Her first work was the supervision of public school music in
La Crosse, Wisconsin. From there she went to
Chicago, pursuing her teaching in the public schools of that city, and finally becoming interested in and specializing in the kindergarten work. Here she gave normal training in music in the Chicago Kindergarten College, the Chicago Free Kindergarten Association, the training school of the
Chicago Commons, besides lecturing in the leading training schools of the country. Her last public school work was the successful organizing of Music and Games in
Rochester, New York. Her collection entitled,
Popular Folk Games and Dances, came after years of devotion to the service of song and play, their affect in the developing life of childhood, and the need of extending their influence to those of mature years. The selections were made with a judgment that came after long familiarity with the subject. She published valuable compilations of music for use in the kindergarten, Sunday School and the playground. She contributed to the "Playground" number of
Charities and the
Commons. Hofer's special interests included was interested in the
settlement movement,
playground work, and public recreation for people in the form of festivals, pageants, and civic music. She devoted all her leisure to the arranging of plays and games for festivals and playground work. Her interests also included internationalism and less conceit in Americanisms, believing we would gain in culture by knowing other people better. She read and translated German and credited her interest and large acquaintance with folklore and traditions to this source. Her recreations included singing folk songs and folk dancing. She felt that the resources of other eras and countries brought enrichment of life in our own country; and now we are trying to possess ourselves of the joy and spirit in the folk games and dances of many nations. Hofer was a member of the
Chicago Woman's Club, Ridge Woman's Club,
City Club of Chicago, and Fellowship House Club. ==Death==