Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-01-22
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Ouh SCdUOLS.
The proprietor of the . Mineral Point Tri-
huue," Ton the solicitation of a committee from
the Teachers lnstitute,) having kind consented
to devote in future 4 column of LIS paper to the
weekly literary contributions of that BODY. it
ka> devolred on me, in connection with another
member, 10 furnish an article for this weeks
publication. trust, therefore that this viii be
considered sufficient apology for my 7presump-
lion in the undertaking. In compliance with
their desire and request, then. take the liberty
IF laying before the readers of the Tribune my
views and remarks on the plan and state of our
schools IN this district, accompanied with refiec-
iionS on the manner in which they might be
made still more eminently useful to the cause
IF education
But before | enter on the subject had better
remark, that do not entertain the idea of hay
ing found the philosophers stone to effect the
necessary reforms in existing abuses connected
with the plan of education; on the contrary. |
only give my sentiments and experience as far
Is my observations have led me: for where Is
the teacher who does not consider himself quail
ned, IN some degree, to give an opinion, or speak
cSpcrimentally on the subject.
TO illustrate the wants and defects of our
school system, would request Ike privilege of
conducting my readers through the District
School-houses- There they viii perceive an
almost total absence Of proper internal arrange
neutS crowded tiny benches occupying the
entire area Of the school-roon--an enors Gus de-
feet which no system or routine Of school teach
ing can possibly remedy. Let them extend
their observations stiH further and look at the
disposition of these seas and desks, SO close to-
ce,her a scarcely 10 permit the smallest boy to
1T iu any manner of comfort between them: be-
la totally unfit for practical use, from the man
ner in which they have been planned and con-
siruced How can a successful, system Of etlu-
ra'ion, ask be conducted with such obstacle,
Of discomfort and accommodation in the way?
Another great neglect, or oversight, Is the
want of clock in each OF our schools, which
consider as essential as any other fixture. 1t
should be placed opposite the teachers seat, by
which the school business should be regulated
namely, % mark the flight of time; to note the
houT of commencement Of lessons and of recess;
to teach order and system, and as a constant
monitor. 80 impress upon the mind The value of
present hours and opportunities Every teacher
must feel the want Of so useful an appendage
- short. well -ar.anged school-room Is a credit
and advantage TO all in its vicinity, an evidence
"i nigh refinement and progress, while in such
:" institution children can be trained and edu-
Gated So As to be pride to their parents and
teachers. and an acquisition to the community.
Inc next, and not the least 10 he noticed by
persons Interested IN successful education, Is the
playground which should be fenced in to pre-
vent m'rUsious and furnished with two circular
swings one for the smaller children and the
ether for the larger sized-an exercise leading
10 The possession of that buoyancy of frame and
elasticity of muscle which we delight to see so
much m youth. Such an arrangement would
Independently Of the other adyantages) act a.
nigh impulse and encouragement to them in
school
Again: There are faults in The administration
'' the schools which may be traced 10 the pa
fentS themselves They owe it as a duty to
their children and themselves, to bestow per-
solal attention on the attendance, course of
SI&"IcS, manner of discipline, &c. of the schools
TOT inns purpose they should visit the school
Room occasionally, that by taking an interest in
rs aiiFs and by kind words and smiles of ap-
I..o~ion. encourage hope and stimulate laud-
"'.e ambition IN their young minds. To leave
entirely the duty of visitation and inspection to
Inc school officers is altogether objectionable
neglect
N Justlc 20 our present school officers, I must
rear willing "ttestation to the great encourage
-aeRt and assistance they have rendered TO US
" atordng Us the opportunity of making our
services more highly useful and of wider appli-
cation. In this they have succeeded. by sug-
Ses'lnS plan OF organization by which we have
Deem brought together. to awaken a correspond
ing interest in the community. They also fire.
gaently attend our meetings, and lend no little
interest and attraction to our discussions Such
attentions on the part of our school officers as
Sl1eS Us that there is no little 1esire to elevate
Tie characte~ Of our profession and make rs
more worthy the encouragement ard confidence
o. the community.
hUI the clrcumscribed limits of space .-llotted
ne admonish that 1 have already more tha-
,4croaehed on single column, 50 that / had
letter reserve my further views and remarks for
Ssne future time &c
- The company for the improvement of the