Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1861-01-12

the day would consist 10 drills on the elemer
tary branches, while the evenings would b
appropriated to addresses snd discussions o
educational topics. They selected instruc
tors for the several branches as follows:
Orthogrsphy-John L Heller,
Readiug-Dr. j. j. John,
Penmansbp-W. IL Gilgcr,
Mental Aiithmetic-E B. krsm.
Written Il. Il Dankleberger
Grammnr--L Alleman,
tieograpby-J. Dreher,
Algebrs-G W. Ilaupt,
Gpome.ry-L. Allemun.
ca motion it was Resolved, That the bran
ches oe taken up iu tue order as they appear
ON the list
On motion each teacher was requested to
take part in the class. drill.
Orthoqraphy by Mr. Heller The instruc
tor devoted the remainder Of the day aud o
part Of evening TO this important, but too
much neglected branch. His course OF in.
structon was based upon Sanders ard Mer
rlIns division of the elementary sounds. lie
expressed his preference for this system, be-
cause it was more simple and practical, and
more easily acquired by the young. than the
critical aud overloaded system5 of some au.
,hors. lie questioned the class qnite exten
svely upon the elementary sounds, and the
rules OF spelling aud pronunciation. il teach
log spelling he recommended that lessons.
Particularly where the words were to h~
defined. Mr.. Heller handled the subject
with the sk II Of IL master, and his drill was
omineu,ly satisfactory to the class.
EccniUg Session.
Institute met at specified time, President
in the chair. Prayer by MIR. Aileman. Min.
utes reud and approved.
Mr.. Heller having concluded his remarks
on Orthography, the balance Of the evening
was occupied in discussing the question,
would one session o day 10 our public
schools be preferable to the present system
oftwo sessions dayi' Messrs. John and
Alleman argued for one session day They
Conteuded that the common school system
was not yet q perfected work. The black
board, chalk and kindness had 10 measure
displaced the Jerule scholars we're no longer
treated as vassals but as rational beings
school houses are built with a view TO health
aud comfort, we'll lighted, ventilated and fur
uished and text books and teachers are Sc
lrcted with the greatest care. But the reform
should not stop here. Let such sanitary
measures he adopted as will conserve TO the
health Of the young. The mind should not
ue educated at the expense OF the body. Ply
sica and intellectual training shonld go hand
IN hand. They said the scholars only learns
while his attention is attracted. Sitting for
hours in the same posture and breathing
vltiateI air, debilitate the body, the attention
flags and then instruction is no longer ralu
able.
Mcssrs. kram, Heller, Dunkeberger and
Drrhur, opposed their views The contended
the measure was impracticabIe, especially 10
tho rural districts, aud that under the present
system, sufficient time was given for recrea.
Iha npDinn of thp lnstitntp Ua npt
tested 10y a vote. On motion, Mr. Heller WAS
appointed critic for the morning session.
Second Day Morning Session.
Institute met, Mr. Alleman in tie chair
Readinq by Dr. John. The instructor
occupied some time in exercising his class on
thls study. lie remarked that the teacher
hhopld have two objects 10 view in teaching
reading First that the scholar read under
Siu,oding'y: second, that he should 10 such
manner as to be inteiiigibie to others
P,nmanship.-Mr G.lger acted as nstruc
tor in explaining this art. His remarks were
hrIrf, but to the polnt-elict'ng considerable !
attention
The critics report WAS then discussed, after
which the Institute adjourned.
.l0ernooa Session.
Insti,ute met, President in the chair
Prayer by Mr. Kram. Minutes read and
approved.
Mental arithmetic MIR. kram formed a
class and occupied the greater part Of the
afternoon n teaching this useful branch -
lie introduced u novel plan for securing the
attention of the scholars in this study. His
mode of imparting instruction is excellent.
Written Arithmetic by Mr.. Dunkelberger.
Tho instructor began with the fundamental
rules, then illustrated the working of demon.
lnate numbers, and concluded with some re,
marks ou fractions and questions in which
geometrica principles were involved. Ills
course of instruction was interrupted by the
hours of adjournment.
Erening Session.
Institute met. President in the chair-
Prayer was offered by Rev. A. ID. iawn.
Minutes read and approved.
The Institute was then addressed by the
Rev. 4. -. Hawn, of Shamokin. His subject
was the Teacher FOR the Times" which he
treated under three heads, as follows:
lst. The teacher must possess energy.
I'd. He must possess intellectual and moral
character.
Sd. lie must possess human sympathy
Hs address was replete with Information
and encouraging to the teacher. vote OF
thanks Was rendered the speaker for his able
address.
Third Day-Morning Session"
Institute met OF 10 o'clock. President 10
the chair. Minutes read and approved.
Grammar was taught by MIR. Alleman.-
Ills long experience 10 the school room
peculiarly fitted him Tor this position. His
mode Of teaching is eminently practical. His
questions we're Numerous, his explanations
lucid and bis defpitions concise.
1fternoon Session.
Institute convened at the proper hour,
President in the chair.
Geography was taught by Mr.. Drehei. lie
expressed preference for the chanting sys,
ten. MIR. Dreher has been very successful
in teaching this branch, and bis remarks we're
quite edifyihg.
.flqebrd was taught by Dir. Hsupt, who
certainly possesses mathematical talent OF q
high order. lie began with the primary rules
aud ended With equations. Ills time was too
limited to do justice to the branch.
Geomahy Mr.. Allemsn being absent Mr.
punkleberger consented TO act ss Instructor.
Ills proclivi,ies for Euclid are very strong ,
tic lad but few minutes al command, which