Polynesian., 1853-05-21

| the fact OF the new books and methods OF
teaching brought to their notice, and also
the lapse of time since their attention has
been drawn to school machinery. They re-
gret also, that from the necessarily hurried
nature Of the exercises, the fulf attain
ments Of the scholars may not perhaps have
been fully developed, and the examination
thereby made to appear too superficial. This
indeed is the only doubt resting in our minds
preventing an unqualified approval ofthe adj
vancenent Of the school, and we think upon
reflection, that doubt has arisen perhaps
merely from the circumstance before mem
toned
/ DEvoTIoN:-The exercises were opened
with the usual morning devoiious, consisting
of singing and prayer. We may here state,
that the moral training Of the children IL q
point dear to the teachers heart. Not IN
deed carrying it to the inculcating of seeis-
rian opinions and prejudices, but to the OBJ
servance of those rules of conduct, and that
acquaintance with the precepts Of movaIiiy
which is necessary to the moral training OF
every child.
READiNG:-There were seven classes ex-
amined in this accomplishment. The atien-
tion bestowed upon reading in the school is
worthy of all praise, as we consider good
reading an agreeable quality, whether dis
played in public or in the drawing room. We
noticed no stumbling on the part OF the
smaller scholars while upon the pauses, dis
tinctness of pronunciation and proper accent
alton, all the classes seem to have been we'll
drilled. A clear and proper pronunciation
is of the utmost Importance to good spelling,
for he who pronounces improperly is certain
to spell improperly, while he who read with
out proper intonaiion and accent, fails TO
bring out the sense of the author.
The first class beside reading, explained
the topics Of the lesson, which was Ericsson's
new engine. We thought the lesson a hap
py selection. The second class had, per-
haps, the most difficult lesson, taken from
Uncle Toms Cabin" We noticed some
excellent readers in this class, and we think
upon the whole, Mrs. Stowe, il present, would
not have been shocked 10 have heard her
sentences read. The class we're a little con-
fused in their account of the accents. We
were greatly pleased with the repeating Of
poetry in concert by tie smaller classes at
the close of the reading lesson. The exer-
else must give the scholars a just appreciation
of timS in reading, viz: time in Pronuncla-
ton aad time in the pauses.
SPELLING:-The classes in this study
passed good examination. We noticed
with pleasure the Improvements that have
taken place in teaching this elementary
branch. The long line of scholars with tho
ego up head" plan, and the still longer line
of hard words in the dreaded spelling book
are dispensed with The scholars we're ex-
amined in words similarly pronounced, but
dissimlarly spelt, which they took from SEN
terces read in their hearing, writing the
word on the black board. There were few
or no mistakes which was rather an anomaly
in spelling class. We we're sorry so short
time was devoted TO this exercise, and that
they were not examined IN other classes Of
words, for spelling is one Of the hardest tests
applied TO school children 1t Is a task Of
tho memory only, requiring of repetition.
| and much attention. and therefore Usually
dreaded To be perfect, it requires patience
in the teacher, patience in the scholar, and
untiring perseverance on his part, and its
Importance as a study hes in the fact, that if
not thoroughly learned 10 childhood, the de-
feet can never be remedied.
ARITHMETIc:-There are FIVE classes in
this study. The primary classes answered
their questions readily. They were examined
mostly in addition. The other classes were
cXdIUiueu Ill Wcutdl dINuuCttC VIC OU>
served some scholars in these classes re-
markably clear and ready in mental compu-
tation. 1t was a pleasure to hear them ex-
plain the process by which they arrived at
the result. The method pursued, however,
Of repeating the question and wording in
course the whole demonstration, seemed to
confuse some ofthe pupils. II is difficult to
child to gather and express in language all
the points of an arihmetical calculation as
they pass along to the result, yet the being
able to explain the process is very necessary.
| 1t is tax upon the memory as also the pow
er Of concentration of thought, and is no
doubt an excellent discipline TO the mind.
But the method appeared heavy to US, for in
mental calculation the mind flies rapidly
along to the result, and is seriously imPeded
| if stopped with words. A habit Of mental
arithmetic of this sort would make one slow
and awkward all through life, while the pro-
cess, If explained after the result had been
given, the scholar even if not able to word
the explanation, would still have the benefit
of having accomplished the calculation. An
explanation is easier also, with the question
and answer fixed in the mind.
The class in Thompson's arithmetic were
prompt and right in defining the principles
and definitions oftbe science, but rather slow
in applying their knowledge to the art of fig
ures. However distinct knowledge Of the
principles of any science is the great point to
be gained.
ALeEBRA:-The class In this stidy have
advanced through simple equations. Their
examination was very satisfactory.
GRAMNAR:-There were three classes ex-
amned in this study. We we're pleased with
the promptness and accuracy Of their
answers. The youngest class, under Miss
Hall, have been taught orally. They wers