Part 11 (2/2)

Cut paper-muslin of pretty colors, pink, blue or tan, into pieces 8 13 inches (six pieces in all). Fold each one over once and fit together to make a book, the cover being of a color different from the body of the book. Sew all together by overcasting the back with st.i.tches 1/2 inch apart in one direction, and then going back in the opposite direction through the same holes, thus securing a cross-st.i.tch effect. Show the child how to paste sc.r.a.p-pictures neatly in this book. He may keep it for himself or give it to the children's ward in a hospital or to some younger friend. A very little paste or glue will suffice; a bit in the centre and towards the corners of a picture.

If the child has collected a large a.s.sortment of cards before beginning to make the book, let him cla.s.sify them, putting together on one page animals, on another plants, on another pictures typical of the different seasons, etc. He may in this way suggest a house, putting on one page kitchen furniture arranged in some logical order; on another page the furnis.h.i.+ngs of bedroom, etc. Pictures for this purpose may be cut from magazine advertis.e.m.e.nts, trade journals, etc. In the same fas.h.i.+on a store may be furnished with articles for sale, the counter, scales, and desk. This gives practice in selecting and arranging. Good taste may be inculcated even from such small beginnings.

CHAPTER IV

THE SEWING-BASKET

While busy with thread and needle, the mother may find it necessary to suggest some happy employment for the little one who asks for something to do. What do the contents of the sewing-basket hint?

b.u.t.tONS

=Spinning b.u.t.ton= (_b.u.t.ton_, _thread_)

Show the child a b.u.t.ton strung upon a strong thread about 12 inches long. Then hold the thread firmly between thumb and finger of each hand and twirl it rapidly, drawing it suddenly taut. The b.u.t.ton whirls round, making a pretty spinning figure.

=Stringing b.u.t.tons= (_b.u.t.tons_, _waxed thread_)

If baby is so old that he is not tempted to swallow a pretty b.u.t.ton, give him a strong thread waxed at the end to make it stiff, and let him make a chain of b.u.t.tons. They may be strung according to size or color or shape, giving practice in counting, in arrangement, and in choice.

=b.u.t.tons as Counters= (_b.u.t.tons_)

Save disused b.u.t.tons of the same kind and let the child cla.s.sify into two or more sets to be used as counters in games like checkers or go-bang. See page 62.

=b.u.t.ton-Mold Wheels= (_Molds_, _brush_, _water-color paints_)

Give the child four wooden b.u.t.ton-molds of the same size and let him paint spokes upon them so that they will be ready any time to use as wheels for a toy wagon. Call him a little wheelwright.

=b.u.t.ton-Mold Tops= (_Molds_, _match or toothpick_, _gilding or paint_)

Paint or gild a b.u.t.ton-mold and then stick through the hole a toothpick or burnt match whittled to right size and show the child how to spin it.

=b.u.t.ton-Mold Counters= (See page 62)

SPOOLS

=Toy Furniture= (See page 15)

=Toy Tree Boxes= (_Spools_, _green paint_, _matches_, _green paper_, _scissors_, _paste_)

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