The union Democrat., 1870-12-31

The Teachers of Tuolumae County, met in
County Institute at Columbia, en- Tuesday,
Dec. 27ta, 1870. C. L.. Me,zger. County
Superintendent called the Institute to order.
and announced as the first exercise. Music by
the choir-consis,ing of Misses Morgan, Seve-
rio. Fuller aud Martin. who rendered in ex-
quisise style. "The Song for Teachers In
stitutes." Prayer was then offered BY the
Rev. Mr.. While. The County Superinten-
dent then delivered his address, and conclud-
ed by introducing Prof. Knowlton, who in
happy spirit for half an hour. concluded the
opening exercises. Intermission of one hour
was then declared.
Upon reassenbling, the Superintendent
stated, that the opening exercises of the In
stitute was had in the forenoon. but for per-
manent organization, the election of Secre-
tary would be necessary.
John York, Jr., was then duly elected.
Prof knowlton was again introduced, who
spoke upon the efficacy of Institutes in ad-
vancing the cause of popular education. Emu
merated, and illustrated generally the essen
tial points of good, effective teaching. He
spoke of the Importance of attention even to
abstraction, and the manner of securing it.
lie considered Institutes as branches or ex-
tensions of the Normal School, and concluded
by announcing that the several subjects for
discussion would be taken up and considered,
as time and circumstances, would suggest.
The manner of taking charge of and con-
Quoting a new school by any teacher, was
then taken up by Prof. Knowlton. He ad-
vocated prayer by the teacher, at the opening
of the session each day, if not aloud, at least
inwardly, for divine assistance, support and
guidance for securing the best results That
the teacher should acquaint himself with the
names, peculiarities and acquisitions of the
scholars. Illustrated and compared several
methods Of conducting exercises in spelling
addition, reading, object teaching &c. Con-
demning the faulty, and recommending the
most approved method.
York Joined issue with him upon his meth
DDS of teaching spelling, and addition. Wood
ard and Metzger, took part in the discussion
of these methods. Metzger in favor of the
approved plan or method, Woodland between
the two extremes.
Considerable fun was created by an exer-
else in object teaching, in which twenty. enc
different saws were mentioned and described,
excluding the Old Saws of England; See
saws; Arkan-saws. and E-saus. Some were
of opinion that the saws were run in the
ground. Others. that it required much pow
err, wind or other power) to run so many
saws, so long. The next exercise was music
by the choir, "Our own sweet thoughts"
Prof. Knowlton then lectured the Institute
upon the duty of parents. Advised parents
to seek and make the intimate acquaintance
of the teacher. Advised them to visit fire.
qnently, and to cooperate with MIN. Advis-
ed the teacher to make the parents kaow,
that if thew did not "keep home," mot stay
at home. but keep home, as the teacher is ex-
pected to keep school, they ought not to throw
stones, living in such thin glass honses. lie
insisted upon the proper classification, and
firm but polite and respectful treatment of
children. Advised praise where we'll deserv-
ed and grading by tact, rather than by arbi-
trarv and rigid examination. The Institute
closed for the day, by the choir singing,
''Thero is music in the air."
Observation-Disclosures called to order by
Superintendent Metzger; Prayer by the Rev.
Mr.. Wibel and Music by the choir. The fore
ncor session was consumed by exercises in
the Phonetic Alphabet. The afternoon ses-
sion was opened by the choir singing "The
Mountain Maids Invitation"
The following questions proposed by MEM
bers, were then read. First, "Is it right to
threaten punishment for certain offences?"
Discussed briefly by Prof. Knowl.on and an
swered. Decidedly NO. Second, "How far
should topic lists, and written exercises he
carried in the primary. intermediate and gram
mar Departments of school ?" Discussed by
Prof. Knowlt,n alone. and decided as follows:
That tonic lists and written exercises should
not be used in primary departments. at all:
in intermediate departments about half the
time; and in Grammar departments almost
exclusively.
Several methods of hearing recitations were
then given by Prof. Kncwlton. and he advis-
ed variety, and the combination of all meth
DDS. rs the most likely to secure attention and
interest
The Institute then adjourned to meet at
the Presbyterian Church at y o'clock, to lis
ten to a lecture bv Prof. Knowlton, entitled
"a talk to Trustees and parents.'