The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-15
Communicated.
INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

Communicated
INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.
An important feature principle, think, may
be introduced into all schools, which will have
lasting and beneficial effect upon the whole rising
population of our vast republic. 1t is universally
admitted that early habits have most important
bearing upon a whole life; and believe, the follow
ing exposition of the plan propose will show that
do not overestmate the advantages to be derived by
its adoption
My plan is this That, by very simple arrange
ment in all our schools, the scholars the proper
time be required to keep diary, journal, or record
of whatever appears to them the most interesting
and worthy ofremembrance-ths of course to be a
daily exercise By these means, foundation may
be laid of ncalculaoe benefit in after fe II should
be required of each scholar to exhibit his perform
ance daily to his instructor, and likewise to his pa
rents. Whenever the subject will permit, let the
scholar make drawing, sketch, diagram, or picture
of what he wishes to describe. This process will
have great tendency to call forth the particular tai
ent of the scholar and the result will be- doubt,
frequently to produce accomplished draughtsmen and
artists. BY these means, likewise, the thinking fac
ulties are brought into action at very early period
of life, and the youth Of country will be made
something more than mere automatic, to repeat the
thoughts or words of Others | always found that,
by making, when practicable, diagram drawing
of whatever appeared important interesting it left
the most lasting impression; and mere glimpse OF
yCaiS WOulu instuuuy TcCuu oiiSi
| nal conception. This can be done in the study of
mathematics and the mechanic arts, by Diagrams in
history or geography, by maps or sketches; in
botany and in all the branches Of natural history,
by drawings, &C.; and in most of the branches Of
human learning and investigation. If desirable, in
an advanced stage of education, this plan be
ried out by shorthand system, which will give
great facility in many of the transactions Of life.
The habit thus contracted SCHOOL will naturally be
carried into all the business of life II lie evident that
no will attempt to describe picture anything,
unless he thinks he has something in his mind TO
describe; and the effort to put it in form upon paper
will cause him to think, TO reason, to write, draw,
&c, and will be of great importance, not only in
forming correct style in composition, but great ia
cility in expression and thought. The faculties Of
, the young scholar not too severely tsskcd by
these exercises; but they become pleasant and
agreeable employment In the progress of educa-
tion this scheme would create great sorehousc OF
information iu all the branches of human knowledge,
and would always be at the command Of the record
err. This custom would lay the foundation of reg
ular and systematic habits, not only in business, but
in all the affairs of life and would most likely insure
success in whatever employment might be selected.
The regulations here suggested may be adopted at
the most trihlng expense in any existing proposed
system of teaching, without interfering with any
rangements that might be desired. No favorte
systems attacked prejudices moested; and il
appears to me- if the proposed plan is introduced in
to our schools thousands and thousands will here
after bless their that such habits nculca-
ted in their early youth.
SAMUEL DEXTER.