Historical Photos
Historical photo captions written by Dr. Richard Volpe.
Institute of Child Study
Pencil drawing of the Institute of Child Study on 45 Walmer Road.
The eight children in this image are likely the first U of T Interdepartmental Nursery School class (later St George's School located in a house on St. George that is now the Syd Smith building). The class started in September 1925 with four children from parents in the Department of Psych and by January had grown to seven.
Shown here are some of the toys used in free play –some thought this was a radical way to spend school time.
Dr. Blatz with child talking about her artwork.
This shows the cots for nap time. Blatz felt that having physiological needs met in consistent routines children could more comfortably and securely, play and learn.
Hygiene was an important routine—each phase was taken in steps with the provided tools (wash cloth, comb, soap and wash bowl).
This is the playground that was overlooked by the UofT President’s office to the left. President Falconer was happy to have this noisy distraction moved to Walmer Road.
Eating was also a vital part of the day’s routine (meeting a vital physiological need Blatz called an appetite). Children were encouraged to try all foods at least once.
Nicholas Laidlaw
