Educ +759.21.675 HARVARD UNIVERSITY DEPT. OF EDUCATION LIBRAR MAY 26 1921 TRANSFERRED TO HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY June 12, 1929 COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY All rights reserved P. K. ESSEN. ENG. MIDDLE GRADES E.P.I PREFACE THIS book is designed for the middle grades of the elementary school. While in the majority of schools it will be used in the fourth, fifth, and sixth years, in some schools it may be advisable to begin the work earlier or later. Parts One, Two, and Three indicate the natural division of the work among the three grades. The organization of each year's work into various chapters represents an attempt to select certain large projects, involving the use of the mother tongue, that may properly be set before pupils. There is, therefore, a definite goal set before the pupil in each chapter, and only such exercises as contribute directly to this main problem are presented. There are ten chapters for each year, the first five being designed for the first half year, and the rest for the second half year. The twofold aspect of language teaching is recognized by presenting material and situations which will stimulate the free and natural use of the mother tongue, and by providing such drill in correct usage as will lay a sure foundation for good language habits. The material offered in this book is both varied and interesting. It includes such natural interests as story-telling, the writing of letters for a definite purpose, the study and appreciation of good literature, descriptions, explanations, group discussions, and speaking before the class. These |