The Northern star, and constitutionalist. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1834-1837, 1835-12-12
PLAN OF INSTRUCTION.

d
utmost Importance what course Of instruction is
best calculated to prepare them for extensive use
fulness. This question virtually implies the two
following What are the traits of character,
which it is necessary for them to possess and
BY what modes of discipline can those traits be
developed, strengthened, and directed to their
proper objects of action The influence of wo-
man, though not exerted in the same manner with
that of man, is perhaps not less important. BY
intelligent and profitable conversation, by impart-
ing instruction to the young, ard by communica-
ting her thoughts to the public through the me-
dunn of the press, she can exert powerful nfu-
encc on the destnes of the world. Her quick
perception of beauty and defornity, her readiness
of association, and her power of throwing glow
of feeling around every thing in which she inter-
csts herself, render her capable of more extensive
usefulness in some spheres than colder and more
calculating man.-Among the traits of character,
which tend to extend the range and increase the
utility Of female influence, are doubtless delicate
correct and refined taste, the power of correct and
prompt philosophical association, the use of Ian
guage in a happy and impressive manner, the
power of clear and forcible illustration and skill
ACCURACY, and vvacity in neral reasoning. 70
these add energy of character, a quick sense of
propriety, and a heart dilated with love to God
and love to man, ready to act as well as feel, and
we shall have the traits most essential to form the
character of an eminently tfseful ferlae.-The
teachers Of the A@1e..s -. ~ Sosritary aim at
nothing loss than the developement and cultiva-
tion of all these traits of character, While they
do not neglect the cultivation of memory, they
endeavor TO bring into action all the mental pow
crs, and to keep in view the relation of each fa-
Guilty to every other and to the mind collectively
The recitatons are no. the mechanical repetition
of set of words previously committed to memo
Try, but the free expression of thought and feeling
on the part of both teachers and pupils. Hence
they often seem like animated conversation, rath-
er than the formal rehearsal words put together
by another.-Nor are the pupils confined to the
lessons contained in their books They are en-
couraged to seek for ledge in the operations
of nature and the exhibitions of human charac-
ter to connect the principles Of science with the
occurrences of life, and to apply thc truths which
they learn to the regulation of their minds, their
hearts, and their conduct.
Physical education is made an object of regu-
lar and constant attention. The pupils have Ga-
ly opportunities for practice in Calisthencs and
other exercises calculated to preserve health, and
to produce grace in motion and ease in manners.
The religious influence cxerted in the school is
intended to be positive and efficient, but not sec
tartan. Religious instruction is given by free
conversation on ''thc words of eternal life, rath-
than by insisting OH the sentiments OF any par
ticular denOmination.-The members OF the Semi
nary are required to attend public worship on the
Sabbath, but are at full liberty to attend at either
of the churches in the village.
The discipline of the Institution is, in great
measure, parental. The teachers cndeavor to act
as the friends of their pupils, and, by exciting In
them a spirit of diligence, punctuality, and per-
severance desire of doing right1or It's own sake,
and strong and abiding sense OF accountability
ft,I -, hon, II, hubr. Of
activity in doing good, and thus to prepare them
to become useful and respectable members OF So
cicty. They strive to awaken in the mind OF each
pupil so deep an interest i'll her studies, as to SUI
percede the necessity of an appeal TO emulation,
or any of the other questionable means OF exciting
to diligence.-A permanent record OF the deiIn-
quencies of each pupil in punctuallty, attention to
study, department, &c, is kept; whichis exhibit
cd to the Trustees, and to others who VISIT the
school: and when thought necessary, copy Is
forwarded to parents.
At tho close of each term there is general cx-
animation and each pupil is expected to be pre-
pared for examination in all the branches to wmch