The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1850-09-21
From the Home journal /
Coz Education Of Boys and Girls.

strong lght on the Egyptian darkness Of the
present educational system of the country,
and, with Difference and hesitation, has evolv-
ed principle which will one day be admitted
to constitute one of the most important ele-
ments of right and heaihful system of edu.
cation, viz: That perfect school should me-
cessarlv contain both boys and girls, instruct
ed by both men and women.'
That such proposition should be necessa-
rily advanced with caution, and certainly re-
ceived with incredulity, is but proof Of the
tondness Of mankind for their own inventions,
despite the voice of nature and experience.
Having been educated in part Of the coun-
try whe'e boys and girls pursue the same stud-
iesin the same classes, and under the same
teachers, and having watched with much in.
terest the development of the opposite system,
| cannot refrain from noting few results Of
personal observation and experience, which,
though hastily and mperfectly thrown togeth-
er, may perhaps serve as hints to an abler pen
and wiser observer.
The objections to system OF instruction
embracing both boys and girls, seem mainly.
to be resolved into these two. The injury to
the morals and manners Of the pupils, and the
impropriety oil both sexes pursuing the same
course of study. II the former evil be proved
TO have real existence, the question of intel
ectual advantage should be excluded as bf
altogether minor Importance. All persons, |
believe, appreciate the reciprocaIly beneficial
influence of brothers and sisters in the family
circle-why then should the same principles
fail in application to the wider sphere of asso-
citation among fellow students! would an
swer, only through the cupable neglect of the
teacher. He who undertakes the charge oI
training children - beings of undIsciplned
reason and subdued will-exhibiting The germs
passions, and these combined with ahectionate
: temper, generous impulses, and intellectual
and moral capabllities-he, say, who under
TAX es the guidance Of these powerful and in
congruous elements, without feeling the abso
lutte necessity of the most unweared vigilance
over tn associations and intercourse ot his pu
' pills, has but imperfectly conceived the lmpor
tance or the responsibility Of his office. 1t !
- TO be feared that mu ch good teaching tails o
its desired result from the neglect OF this in
10 dispensRhle accessory. 1t is not unlrequentI
the case that good and efficient teachers, mi;
"a taking the department of direct instruction Ic
the whole work of education, leave entlTeI
unpuarded and uncontrolled the intervals {
'e RELAXATION, and unless some fragrant offence
noisy alteration demand their interference
Is remain in utter ignorance of that inner wor
of character, within which, whether traln(
'e or unframed, goes on the real education.
-, In the school-room the teacher may imPn
" the truths OF science, may cultivate the reaso
ing faculties, may give charm to literature
an but it is in the association Of his pupils, alon
that he may restrain pride, sell-will, vanlt
re seryilty, boastfu!ness, unkindness; may che
ish the virtues and the grOces which ennoo
y, and adorn the character, and, under those
cumstances in which children feel, think a
a act most naturally, give them the habit
feeling, thinking and acting rightly "h'
part of education takes the deeper hold up
the realities of life, it snnt difficult to decn
5uch watchfuIness shFuld be matter
course. not an obnoxious rule. Unceasll
that it be of any benefit; afiectionate, that
be not regarded as odious contrast
RS Hence will be perceived the proPriety OF
male assistance, as p assessing, IN some amp
lant respects, the most desirable influence
uP- the formation Of character. Possessing by
tuition ready insight into the hidden sPn
up of human action, with a gentleness aud
not the inyariabe attributes Of masculine ?
my feciion-awoman will often restrain and re
vate unruly elements which bid defiance TO
nee efforts Of slerner masters. There is no be
proof of this truth than the fact so often no
and in those parts of the country where the sch'
are taught alternately by male and len
aver teachers, tor the penod oil SIX hhoh'"s 0u'
that the most ungovernable pupils OF the
the ter schools are often the most attractaole
der the dynasty Of the mistress. have
lest, q rough, ill-bred boy Of thirteen, from
rudest of all masses, boys public sehoe
G.. great city, placed under the tuition oil la'
"'' and. after the first surprise OF being ire
like gentleman hadsubsided, become 90
'PV" polite, studlOus and cOnsiderate' There
), chitalry which is no imaginary trait OF DC
Ouiu character, and which, if neither dishonor'
ridicued constitutes motive Of selt-go'
lA'" ment far moro wholesome than severity o
straint.
,,an The evil effect upon girls Of associ
a with boys at school, is doubtlessly non
lao. considered to be great by parents accuse
,bioh to the opposite system--but they VIII sea
r.o, be said to Judge Of the subject impaFt