Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1852-04-29

they read it well. There is no study in
which there should he so much instruction
aud practice, as in reading.
The Spelling Book, | always desire TO
see, when visit a school at the close. near
ly or quite finished by the first class. In
some schools in town, the first class have
not finished the Spelling book for years.
The teacher should so arrange 1t, either BY
frequent spelings, OF by putting them for
ward in the book, that ordinarily the most
advanced scholars shall get through the
book with the term.
| have been pleased to see in most of the
schools this winter, the scholars in Arith-
netic arranged in classes, as in other
branches. 1t has been too customary for
them to cipher independently of each 9TH
er, and not IN classes except TO recite the
rules. But there are many advantages in
Keeping the class together. No recitation
rs more profitable than that in Arithmetic,
with examples on the blackboard. In no
sindy can the teacher give 50 much assis-
lance to the class. The younger scholars
especially need the benefit of dali, recita-
ton aud prescribed lesson 1t is as easy
for a class to keep together in Arithmetic,
as IN any other study, aud equally if not
more, important. Ii is very desirable that
the older scholars in Arithmetic should
copy their examples into Cphering Book
and that there should be ambition among
them TO keep such a book neatly and beau
fully.
1t was a very good practice in most Of
the schools this winter to write only two or
three times week When the scholars
write, the teacher should be at leisure to
give so much Of his time as is necessary, II
not his undivided time. Then he can teach
them how 10 hold the peu and can correct
their bad habits. While writing is attended
TO, it should be the study.
1t is very frequent fault for the school to
be very NOISY, after being dismissed Some
times there has been so much disturbance
that could not with any comfort converse
with the teacher. Says Mr. Burnham, in
the last State Report. 1.-THE pupils when
dismissed, rush from the school room, dis
regarding the rules of proprieiy, we may
infer that the teacher is very FAR from what
he ought to be, and will make any thing Of
has boys but men"
observe that the influence Of our Fall
School IS to Introduce Algebra, Philosophy
and such branches. more extensively into
our common schools. Aud there is reason
t. fear that these higher studies will dimIn,
ISL the interest IN the fundamental branch.
es prescribed by law; and that the eiec
will be to select a teacher who will instruct
IN these studies, rather than one skilled ~
teaching the elementary branches The com
mon school was established to give a thoro
knowledge Of Reading, Spelling, Writing
Geography, Arithmetic aud Grammar, ant
by no means should a scholar be permitted
to neglect these, and pursue the higher
branches BY all means should thorough
aud sufficient attention be given TO wha
the law prescribes, and FIRST Of all SHOULD
attention be given to the smaller scholars
YET | would not exclude the higher branch
es even from the common school; and /
the school is divided into the primary anC
higher departments, which, as | remarked
the last year IN my report, we have an ex
oellent opportunity to do. by uniting th,
two village districts, there is still bette
opportunity for variety of studies. If th'
common school is properly arranged, anC
the books uniform there will be time t'
instruct those prepared for 1t m the higher
branches Il may be done TO advantage
and even 50 as to help the pupils iorwarC
in the usual studies. Instead of the small
Ter scholars being ever drilled in reading
aud spelling, they may make the more pro
gtess ln these by lesson IN the prlmarl
Geography, or the primary Arithmetic, o
the primary Philosophy, or the prlmar,
History. The older pupils may be helpe'
to understand Arithmetic by the study @
Algebra. This will be more profitable t.
them than to study the Arithmetic through
and through and through again. The stu
dlous pupils will also find time for Nalura
Philosophy, Mental Philosophy and Physl
ology. Their minds may need such rang
of study. Natural Philosophy, Algebra
Philosophy, History, the Constitution O
the United States, perhaps Menta! Ph'loso
phy,--lhese probably comprise all III
! higher studies, which should come into
! the common school. EUery kind Of sci
ence and language should by no mean
be introduced. And these may not be prot
! liable in all schools, nor any one of ther
in some schools many are not prepare
for them. While every common schoc
should keep faithful TO It's original desig
of lnstrucling in the fundamental branches
1t is desirable to give il all the advancement
and proficiency IT will healthily bear. w
should seek to elevate our schools in all eS
celiencs.
The excellent Geography and Geology c
Vermont, by Zadock Thompson, should b
studied in all our schools. An esiimabl
inhabitant of this town has Just publishe
Geographical and Historical Poem c
Vermont, which is just the thing for tn
younger children TO learn. 1t contain
much information in small compass, and il
pleasing verse. 1t will be fine exercis
of the memory, and pleasant recreation
for the children to commit IT, Ii consist
l of seyenty-seyen verses of four lines each
1t would be an excellent study for the win
Ter evening, aud might be pursued Will
keeping the hands busy.
! will make one more extract from III
i last Report of the State Superintendent
Whatever kind or quality of school book
is used, the Superintendent is happy TO !
f able to state. that there is a growing sent
ment in our community, that the Bib
!, should be read daily in our schools, eithe
by the teacher or the scholars A respe'
for the Sacred Volume and its author shoul
early be instilled into the minds of OF
youth. Ifperiection in human society
ever attained, it will be by universal INTEL
al k.t ha (.nenal of the {. ra q