There were some interesting things that came up in this reading. I always thought kindergarten was available to everyone (whether rich or poor) and not only to upper-class families in the 1880s. And it was interesting how the main reason why it became available to everyone was because they thought that kindergartens was supposed to improve the quality of urban living. We are again going back to the idea of using schools to improve society and morality. In the book it mentioned how “kindergarten was to substitute for the habits of living and moral training formerly taught by the family organization that supposedly had been lost in the slums of the new urban areas” (p.204). Their primary motive for the kindergarten movement was to keep kids off the street, teach them new habits, and reform the urban areas.
I thought the play movement was a very smart move. I believe that having after-school play and creating playgrounds were effective in keeping kids off the streets and causing trouble. I remember when I used to teach 3rd and 4th graders at an after school, there was always at least one hour of playtime out of the 4 hours. I can tell that after the play time, they were more obedient, less jittery, and less rebellious. Play time was their incentive and motivation to finish their homework. So I think creating playgrounds and play hours was a great idea.
Another part of the chapter that I found interesting was the reading about home economics. The book talked about the idea of women becoming a consumer so that she will be able to have more time to pursue an education. “If they bought factory-made products rather than producing them in the home (p.207).” While reading this, I thought that it was reasonable to buy things such as soap. However, when it comes to food, I think producing it at home is much healthier and fresher.
When I think of pre-packaged food, the first words that comes to mind is: tasteless, not fresh, not healthy .
But back then, pre-packaged food meant : freedom from cooking, supplying the family with a sanitary , nutritious , and balanced diet.
I think pre-packaged food was a great idea that time. It saved a lot of time for mothers so they can have more time for other things. Also, pre-packaged food seem to be the better option opposed to what they were eating at homes.
-What about you guys? Do you guys think that pre-packaged food is viewed the same way as today as opposed to back in the 1970’s?
-Do you agree that kindergarten still teaches children habits that would reform the home? Was the kindergarten movement really effective in shaping society and morality?