Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-06-23

presenting his views on the subject of Ian
guage. He thought no branch of study is so
poorly taught as language. 1t is not only
badly taught, but the least time is generally
given to it. Ninety nine out of a hundred of
those who study language at all, leave the
study when they have learned the technicali-
ties of the grammar. The study of the Ian
guage may be carried as far by young ladies
as the mathematics, with the same success
and with better results as to discipline, and
greater practical advantage. Even in col
lection of teachers there will be found many
more who understand the principles of alge-
bra and geometry, than there are who are ia
miliar with the English classics. Teachers
ought to ask themselves which is the more
important, which does more for real culture,
which makes one think the more, which better
prepares one for real life.
DIR. Emerson of Boston followed, giving an
outline of his early experience in teaching,
which he commenced in the town of Bolton,
only few miles distant. Then he taught in
Lancaster. At that time he did not teach
well; he used the whip and the spur, and ap-
pealed to the lowest motives, such as the doc
trine of Jesus Christ condemns, by stimulate
ing pupils to Surpass each other. He was in
poor health at the time he taught in Lancas-
ter, and rode much, and then made those OBJ
servations upon the trees of the place, which
led him to say that some of the most beauti-
full trees in the country are to be found here.
After being tutor in Harvard college, short
time, he was led to think more of the methods
of teaching which prevailed, and of the mo-
| tiveS employed in the government of schools.
He askedhimselfis this logging right arethese
rewards and prizes right? He was obliged to
come to the conclusion that they were not.
1t was considering children as brutes or as
pagans to appeal TO only the same motives
that Cicero would have appealed to had he
been a teacher He soon had an opportunity
to put his theory to the test by being called to
the high school in Boston. He then deter
mined he would not strike a blow unless it was
absolutely necessary, and to believe every
word that the pupils told him until he was
obliged to believe differently. He trusted to
the application of the highest motives, and the
school was considered a pre-eminent success.
He found no boy who did not understand and
feel the motives presented infinitely more than
he would have felt the threat Of fogging.
He offered no prizes for those who went
above a certain mark
SATURDAY MORNING.
The association met this morning at half
past seven o'clock, and proceeded at once, on
foot, to visit the industrial school for girls, by
invitation of the superintendent, Rev Mr..
Ames. On arriving at the institution the sew
eral families were gathered in their places in
the chapel, for the usual morning services
These were commenced by singing the song
'Marching Along" by all the girls. Recita-
tons of scripture and songs followed Pray
er was offered by Rev. Mr.. Stebbins, when
the teachers of the associations were well
coined to the school by the superintendent.
Addresses were given by Hon. Joseph
White, secretary of the board of education,
Mr.. Greene, the president, and DIR. Emerson,
of Boston. DIR. Emerson occupied an hour in
presenting to the teachers some of the rich re-
suits of his long and varied experience in
most familiar and at the same time most earn
est manner; and although he kept his seat
upon the platform, he needed no attempt to
enforce his ideas by any of the graces of ora
tory, for every one felt absorbed in listening
fr,f fntl IS 1
ton which were dropping from the lips of
wisdom and goodness.
The teachers then were divided into groups
to visit the several families, of which there are
FIVE This visit was deeply interesting, and
cannot fail to make a most happy influence on
the schools Of those ladies who were permit
ted to enjoy it.
The teachers returned to the hall at ten
O'Clock, and after the appointment of several
committees, Prof. Krusi was introduced, who
gave some hints on the subject of teaching
languages.
Mr.. Howe of Worcester presented his
method of teaching writing, which was hear
tily commended by the president, he having
witnessed the good results of it in the Wor-
cester schools.
Hon. Joseph White expressed his gratifca-
ton at what he had witnessed of the proceed
ings of the meeting, mentioning, as a cause
for special gratitude, the opportunity he had
had Of listening to the remarks of DIR. Emcr-
son last evening, who spoke ''as one having
authority, and not as the scribes." He went
on to urge the importance of these education
al conventions. If they were appreciated as
they ought to be, they would be attended by
much larger numbers. There are only two
counties in the state-Berkshre and Hamp-
shire-which do not have associations of
teachers. He closed by impressing upon the
teachers %he Importance of using, as much as
possible the law of kindness in the govern
ment of the schools. As the Master is
''touched with the feeling of our infrmities,"
so should we, who are sub-masters, be touch
ed with the feeling of pity for the infrmities
of the children.
Mr.. Lawrence of Lancaster, a member of
the school committee, assured the teachers
that the people of that place felt it to be an
honor to have been permitted to have the
meeting of the association there. They were
under obligations for the good influence which
had been exerted upon their schools. He
agreed with the views which had hoo, -,