From 1914, the Albany Public Schools Syllabus of Physical Training presented a highly prescriptive program for physical education. If it reflects the inclinations of its arranger, Laurence S. Hill, we can assume he was something of a stern taskmaster.
A few examples from “Instructions to the Teachers”:
“Ventilation and Temperature: Ventilate the rooms thoroughly before beginning the lesson, be sure that the air in the room is pure, or becomes so before the lesson is far advanced . . . During exercises the temperature should not register above 70 nor below 65 degrees. Insist upon the pupils removing overcoats, overshoes, cloaks and wraps of all kinds. Impress upon them the evil effects of wearing such things indoors, also the wearing of tight-fitting garments of all kinds.”
“Teaching gymnastics without paying attention to accuracy, correct direction, position and form is a failure. Accuracy of movements, for the purpose of securing co-ordination and full mental control over our muscles and movements, is of more importance than anything else in Physical Training. The execution of any exercise simply for its own sake is, therefore, wrong; the way it is performed is the prime object and of the greatest benefit to the pupil.”
“When an exercise is to be executed in rhythmic succession (as for instances some marching exercises), give the command: ‘In-Time – Begin!’ and immediately begin the count: ‘1-2 etc.’ When the exercise is to cease, give the command: “Class Halt!” instead of the last count; as ‘1-2-3-4, 1-2 Class Halt!’ If pupils are marching give the command ‘Halt!’ when the right foot is placed on the floor. They should then take one more step with the left foot and close with the right.”