The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-05-24
EDUCATIONAL.


OF oLuMBA COUNT
In pursuance of previous notice, the Teach
ers' Association of Columbia county met in
the room of the Greenwood Seminary at
Miilville on Saturday afternoon, May 10Th.
The meeting was opened by the President,
H. w. Weaver, with a short address as to
The objects and advantages of such an asso-
station, and the Improvements which had
been introduced into some schools, and which
could by such an association be carried into
all.
Or motion, ]. G. Rich and James M. Hodge
were elected Vice Presidents of the Associa-
lion.
Mr.. John C. Stokes was then called upon 10
explain the best proper method of teaching
Grammar, and made rome useful remarks
on that subject.
Alba John was called on to explain the
best method of conducting the Reviews of
lessons. He urged the necessity of frequent
and thorough reviews in all studies; not 10
be at stated periods, OF upon preparation by
The scholar for such exercise but 10 be short
exercises, just as accident or leisure might
suggest TO the teacher.
Peter H. Freeze was called on TO state his
method of teaching Arithmetic. He recon-
mended a stated lesson 10 scholars TO be learn
ed by them, and illustrated on the black
board. All scholars TO be In classes, and
mental and written arithmetic to be combi-
ned.
James M. Hodge was called on TO explain
the best plan Of teaching photography. He
said he did no, rely much upon teaching
scholars The rules of spelling, as the excep-
tions 10 these rules were 10 some cases more
than instances which came under the rule.
But some rules which operated pretty gener-
ally he enforced in teaching. The rules 10
reference 10 the sounds of the letters were
very much under The same objection as those
of spelling, but the sounds and combinations
he thought, should always be taught and H.
lustrated with the dictionary. -
William Burgess followed in some urgent
and vehement remarks in condemnation ofthe
present system of photography, denouncing
II as arbitrary, unsystemahc and unreasona.
BILE. Still he said, that so long as il was the
system of our literature and education il must
be taught as the usage of our time has estab.
lished it.
MIR, Stokes was called on 10 explain his
method of teaching reading. He urged that
the principles or spirit of reading should be
observed rather than the strict rules. But the
rules or principles must first be learned, and
then The scholar must be taught 10 modify
these so as 10 confirm 10 the varying seEti.
merit and spirit Of the discourse which is
read.
Mr.. Burgess remarked that no subject was
in schools generally SO much neglected
as reading, and yet none OF SO much pracii-
cal importance TO The pupil in after life and
added some pertinent thoughts.
MIR. Weaver called the attention of the AS
s~ocia,ion 10 the great want CT proper reading
books in the schools-books 10 furnish in.
s%truction as TO The manner of reading, and not
only reading matter for exercise. He urged
very strongly that all such works as histories,
books of adventures and wars should be read
at home for historical information, and not in
school; as such books contain no instruction
in the principles of elocu.ion, and divide
schools into TOO many classes.
MIR. Stokes moved that when the Associa-
ton adjourn ii adjourn TO meet at Ca,awissa
OIL Friday the 2Sth Of September.
Mr.. Hodge moved TO amend by substilu-
ting at BloomsbpIg on Saturday the 29ih Of
September next Amendment adopted.
On motion II was Resolved that the Execu-
tive Committee be directed to procure some
proper person to deliver a lecture at the next
meeting OF the Association, and also to allot
subjects 10 various members for Essays and
oral reports al the next meeting.
The day was unfavorable, but the meet.
ing was earnest and in good spirit. A num-
Der of ladies were in attendance, and all
present expressed interest and pleasure in
the proceedings.