Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-02-05
TEACHERS INSTITUTE.
For Orleans County, held at Barton, by
Mr. j. S. adams, Secretary of the
Board of Education for the State Of
Vermont, January 30 and 80, 1858.

Vermont, January 20 and 30, 1898.
FRIDAY MORNING.
N. Cheney of Glover, was chosen sec
rotary for the occasion.
Mr.. Adams opened the exercises of the
Institute with some very interesting and
important remarks, and the general sub
ject of education and of Institutes in par
ticular, as promoting the great cause.
After a short recess, Mr.. Adams spoke
Of the most approved method of teaching
written arithmetic, and gave some truly
practical and interesting Illustrations
He would have scholars 60 behind the
rule and learn the principle. that makes
the rule.
Rev. S. r. Hall of Bloomington, fol-
lowed with some good remarks on the
importance Of Intellectual Arithmetic,
with numerous illustrations from Col
burns, the only mental arithmetic worth
the name; and gave concise history of
the origin Of Normal Schools.
Adjourned to l IL o'clock, P. NJ.
Institute met at the appointed time in
the afternoon. Mr.. Benjamin Il Steele
Of Barton, continued the subject of Arith-
metic with some very apt illustrations,
beautifully presented, and interspersed
with some general remarks Of no inferior
character.
After ten minutes recess, devoted to
recreation and social intercourse, Mr..
Adams spoke Of the study of Grammar
as being often dry and uninteresting, and
how to make it pleasant and practical
He would have scholars take Grammar
early, and approach it in such a manner
as to make it plain AID attractive, end
practical. The text book that contains
the least suits him the best.
Another ten minutes were devoted to
relaxation and sociaJility, when we took
our seats and listened to DIr. Adams on
the study of geography, books, maps,
globes, teachers associations, etc. Then
an opportunity was given for general re-
marks, which was improved by Mr.. Hall
on various topics pertaining to the cause
in which he concurs with Mr.. Adams
generally.
Mr.. Cheney and Mr.. Steele were al,
ternately called by Mr.. Adams; anc
spoke on the subject of general education
apparatus, teachers institutes for towns
counties, and state, etc. The conference
was closed by an eloquent and enthusiast,
appeal from Mr.. Adams, in behalfof the
permanent establishment of Teachers In
2 stitutes, as calculated to raise the prores
sion of teaching to its proper dignity anc
Importance, and especially. to insure
heartier cooperation and better pay t,
our female teachers, the most devoted
faithful and self sacrificing of teachers.
Adjourned to half past six o'clock.
Evening session opened with prayer
by NTr. Hall.
Mr.. Adams occupied the floor in al
: able and brilliant address for the space 0
. two hours, portraying the present condi
f ton Of our schools-their inefieiency
f and the consequent waste of time anc
! Smoney and intellectuality-in such
manner as brought it home to the yer,
= hearts of his hearers with an irresistib!
= force. He speaks of the 100000 schol
ars who make up the Schools of Yer
( mOnt-those whose present Winter is +
= be their last-of the 10000 whose oppor
] tunities of public school viii be all the,
= can enjoy. He enquiries how many G
j them are fitted by the training they ge
: in the schools, to 90 into the world ant
: DO tie C0mmorest business, correctly an
E successfully. Men Of power and infu
: ence, that sway and move society, &c
c their culture outside the public school:
J Finally, he made searching inquiry in
d to the causes and the remedy for the il
efficiency of our schools.
5 Mr.. Hall then corroberated and extend
+ ed some remarks which Mr.. Adams ha
S introduced, concerning parents visitin
IS schools.
: Adjourned until nine o'clock mex
: morning.
T. SATURDAY MORNING.
{ Mr.. Adams spoke of Geography-th
! amount Of time devoted to its study; an
yet the prevailing ignorance on the sui
(. ject; disapproves the common manner
J. teaching it, by set questions and answer
W the answers being suggested by letters,
e save both teacher and scholar the troub
n of learning it. He spoke of the inherel
!; beauties and attractions of the study; an
.. gave copious and practical ILLUSTRATION
IF how it should be taught lie would dra
,s out the faculties. Of the pupil, and excl
Q love Of study, and a spirit of investig