Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-12-16

nelnod OF teachlng mental aritn was as eu
aud discussed for nearly an hour. Itwas gener
ally thought that scholars should recite in this
branch without book in their hands. 1t was
voted to have a session in the afternoon, and
Prof William Russell Of Lancaster was chosen
to preside at that session, the President having
stated that he could not be present. Mr.. Eddy
reported, for the Committee on Organization, that
it is expedent to make choice of officers for next
year at this meeting The report was adopted
and The following gentlemen were chosen Geo
Bushnell of Worcester. President; H. L Read of
Fitchburg, Werden Reynolds of Worcester, and
Silas c. Stone Of westboro', Vice Presidents; s.
W. Cooke Of Oxford, Secretary and Treasurer;
Nathaniel Eddy of Oxford, E. c. Hewett OF WoT.
cester and L. W. Russell Of Fitchburg, Execu
tive COMMITTEES
The question of the previous evening was ia
ken up and discussed by Mr. Reynolds of Wor
cester. The question was laid upon the table till
afternoon, and the Association adjourned.
A large number assembled in the Town Hail.
at two o'clock, although several had been
obliged to leave. Animated discussion on prae.
teal topics connected with the school room con-
tinued until after four o'clock. All present
seemed interested and attentive The question
of the morning was first resumed, and several
gentlemen expressed their views. 1t seemed the
general opinion that composition and declama-
ton are important exercises OF the school, but
frequently badly conducted. twas Thought that
scholars should be early put to the expression of
their ideas by writing, and should be encouraged
to do it in familiar and easy language, and upon
M !
of teaching spelling was inquired for, and several
gave their opinions. 1t seemed to be the general
idea that a combination of the oral method, and
the method by writing, most desirable. A
discussion upon the pest of the schoot.yoon
whispering, and the means of preventing it, was
taken up. all agreed thatit was most serious
evil, but the remedy not clearly pointed out.
1t was proposed that the teachers of the primary
schools should give, upon paper, at the next
meeting, the methods which they adopt to check
it among their little ones The Committee on
Resolutions reported, and the list was adopted
1t was voted to change the Constitution to allow
the Executive Committee to fix the time of the
next meeting, if thought best, so that it may be
held in connection with one of the State Insti
tutes.
The Convention adjourned at half-past four
O'Clock, by singing "Od Hundred"
The weather was favorrble the number pres.
ent was large; the lectures good; the discussions
animated the welcome of Fitchburg people cor.
dia and all seemed ready to declare that the
session was both pleasant and profitable
Resoiued, That, while de reoar /! and would aterny
condemn that rigid adherence to text books which is
satisfied with verbal memory of rules: instead Of a
comprehension of principles with knowledge of the
names and forms things instead of her substancei
yet We as an association Of teachers have no active
sympathy with that opposite extreme so much in keen
ing with the spirit Ct the which would discard the
Of all text books from the real ancied defects of
some and rely upon ora patrunton alone, in the educa
tion of the family and the school.
Resotred, That the want Of sympathy and practical
cooperation with the teacher in his resp nsbe pos ton
evncea by parents the pabl generally in their
neglect to him his pills by their frequent
presence at the school roo and their apathetc uoer
ence to the profitable expenditure o. moneys raised for
school parpQses is SILL aotwhsandinr all the i'm
provements which the last few years have Witnessed in
these respect and the promise hey give Of the 'good
time coming sometirae Of the great wants of the
age which the interests of education demand that all
should labor secure.
Resoiued That the calling of The Teacher is inferior to
none other in its responsibilities and demands Of the
most constant and energetic efforts in the funuent of our
duties. 1
ResoiUed That we are truly grateful for the valuable
thoughts ond information in the lectures Of the
Hon George g. Boutwell, Secretary of the BOARD Of Ed
ucation, and Mr. P. W Caukins Of Worcester and for
the many praceal hints and suggestions from other dis
tinguished educators present
Resotued That thanks are due to the retiring Off
GERS Of the Association for the efficiency they have given
to tur first meeting
ResotUed, That regret the withdrawal fro our As.
ISOLATION and from the County, Of the arst President OF
the Association Mr.. Hubbard, and tender to him
best wishes in his neE sphere OF labor.
Res0iped That return our most sincere thanks to
the eitchburg Worcester X. B. Company for conveys
ancce al reduced price The officers Of this town for
he Fl se Eo1ta apd tfa
kchbug. whose kindness and hospitality have made Us
forget that the times hardr and left Ia cur mind
instead the recollection Of pleasant time enjoyed
at this Teachers Convention.