Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-12-02
educational Column.


In regard to the abolition of the afternoon
classes in schools, we have seen the following
statements relative to the results which
have followed:
1T was principally during the past sum
mer months that the experiment was almost
forced upon the authorities The results
on all sides are reported to have been
more than brilliant. The forenoon classes
are somewhat, but not much larger than
formerly, but it is said that the pupils show
an eagerness and vigor in those short morn
ing hours which have never been known be-
fore, and their progress is quite in keeping
with their keen and energetic assiduity.
The most curious point about the matter
(says the Pail Mall Gazette.) seems to be
the fully authenticated fact that, the schools
having hitherto only closed experimentally
earlier or later, according to the wishes of
the respective head masters, the progress
shown by the various schools stands in an
inverse ratic to the duration of the classes !;
or in other words, the less hours beyond
the four or five of the morning in school,
the more did the boys get on with their
work "
We do hope that our American teachers,
and all our school authorities, will take this
matter into earnest consideration. The loss
resulting from prolonging the hours of study
is two fold. First, the body is enfeebled
from the want of sufficient exercise in the
fresh air. And, secondly, the mental pow
ers are enteebled by an excess of labor, and
10y the weakening OF the physical ones.
The whole thing is most serious mis-
take. The chief end of education should
not be the cramming of the memory with a
great host OF facts and of other people
ldeas-but the development and improve
ment of the whole being, body. mind, and
soul.
See what the Greeks attained by theil
harmonious culture Of the whole being. Tc
this day their great men stand in many de
partments Of thought and art, at the head
of the world See how they advanced
from a coarse and vulgar and monstrou.
mytholc gy, to the refined theology of Soc
rates and Plato-from the condition of bar
barians to a refined and elegant civilization
one of the most wonderful Instances o
mental and moral progress which the worlt
has ever seen.
1t is impossible to develop one portion o
the being properly, without developing al
other portions. Our education must b,
many sided and harmonious, even for th,
sake of the mind itself. IF the morning
could he devoted TO the usual school studies
and the afternoon given to play and sport
work. In tn open air, the mind would dc
velop far more rapidly ard the body im
prove in proportion.
The brain needs good healthy blood t.
work with, just the same as the other por
tions of the frame do. But how can child
! pent in he school room all day, have good
red, healthy blood Il is impossible Coco
! blood cannot be formed under such condi
/ tions.
But there is so much, it is argued to b,
| learned And teachers will persist in en-
/ deavoring to empty all the great accumula
| red oceans of history and science and Ian
guage. into our poor little pitchers. Some
times those of US whose children are not very
strong physically, are tempted to take then
from school altogether. Sometimes, whel
the schools kill child for us, we reproacI
ourselves bitterly for not having done so.
Oh, the folly of 1.-THE insane folly of it
| Children are pushed through book afte
book, and they knew very little afterward
of what they have gone through 1t is al
words, words, words. They learn to repea
! their lesson as parrot dOes-and in thre,
months, perhaps three weeks, they have for
! gotten ali about it.
We have seen High School boys puzzled
with the simplest questions. In fact. W,
| have been wonder struck with the ignoranct
| of boys who were tor years under the car,
of the best teachers. Nature takes its re
venge To the demands of too much, sh,
answers with refusal of anything In thi
way benefcent Nature saves many of ou
children from sickness, insanity. or an earl,
| death
Let parents and teachers abandon once TO
all the idea that their children must learl
everything Let them select few studies
give very short lessons, and then see tha
those lessons are learned and understood
thoroughly Do not let them be anxious t
get the children through their books.
the foundations are laid deep and sure, il
this American world OF ours, the superstruc
ture will almost take care of itself. Blu
now our education seems designed simply t.
make US nation of smatterers
Harmonious culture of all the powers, tn,
physical as well as the mental and moral
should thus be the great aim of our educa
ton. And as means of mental culture
children should have few and short lessons
thoroughly learned and understood. vii
not all intelligent people aid in making 4
merican Education conform to these almos
self. evident truths?
Professor Parker of the New York Col
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, says: "A
we place more confidence In nature and les
in the preparations of the apothecary, NOR
| ~ Drnf,-,o.. IS IL.