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Clara Belle Baker

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clara Belle Baker, 1909

Clara Belle Baker (February 6, 1885 – May 5, 1961) was an American educator who was an early advocate of having children learn by doing.[1]

Baker was the co-founder and director of Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette, Illinois.[2][3]

Early life and education

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Baker attended Northwestern University, graduating with bachelor's and master's degrees.[4]

Career

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With her sister Edna Dean Baker, Baker co-founded Baker Demonstration School and served as its director for many years.

Baker promoted the modernization of children's reading education;[5][6][7] she was the author of many readers and other curricular materials for elementary students.[8][9][10][11][12]

In 1921, Baker published Songs for the little child, a mixture of her own compositions and various folk songs, with music by Caroline Kohlsaat.[13][14] The book was released through twelve editions and as of 2019 is still held by more than 100 libraries.[15][8] She later collaborated with William H. Burton to produce the document Reading in Child Development.[16]

References

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  1. ^ "What did Early Evanston Women Do?". Evanston Women's Sculpture website. Accessed Jan 28, 2019
  2. ^ "Grade Skipping Held To Harm Bright Pupils". Huntingdon Daily News, via Newspaper Archives. March 17, 1941 - Page 4
  3. ^ "Centennial History". Baker Demonstration School. Archived from the original on 2019-04-21. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
  4. ^ Illinois Libraries. Vol. 24. Illinois State Library; 1942. p. 20.
  5. ^ "Dr. Suzzalo Speaks at General Session Thursday Night". Lincoln Evening State Journal, via Newspaper Archives, November 02, 1928 - Page 10
  6. ^ "TEACHERS CLOSE OPENING DAY OF DISTRICT MEET". Lincoln Nebraska State Journal, via Newspaper Archives, November 02, 1928 - Page 12
  7. ^ Progressive Education: A Review of the Newer Tendencies in Education. The Progressive education association.; 1946. p. 73.
  8. ^ a b "Baker, Clara Belle 1885-1961". WorldCat.
  9. ^ Meyer, Alberta L. (May 1985). "Edna Dean Baker, 1883-1956; Clara Belle Baker, 1885-1961". Childhood Education. 61 (5).
  10. ^ "Clara Belle Baker".
  11. ^ "Evanston Women's History Project" (PDF).
  12. ^ "Clara Baker Dies: A Pioneer in 'Learn by Doing' Teaching". Chicago Tribune. May 7, 1961.
  13. ^ "Household Section". Boston Post, via Newspaper Archives. October 29, 1921 - Page 31
  14. ^ "Lockhart Post Register" via Newspaper Archives, January 20, 1921 - Page 4
  15. ^ "Reviews of Books and Gossip of Men and Women Who Make Them". Oakland Tribune, via Newspaper Archives. January 01, 1939 - Page 14
  16. ^ Child Study. Vol. 34. Kraus Reprint Corporation; 1969. p. 40.