Clara Belle Baker Explained

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

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

Career

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] She later collaborated with William H. Burton to produce the document Reading in Child Development.^[16]

Notes and References

1. http://evanstonwomenssculpture.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/EWSP-What-Did-Early-Evanston-Women-Do.pdf "What did Early Evanston Women Do?"
2. https://newspaperarchive.com/huntingdon-daily-news-mar-17-1941-p-4/ "Grade Skipping Held To Harm Bright Pupils"
3. Web site: Centennial History. Baker Demonstration School. 2019-01-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20190421062603/https://www.bakerdemschool.org/centennial-history/. 2019-04-21. dead.
4. Illinois Libraries. Vol. 24. Illinois State Library; 1942. p. 20.
5. https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-evening-state-journal-nov-02-1928-p-10/ "Dr. Suzzalo Speaks at General Session Thursday Night"
6. https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-nov-02-1928-p-12/ "TEACHERS CLOSE OPENING DAY OF DISTRICT MEET"
7. Progressive Education: A Review of the Newer Tendencies in Education. The Progressive education association.; 1946. p. 73.
8. Web site: Baker, Clara Belle 1885-1961. WorldCat.
9. Edna Dean Baker, 1883-1956; Clara Belle Baker, 1885-1961. Meyer. Alberta L.. May 1985. Childhood Education. 61. 5.
10. Web site: Clara Belle Baker.
11. Web site: Evanston Women's History Project.
12. News: Clara Baker Dies: A Pioneer in 'Learn by Doing' Teaching. May 7, 1961. Chicago Tribune.
13. https://newspaperarchive.com/boston-post-oct-29-1921-p-31/ "Household Section"
14. https://newspaperarchive.com/lockhart-post-register-jan-20-1921-p-4/ "Lockhart Post Register"
15. https://newspaperarchive.com/oakland-tribune-jan-01-1939-p-14/ "Reviews of Books and Gossip of Men and Women Who Make Them"
16. Child Study. Vol. 34. Kraus Reprint Corporation; 1969. p. 40.