A CHILD’S DAY The Christ-Like Art of Teaching Little Children An Earnest Word to Parents Just how important do you think pre-school years are for your child? The best educators are convinced that this period is by far the most important in a child’s life. Why? Because these early years mark the beginning of many habits, and these habits almost invariably become permanent. Long before he goes to school your child will have formed habits which will determine his attitudes to- ward God, fellow men, property rights, and even towards you. Consequently, every parent should give his child the advantage of a foundation for correct thinking. It is important that a child be given simple and truth- ful impressions of his religion. Such impressions are the - bedrock upon which a child erects the structure of his own God-ward life. Whatever later appreciation for right or wrong he has will depend on early training. But how can a parent be sure he is simplifying so profound a subject as religion for the undeveloped mind of a child? Too often parents attempt to explain religion to their children in adult terms. Because these terms are usually unfamiliar to the child, he misses the meaning entirely; and he has been done an injustice. Catholic educators have come to a number of conclu- sions regarding the make-up of this religious foundation. Deacfdlsd There is a need for short, simple prayers to precede such longer forms as the Our Father and the Hail Mary. Further, a child should not only be taught to say prayers, but he should be trained to express his devotion to God in his own words. If this is done, the habit of prayer will be his comfort and joy throughout life.* The problem, then, is this : How can a parent give his child clear ideas on prayer, on God, and on God’s crea- tions? We believe A CHILD’S DAY is a solution to this pro- blem. Words alone are often only hazy symbols in the pre-school child’s mind. Obviously, then, words alone, de- spite their simplicity, usually result only in hazy ideas. On the other hand, there is probably nothing so impressive to a child as a picture. A CHILD’S DAY is not only illustrated, but pictures and verse are adapted to each other. Words and picture themes are equally simple. A child must not be confused. We believe that the author and artist have succeeded in producing a work that will make prayer—and proper foundations—as sim- ple and natural as your child’s first cooing “Mum-mum.” Nihil obstat : R. G. BANDAS Censor librorum Imprimatur: * JOHANNES GREGORIUS MURRAY Archiepiscopus Sancti Pauli June 2, 1937. Copyright 1937 CATECHETICAL GUILD St. Paul, Minn. Printed in U.S.A. Morning Offering Dear God, I offer up to You Whatever I may think or do; Please take my heart and soul today, And keep them always, Lord, I pray! Morning Prayers Each morning, close beside my bed, I bend my knees and bow my head; Like all good children everywhere, I bless myself and say my prayer. Grace at Meals ML How good it is, dear God, to think That You have made thisfoodand drink; We thank You for the gifts You give, To bless Your children while they live! Daily Mass I’ve often heard the story told About the men who look for gold; But in the Mass each day I see My God’s Best Gift to little me! Daily Communion I wish that my poor soul could share That Gift of God, so sweet and rare — The Bread of Angels from above, The Body of the Christ I love! Catechism Time I try to learn and understand Those things so holy and so grand That God would have us children know; Then I can serve Him here below. Daily Visit We know the house where Jesus lives, We know the graces that He gives; And so we make our visits there, To talk to Him in silent prayer. Reverence in Church I bless myself inside the door, And bend my knee upon the floor; I keep as quiet as can be. For there my Jesus waits for me. House of Prayer My Jesus waits for me to pray Before His altar every day; How wonderful, to think that He, The King of Kings, remembers me Visit to Mary I went before our Lady’s shrine, And prayed to Mary, Mother mine I know she looked atme and smiled, Because I am her little child. \» • Love at Home The love of mother and of dad Is something that makes children glad; But oh, the joy that parents find When children learn to love and mind! Honesty I have a little trunk that’s fine, Because it’s full of things of mine; I’ll never take what others own, But always leave their toys alone. Obedience When Jesus was a child like me, He was as good as He could be; 0 help me, God, always to do The things my parents want me to! Truthfulness Be truthful, little girl and boy, If you would have great peace and joy; And if the truth is always told, You’ll be at peace when you are old! Honor the King While people hurry on their way, Past Catholic churches every day. And think of every other thing, I won’t forget to greet my King. Sorrow for Sin Oh, look at Jesus crucified! Because of us He lived and died; His heart was opened wide hy sin, That we might come and live therein! Guardian Angel It matters not where I may be, My Angel watches over me; He tells me always what is right, And helps me keep my soul so white. Good Reading I want to follow day by day The saints of God who show the way; That’s why I read about the things They did to serve the King of Kings. Night Prayers When night has come, I climb the stairs And kneeling down, I say my prayers; Good God is pleased to hear me say, “I thank You for this happy day.” Night Time My Angel takes me by the hand — We quickly go to slumberland; Then comes a time of peace: it seems I’m close to heaven in my dreams.