pupils are doing at home. We have very few failures from parents not doing their dutyin this matter; where they fail, we refuse to send any report home. Since adopting the system our attendance has been better, and the punctuality has been better; in fact, things have been greatly improved in every respect."