The Minnesotian. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1851-1852, 1852-05-01
flor the Ninncsotjau.

MEssRs. EpIroRs AS the liquor ques-
ton is settled in our Territory for the
present, at least, we should now turn our
attention TO TIE subject of education, de-
wise means and mature plans by which the
greatest amount Of instruction can be OBJ
tanned in the shortest time, and at the least
expense.
The common method of placing scholars
of all grades and ages, in the same room
to be taught by the same teacher at the
same time, is great waste of money and
sacrifice Of time; but this course must be
pursued until some better means are de-
vised.
Suppose we should have one suitable
building in pleasant and central part of
the town, with separate play grounds ap-
propriated for the different sexes, which
will furnish them with The innocent amuse-
ments necessary to render every thing
agreeable and every one healthy.
In the next place, to have room suffi-
ciently large to accommodate one hundred
and fifty pupils, which can easily be taught
by the same teacher, in the branches of
English Grammar, Geography and writing
compositions and copies, which are sutfi-
cient for any pupil to pursue at the same
time.
Lecturing is now acknowledged to be
the best method of imparting instruction,
and making the most lasting impressions
on the mind, which can be done by ia
miliar illustrations on blackboard, which
should be large; from outline maps and the
use Of globes; thus bringing into requi-
sition all the faculties exercised in the ac-
QUESTION Of knowledge. With such an
arrangement, all the scholars in St. Paul,
capable of entering upon those studies,
could easily be taught by one teacher.
If it should be thought necessary TO add
more studies, we could make the follow
ing disposition Of the time:
MORNING.
LIST. Grammar one hour and quarter.
I'd. Recess fifteen minutes.
Sd. Geography one hour and a quarter.
AFTERNOON.
lst. Two classes in Arithmetic three
quarters Of an hour each.
"a. Recess fifteen minutes.
81. Writing half hour.
4h. Reading half hour-two classes.
9th. Spelling half hour-two classes.
By making this disposition OF our time
in school, and having large outline maps,
globes, and Biographies. from which one
reading lesson daily should lie taken; hav-
ing copies Cooper plates) already set,
and requiring every pupil TO be at all times
prepared with pen, ink, and paper, and
furnished with suitable books, com!orta-
be seats and desks in which they could
secure their books. papers, &c., we could
accomplish from fifty TO one hundred per
cent. more than we can in the usual way.
Ii teacher is placed in the school room
for the purpose OF giving instruction, why
not give him an opportunity of devotng
all his time TO that part of his duty, in
steld of having it wasted in teaching little
children their letters, which should al
ways be done at home, before they are
sent to school.
We hope parents will look well to their
own nlerests-compare this method with
that pursued when they were pupils them
selves, and draw their own differences in
the matter. Another thing should not be
overlooked by them; and that is to rem
der the teacher every assistance in their
power, by sending their children prompt
Diminishing them with everything nee
essary for their advancement, and Impress
ing them with the necessity of implicit
obedience, andgiving them full confidence
in his abilities.
The primary departments can be ar
ranged quite as Systematically as this, by
having black boards, cards and pictures
illustrating the subjects taught. In this
department the exercises should not be
more than four hours day, i. e. the les
sons one hour and the intermissions half
hour each. This would render govern
ment easy-study delightful, and prevent
that antipathy 10 schools, SO general in
small children.
The construction Of school houses and
other improvements necessary for the
comfort OF the pupil, we viii leave TO the
good judgment Of our Superintendent.