Clara Belle Baker (February 6, 1885 – May 5, 1961) was an American educator who was an early advocate of having children learn by doing."What did Early Evanston Women Do?". Evanston Women's Sculpture website. Accessed Jan 28, 2019
Baker was the co-founder and director of Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette, Illinois."Grade Skipping Held To Harm Bright Pupils". Huntingdon Daily News, via Newspaper Archives. March 17, 1941 - Page 4
Early life and education Baker attended Northwestern University, graduating with bachelor's and master's degrees.Illinois Libraries. Vol. 24. Illinois State Library; 1942. p. 20.
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;"Dr. Suzzalo Speaks at General Session Thursday Night". Lincoln Evening State Journal, via Newspaper Archives, November 02, 1928 - Page 10"TEACHERS CLOSE OPENING DAY OF DISTRICT MEET". Lincoln Nebraska State Journal, via Newspaper Archives, November 02, 1928 - Page 12Progressive Education: A Review of the Newer Tendencies in Education. The Progressive education association.; 1946. p. 73. she was the author of many readers and other curricular materials for elementary students.
In 1921, Baker published Songs for the little child, a mixture of her own compositions and various folk songs, with music by Caroline Kohlsaat."Household Section". Boston Post, via Newspaper Archives. October 29, 1921 - Page 31"Lockhart Post Register" via Newspaper Archives, January 20, 1921 - Page 4 The book was released through twelve editions and as of 2019 is still held by more than 100 libraries."Reviews of Books and Gossip of Men and Women Who Make Them". Oakland Tribune, via Newspaper Archives. January 01, 1939 - Page 14 She later collaborated with William H. Burton to produce the document Reading in Child Development.Child Study. Vol. 34. Kraus Reprint Corporation; 1969. p. 40.
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