This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 edition. Excerpt: ...in each stanza which she had chosen (quite admissibly) to write in eight lines instead of four. If, however, she writes the verse out in the form of two long couplets, thus: --it becomes at once apparent that the first two lines are not a couplet at all, having no rhyme. The same fault appears in the second stanza and is marked in both stanzas by asterisks. The idea of the little lyric was so poetic and the general melody of many lines so promising that a good deal of effort was expended upon its pruning and polishing. Many changes, such as "I ran out in the garden," for " I went out of doors," were made to give motion and color to the picture. The line, "I went up to him softly," becomes more vivid when recast, "I stole up on my tip-toes." The word "vanished" was introduced to the child since it seemed to be the only one for the case, and her pretty, original "Hitter-flatter-fluttering" was changed a little to avoid the word "flatter." Thus many changes were made for aesthetic reasons and not because of error in the original. She called her little lyric This criticism may, perhaps, serve to show the general method to be used in this work. The very nature of the work prevents cut and dried plans, since original expression of the child's own ideas is the thing most to be desired. No corrections should be made which the little author does not understand perfectly, nor should the teacher insist on her ideas against his conviction Jegarding his own work. Always remember that self-expression is the thing to be attained. Children are, as a rule, very easily led to see their faults if approached in the right way. Do not be in a hurry. Take time. Be willing...