The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-06-25
Township Institute.

lst session June Il, 1862, at the Ohm
sted School House. Meeting called to
order by the District Secretary and Frank
Leet called to the Chair. Miss Helen
GridIey was chosen Secretary for the
session Present Directors, 7 Teachers
Of the District, also Miss Burt, teacher at
Lewisville, Miss Wildman, teacher IN
Allegany, and several citizens also the
County Superintendent, whose kind at
tendance and assistance were duly appre-
ciated. At the call Of the President, l..
Bird, Secretary of the Board Of Directors,
read the law creating these Institutes, aud
the explanations of the State Superin-
tendent-also stated the object of the
meeting. 1t was stated that the main
object is to afford teachers opportunities
of mutual improvement and they should
do most of the work of the session. Pro
ceeded to the discussion Of questions
pertaining to teaching. lst,
ResolUed, That it is not advisable for
the teacher to wholly prevent whispering
during study hours.
After an animated discussion a vote
was taken and the question was lost
(Poor children. no more whispering.) I'd,
ReSo1csd, That We desire the County
Superintendent to hold an Institute for
the County next fall-;hat It is the duty
of teachers to attend-and of all citizens
to encourage such Institutes BY all proper
methods.
After some remarks the question was
carried in the affirmative. A committee
which was previously appointed reported
an order of business for the P. NJ.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
1st, Discussion. Best method Of teach-
ing the Multiplication Table. 1t was
generally conceded that it is better to
teach it by easy illustrations aud By
using the table than to require the scholar
to learn it by absolute memory.
ID How to explain Subtraction, by
Miss Mary Burt.
Sd. How long and at what hours should
small scholars be confined to the school
house Some amusing and "old Fogy'
arguments were used in favor Of "close
confinement" but fortunately for the little
urchins, Young America and Progress
prevailed, and they can have plenty of
exercise in the open air.
4th. How shall a scholar who aoiH not
study, be made to study? Verdict
Stir up in him ,oU to stndy by placing
proper motives before his mind, but not
thrash him.
9th. Can the teacher make a law in
referenceIo studies and behavior in school
and enforce it? Mr.. Lewis stated that
the teacher can regulate the scholars
studies within the boundaries recognised
by the School Law, and can compel good
behavior. Question left open for discus.
sion. a committee Of three appointed tc
prepare plan of organization,-to report
at next meeting, consisting Of l.. Bird
c. Grover, NJ Neofe
On motion, the President appointed
Misses Wagner and Olmsted to read, eac,
a short essay, selected or original, Mis-.
Wildman to speak upon "Teaohiug The
Alphabet" and Miss Gridly upon "Wha
is Required to Qualify the Teacher 2" al
at the next meeting. Ga motion, an ex
tract of these proceedings were ordere,
10 be forwarded to the JOURNAL will
request for publication.
1t is evident an impression is forme,
that the Institute will be good thing
Names Of Teachers-M Misses NJ. Burt
N.Wildman, W. Wildman, AEOImsted
c. Grover, N, Neefe, II. Wagner, Il
Gridley and NJ. Burgess, all Of whic
participated in the discussions
Adjourned two weeks.
HELEN GRIDLEY, Sec'y.
LBIRD, Sec y of Board Of Directs.
1t is reported that Gen. Mcclellan ha