Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-12-23
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK. ]
OUR CITY SCHOOLS.
Observations and Suggestions by a
Visitor. 49,
DEPARTMENT NUMBER FIVE.

A class in written arithmetic was be-
ing drilled IN fractions. was glad 10
observe the perseyering manner of the
teacher; the elements Of written arithme-
tic must be hammered in, tuned over in
every conceivable shape to the eve of the
pupil, that a good foundation for the
needs of practical life be laid and for
further culture in this science. Query !:
Is il good plan to allow pupils to take
their books to the black board ia solving
problems, or even bring them to the rec
itation bsnchesi The pupil is supposed
to be prepared before coming into the
class with at least the outlines of rules
Would it not be better If tho teacher
should give problems MT found in tie
book, for solution 10 classl
Some of the boys aud girls chew their
books whlle at tho board. When a
solution of the problem is attempted. it
is of some Importance that it be inteIli-
gible TO the entire class, and to any one
who may chance to be present. 1t is
not difficult for the pupil to stand so rs
not to obscure bis work, TO be furnished
a pointer, and TO enuncate clearly. Six
weeks spent by one class upon one prob
lem, is not too long. if an accurate and
exhaustive comprehension of the subject
is gained. Ten thousand problems gone
over in the manner often noticed at school
is worse than useless.
The class in Sanders 4th Reader need
drilling; it is difficult, the room being
quiet, to hear tho reading from an oppo-
ste side of the room. Several pupils
are allowed to hold their books so
high as TO hide their faces and thus
obstruct the sounds emitted. As
usual, large words badly defined,
occur in the lesson. Owing to lack of
time and perhaps inclination, the teacher
does not simplify nor explain the text.
ITEM.-Considerable hardness is no
ted upon the register for the month of
November.
Miss XENN1sH has taught during sew
eral years in tho southern part of the
state and cones to our school well rec
commended. Sic has had charge of
No. only two weeks. Her acquain-
lance with the pupils seems to be quite
pleasant. She will have this department
better in hand bye and bye.
A special interest in the writing exer-
else, which properly occurs in the morn
ing session, was observed upon the part
of each pupil. The Spenccrian method
is well adapted to beginners, and needs
but to be seen to be adopted by all our
schools.
DEPARTMENT NUMBER SIX.
Miss Porrs teacher. Average attend.
ance 40.
The register notes considerable tardi-
ness. Five pupils excessively tardy dur
ing October and November.
An exercise in arithmetic was written
upon the board, each member Of the
class being required to work it out upon
slips of paper while in class, the results
being handed to the teacher for examin-
alton. The problems were embraced in
the reduction of compound numbers and
we're test examples, the class being in
review.
Perhaps their arithmetics were needed
wbilc upon the recitation benches, as
writing desks' Of course they would
not DO consulted regarding tables or
rules.
In the spelling class, each pupil an
swers TO the name of the capital of one
of the states, this is to familiarize each
one with said capitals and strengthen the
memory.
In the geography class. the text of the
book, Guyois teachers edition is follow
ed, giving outlines and jnlines-mostly
the latter.
The quiet and excellent degree of or
der prevailing in this room is highly
commendable.
1t is suggested that pupils could give
clearer demonstrations if they stood at
the board and with rod pointed out the
processes Involved in the problem, leaving
books at seats.
Referring 20 Miss SrRoNc's department
| noticed map Of this county drawn
upon the board, and the entire school, in
brief exercises made familiar with the
geographical relation of other towns to
that in which they live.
A good deal of time is spent in all de-
partments in the enforcement of what is
called system or order. In assembling
and dismissiDg classes, preparing for re-
cess, opening and closing sessions, etc.