The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-06-05
Common Schools.

Common Schools.
From the Charleston Courier
What is usually knoSn, or should say spoken OF,
as the Prussian system of common schools, is more
correctly denomnated German, for it is the out
growth of German cvilisation As most of our peo-
pie hear much of German schools, and have general
idea of their superiority Others without having
any definite knowledge the subject we have thought
it may not be Improbable to give Of their more
characteristic features; especially at this time when
our own schools, Of every grade by reason Of the
long interruption Of the war; have been brought back
to the formative stage, and are awaiting plastic,
ter-hand to give them being character and iEdividu
atty Mr.. ]. Ross Browns book, An American
Family iii Germany, recently published, will assist
our momorv in the execution of this task.
TIE schools of Germany conducted with great
care, and under strict municipal regulations. The
teachers generally persons OF superior ability and
thorough education. This will be readily credited,
when consider that, owing to the excess OF popn-
ation it is generally as difficult there for teacher
to gain position Of honor aud emolument in his pro-
esson it is here for lawyer to gain fame or for
tune at the bar. Teaching not taken up" by any
and every one tits profession the to which
are carefully guarded by government as those to
the army civil service.
great feature in these schools is the au1onnt of
oral exercises through which the children required
to pass. No more learning by rote is permitted.
Every branch must be thoroughly understood and
however little pupil may acquire, he must compre
bend it far as he goes Superficial show is alto
eether disregarded. Until boy is duly qualified in a
primary class he cannot enter higher one Great
attention is bestowed upon those studies most likely
Ito be of in future life, as, for example, tie mod
ern languages mathematics, civil engineering, geogra-
ply, drawing, book keeping natural philosophy, geol
ogy Due regard is also paid to the health OF the
pupil He is required to exercise at frequent inter
vas to bathe sing walk and hold himself in erect
position. The school hours in summer are from A.
NJ until PM with intermission of two hours for
dinner; in winter from to 7. This however, varies
in different parts of the country All the studying
is done in school. In this way there is but little op-
portuntv for street lounging and rowdyism. At
school, all considered boys big and little, and all
are treated. Precocious Young gentlemen of six
teen regarded with especial disfayor Eeatness
and cleanliness of person are imperatively required
The relations between teachers and their pupils
of the most kindly and affectionate character The
same Interchange Of friendly souvenirs which fre
quently take place in families, is also prevailing Gus
tom in this connection Birthday and Christmas pres
ets made to the teachers and on those occasions
the whole school unites in doing them honor. Aitec
tionate addresses are delivered on both sides and
there is always very happy of rejoicing Every
child brings something, of course according to his
means. Many bring flowers or ornamental plants
purses watch h-guards, etc, etc. So New Year and
Oh his birthday the teacher receives congratulaory
epises from nearly all his pupils; and vein of re
fined sentiment pervades the everyday life of these
practical but very unpoetc counrymen find it difficult
to credit.
! During the summer holidays pedestrian tours are
made through various parts Of the country having in
view health, recreation and instruction. Sometimes
these tours extend to the mountains of Switzerland
and Bavaria. These classes are accompanied by their
teachers who omit no opportunity of insting into
their minds practical knowledge of geology, botany
entomology and such other studies as come within
the sphere OF their rambles. Each boy carries with
him tin case, in which to preserve the specimens
picked up by the Wayside. As they wander along
through the beautiful and picturesque parts Of the
country, they sing gees and choruses make sketches
of the old castles, or bathe in the mountain streams
/ They are the happiest set of beings in existence
Knowing no troubles, oVerfowing with health, and il
the full enjoyment of liberty, they present picture
pure and perfect happiness, if such thing can exs
upon earth.
Will any one pretend to say that such life this
innocent and refining in all its tendencies, is in
fntey better than the holiday life of American
children? Here there is dissipation, no encour
agement to evil profigate habits, no morbid ant
unahoesome eXcitements. A love Of nature in it
most attractive aspects is encouraged Not stick, O.
stone or flower, Oh the ~ayside but has its meaning
Tie beautiful legends of the country are the suUect
of song and story Health earned by exercise bring
with it an increased capacity for study The mint
and body are refreshed, and when the holidays arr
over the teachers and pupils return to their dutle
! with clear heads and strong nerves. In this way th
Germans acquire those robust constitutions which
the admiration Of the world; and among our-Teuton
citizens find the best civil engineers draughtsmen
chemists botanists, and geologsts to develope th
resources Of our country.