Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1869-07-29
Cultivation or the Power Of Ex-
preston.

Cultivation Or the Power Of Ex-
preston.
In the extreme solicitude to cult
vatc the memory and the judgment, it
is often true that other faculties of our
nature receive but little attention, or
are entirely overlooked.
IfVhe teacher is successful in i'm
parting knowledge and illustrating prin-
ciples, to the perfect comprehension of
his pupils; and more especially, if he
has the power to awaken in other minds
love for knowledge, and lead them on
to investigate and demonstrate princi
pies for themselves, he isdeemed emf
nently successful in his profession
Pupils and parents, as we'll as hisffel-
low-teachers, unite in bestowing upon
such achievements the highest praise.
Conceding that these are, indeed,
rare and high attainmcnts, such as are
we'll worth the thought and toll they
must cost, We think it we'll to inquire
whether other high qualifications may
not also be connected with these, and
whether even higher culture can not be
given in those schools which are re-
garded as models, if any such are now
recognized. Wenotice in those schools
which are regarded as the best in our
country, aud at those public e1amina-
tions of classes which are regarded as
aFording most satisfactory evidences Of
faithful mental discipline, very palpa-
bic neglect Of the cultivation of the
POWER. OF EXPRESSION. Facts are
presented to class, or principles stated
and demonstrated in an awkward and
clumsy manner, by pupils who have,
very evidently, given careful attention
and faithful study to the subjects pre-
sented by them. Frequently, too, the
expression, "the scholar understands,
but he cannot enplatn," is received as
an ample apology for all his blunlers,
while in other instances, the same cx-
preston often conceals much positive
ignorance. More rational views should
prevail and prompt and radical change
should be made on this subject, in the
elementary training Of our common
schools, and continued through the en-.
tire course of school instruction. It is
part Of the work Of education, to
train the young mind to clearness and
accuracy Of e1press.o's, as we'll as accu-
racy Of thinking, and there is no more
propriety in negtscting the former, be.
cause principles are to be studied, than
there is in neglecting penmanship be-
cause grammar is to be studied. A
clear, appropriate, beautiful form of ex-
preston for our tho lghts and emotions
is matter Of quite too much ;mnor-
tance to be left to chance, or to the in
clnation and judgment Of the pupil
The following course is suggested as at
least an improvement on the present
methods of instruction:
Let the pupil commence in the prim.
ary school-and at home if possible
to describe in his own language, such
scenes and objects as he has had an op.
portunity to observe; and let the teach.
er or parent, carefully correct all his
omissions and inaccuracies, by supply
ing and substituting the most simple
explicit and appropriate terms, always
adapted, Of course, to the circumstances
and capacity Of the child. As far and
as fast as possible, let his emotions and
the operations Of his own mind be the
subject for his efforts, and let this be q
regular exercise at school and if posi-.
BILE, at homo. Let the exercise always
be conducted with the single purpose o.
cultivating with most assiduous care, q
clear, distinct, appropriate form of ex
preston, for every thought and every
emotion.
| As the child advances in years and
knowledge, let the exercise be contin
ued and expanded.
As the facts in geography or history
are learned, let them be arranged in the
form Of topics or sub-lectures, and the
pupil be required to make a prope,
presentation of them in his own Ian
guage, to the class or to the school
When the principles Of common arith.
metic or the higher mathematics arc
studied, let the pupil be habitually re-
quired not merely to explain his prob
lem 80 as barely to satisfy the teache,
or the class that he understands it, bu,
to commence at the proper point of ex.
PLANTATION and present every fact, prin.
ciple or condition in its proper time
and place, in clear, explicit, unmistaka.