INTRODUCTION.

The first thing to do in giving out a new selection for memorizing is to show pupils how to study it. The selection should be placed on the blackboard where all the class may see it, or copied down from dictation. The teacher should read it to the pupils, giving attention to articulation, emphasis, inflection and pauses, and, if necessary, explaining the thought contained. Pupils should be taught to memorize by sentences, paragraphs, or groups of words expressing a thought rather than word by word. The selections, when memorized, should be delivered in such a manner as to indicate an appreciation of the thoughts contained therein.

Leland Stanford Jr. University.

ELLWOOD P. CUBBERLEY.

PREFACE.

There has always been a demand for a well graded and carefully selected list of poems for memorizing. The several hundred books of selections do not meet the requirements of the modern teacher and the modern child. The first requisite of a poem for memorizing is its ethical and literary value. Benjamin Ide Wheeler, in his article on "Art of Language," says, "Poetry is profounder than psychology.' The rhyming nonsense in the average book of selections does not meet Pres. Wheeler's description of poetry. Why not give the children the best literature?

Prof. Ellwood P. Cubberley performed a real service when he made a selection of poems suitable for grade work. The poems have been tested in San Francisco and other schools. I experienced so much difficulty in securing the poems recommended that I determined to compile them in one volume. As a result I offer this book to teachers aud pupils. It contains the entire list recommended by Prof. Cubberley with but three or four exceptions.

I am under deep obligation to Houghton, Mifflin & Company for their kind permission to use the copyrighted poems of Lowell, Whittier, Longfellow, Larcom, and others. To Bowen, Merrill & Co. for the copyrighted poems of James Whitcomb Riley, to the Whitaker & Ray Co. for their use of Joaquin Miller's "Columbus," and A. J. and A. J. Waterhouse's

66

Lullaby."

ALICE ROSE POWER.

Teacher in

San Francisco School Department.