The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-06-21

Why does rot my Child learn more?


the teacher" This may be true-he may
neglect his duty, but do you, parent,
fulfill yours! In every we'll regulated
school each scholar has some lesson to
learn at home. Are you careful each
evening to see that your child does this,
or do you permit him to learn other les
sons, with the rabble in the streets, till 8
or 10 o'clock Perhaps you will say
"That is the teachers business, let him
fog them or detain them after school,
They are under his immediate control,
but six hours each day, the remaining Is
they are under yours. Ifyou do not feel
a sufficient interest in them to see that
they are doing right, how can you expect
any ono else. Have you ever visited the
school, and examined the plans by which
they are taught! "You have no time"
When you have pig to fatten you visit
the pen at least once every three months,
and cannot you spare the same amount of
time to visit the place where your chill
dren's minds are fattenod? Which do you
estimate most highly your child or pig?-
Is it right to find fault with the teacher
in the presence fyour child and thereby
destroy his confidence in him? Suppose
you have strong reasons to believe that he
has done wrong, would it not be better to
speak to him in a gentlemanly manner
ard let him make some explanation if pos
sible. Remember the old proverb.--
"There are always two sides to johnny
cake" and hear both sides before you
pronounce your judgment. Doyou never
make mistakes in the government of your
own children, and if in addition to them,
you had the control of your neighbor's,
would your government always be perfect.
Think of these things We besecch you.
d.
From tie Pennsylvania .Scho0z Journal.
Daily Preparation blythe Teacher for his
Glasses.
Mr.. BURROWES Among the topics
suggested for discussion in the columns of
the Journal [ was glad to see the above.
Being convinced of the claim which this
subject has upon the practical considera-
tion of teachers, hoped it would be
deemed a matter of sufficient Importance
to enlist the attention of some one, among
your many able correspondents. Indeed,
it really seemed that a knowledge Of the
indifference of many if not majority of
teachers, would induce such to strike a
blow here. But, if this Indifference has
been deemed San enemy unworthy Of their
STEEL" it may be that lighter missile
will be efficient.
Perhaps there is no greater hindrance,
at present, to the complete success of our
school system than the want of amply I
qualified teachers The want is felt
severely felt. Superintendents find them
selves embarrassed, in determining the
grade of certificate they ought to give
This ought not to be. The teacher who .
presents himself for examination ought to
claim, by virtue of his qualification, first .
class certificate. The appeal for such a
class of teachers is to the teachers them
selves. 1t is in their power to bring into
the field degree Of qualifications, worthy
of the profession. This they may seek
through different channels. Schools es-
pecially for their preparation are establish
ed in different sections, teachers associa-
tons and institutes are becoming COM
mon, and best of all, the teacher has /
few hours daily to devote, if he WILL in ex- !
tending the borders of bis knowledge.
This We regard as a most important /
means placed in the hands of the teacher !
for his improvement. He need not be at ,
loss what to pursue. The routine of !
studies pursued in his own school, will o.
pen field wide enough for bis explora- /
tions. 1t is not enough that the teacher
has previously mastered one textbook up |
on particular subject; he should also
seek the opinions of others upon it, and /
compare with them his own reflections and
experience. He will thus enlarge his
sphere of thought, his conceptions of truth |
will grow more vivid, and his love for the |
harmony and beauty of science, will be-
come moro and more abiding. This cor
rect understanding of, combined with a
love for, the intricaces of science; consti-
tutes no small part of the teachers quail
fcations. Patient, untiring devotion to
study is the price of these jewels.
But though the teacher may be fully
qualified and in mental requirements may
be far in advance CT his pupils, still this
daily preparation viii be found necessary
to success. The memory needs to be pol
ished. Each review of the subject will |
induce a more correct and thorough un-
derstanding of it. The more thought be-
slowed upon theme, the better is 1T COM |
pretended Who does not know that this
comprehension of subject furnishes a
key for unlocking its mysteries to others!
This he cannot do successfully with the |
mere facts of science. He must study af-
ter the laws and principles, by which
these facts are bound together in one in