These changes may either be made at the command of the master, or, as we before proposed, of one or more children acting as officers to direct these geometrical movements.
Had it been constantly borne in memory that God is the creator of the body of a child as well as of its mind; and that the healthy action of both is requisite for happiness and usefulness, more attention would have been paid to the due and proper exercise of children than has hitherto been done.

He has implanted an instinctive impulse to activity in every young child, which displays itself in almost incessant motion, where there is perfect health, and when there is opportunity.

To restrain this unnecessarily, is therefore to act in opposition to the laws of nature; and the end must be a certain injury to the child.

To prevent this evil, and to act in obedience to these laws, the various actions of clapping the hands, folding the arms, twisting the fists, and various other motions have been introduced.
By these means a spirit of restlessness, which would undoubtedly show itself under unnecessary restraints, is converted into a motive of obedience, and thus even a moral influence is produced, by what would appear a mere childish play.

They may all be gone through with elegance and propriety: and no rude or indelicate action should be allowed.