The daily press. (Cincinnati [Ohio) 1859-1859, 1859-05-26
HE II R II 8 s.
THURSDA Y".......'..'''. .r."'''HfAY 90


TO mako q good school requires something
more fhan good teachers. No matter how
learned or experienced the tutor, unless there
is a cooperation on the part Of parents and
obedience among tho scholars, educational ad-
vancement will be remarkably Glow. Parents
may do much to encourage and give interest 20
tho school and render very valuable service to
the teacher. Indeed, without this discreet and
earnest confederation, the task Of tho teacher
is greatly increased, and even with his best
endeRvors he may be unable to succeed. 1t is
an easy matter to throw difficulties in the
teachers way which will add very much to his
embarrassment. So il demands but little self
denial to render such assistance as will do
much to encourage him, and render his efforts
successful. In the first place, parents should
cooperate in sustaining order and healthful
discipline in the school,
The teacher is supposed TO know how to
classify and arrange his scholars, SO as to Sc
cure their best advancement; whom he errs in
this respect, it becomes the duty of the school
officers to endeavor to set him right by show
ing him better way. 1t is not left with every
patron Of the school to do this, who may know
fnr less about the management of the school
than the teacher himself and whose opinions
would in general be very diverse. Sometimes
parents consult the wishes of their children as
to the books they shall use, without closely
vanced to use them, and when the teacher re-
verses their decision, fault is found with him
at once. Some teachers, rather than incur the
displeasure of the parents, permit the children
to read in books Of their own choosing, the
result of which is, there is but little advance
ment, and the contraction of bad habits.
Parents should never purchase books, espe-
cially reading books, for their children, until
they have consulted their teacher This course
LII, 10, Of avf
books-an end most desirsble-and would add
much to the interest and success of our schools.
While children are permitted to choose their
own books without respect to classification,
capacity or state Of advancement, teachers will
be subject TO constant embarrassment, and
much of their labor will be lost. That feature
of our school system which contemplates
uniformity of text books in our common
schools is founded in wisdom, and should re-
ceive the hearty cooperation of all who en-
joy the advantages Of our school system.
In the second place. parents should co-ope-
rate with the teacher in sustaining all proper,
or necdful rules and regulations for the govern
ment of the school. Without such rules, no
teacher can succeed, and whether they be pro-
perly enforced or not, will depend very much
upon the position tho parent occupies in respect
to them. If the child rebels, and hnds sympa-
thy at home, the most serious consequences to
it, and perhaps to the school follows. While
the teacher should adopt no improper regula-
tons, nor enforce them by indiscreet or iniu-
rious modes of discipline, he is nevertheless
responsible for the management of the school,
and must be Obeyed. As the head Of the
| school, he is an absolute sovereign, his word
| is law; this must be so from the very nature OF
his position, and whether he sustain himself in
| the government of the school, will depend very
much upon the course pursued by the patrons
| of the school.
Should he err through indifference, or be
| guilty of severity, or employ improper modes
Of punishment, it should not be made the sub
| ject of familiar criticism at ,.ome with the
children, but be referred to the proper authori
ties, or brought before the teacher st once. II
| is often amusing to notice the diligence some
parents manifest in inquiring after the various
little foibles and errors Of the school room
and mark the gravity with which each is taker
mp and made the subject Of criticism. AnC
what good natured, accommodating little boy
would not be SO fond of plonsinG his kint
mama, that instead of studying his lesson, ht
would spend his time looking about the schoo
room, to learn all the little prapks of his schoo
fellows, that he might have string OF tales to
relate when he gets home.
Again, parents should Ui8h the school. II
will please and excite the children, and dc
much to encourage the teacher. 1t will dc
away with much Of the occasion of fault find.
ing. Those who occasionally visit the school
will thus quicken their interest i'll it, and are
better prepared to sympathize with the
teacher. Men employed ON your farms and
in your workshops are often visited why
not the teacher? The work of the artizan
who is erecting your dwelling, often passes
under your nspection-should not the labors
Of him who is giving direction to the thoughts
and affections of your children receive some
personal attention so much, at least as Il
indicate that you deem the proper education
and discipline of your children a work Of nc
ordinary Importance.