The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-06-01
EDUCATION AL.
THE STIMULUS OF THOUGHTFUL
SPIRIT

In a former article we pointed out a
radical defect in methods of instruction.
pursued, the inevitable consequence on
the school, and the abridgment Of posi-
BILE future efficiency Of pupils, When we
reflect that the vital difference between
men considered merely as instruments of
available force, lies in their power of
thought, of adjusting it to any emergen-
cy or condition, and in energizing it up
to every occasion, our estimate of the sub
ject will not appear unduly magnified.
This failure to stimulate independent
thought and searching Investigation in
the schooroom is not 50 strange, consid-
eripg the limited opportunities in nor:
NAL training Of a majority of common
school teachers. But where the spirit of
continuous, plodding work exists, teach
er may reasonably indulge anticipations
of success. Without this principle, in
grained he has mistaken his vocation, if
he cherishes any such Illusions
It is important that the teacher himself
manifest q Thoughtful, earnest disposition.
His spirit ranks equally with his knoa0z-
edge, particularly with little children.
Whatever characterizes that spirit is in
sensibly imbibed It pervades the atmos-
phere Of the little school world It is an
influence, like some of the hidden agen-
cies in nature, most potent, even magical
1t soothes turbulence, or It excites antag-
onisms. It inspires growth, awakening
slumbering faculties causing them to ger
inmate, as the genial sun WHITES the veg
etable creation or it closes the delicate
opening senses, as the chilling wind shuts
some blossoming flowers. It stimulates
noble, generous, heaithful moral aenti
ments, or it introduces subtle blighting
poison into the imagination, and deadens
the tender moral sensibilities. But the
thoughtful, earnest spirit affects their
minds IN manner they neither recognize
nor comprehend, until later years enable
them to understand the nature and dis
Germ the significance of these internal
states Of early life.
0Uch a teacher will be observing, mild
Iy critical, calling attention to such little
things as escape the notice of the more
careless and superficial He appreciates
their value in discIplining character, and
their direct connection with TRAINING TO
thoughtful habits of mind He does not
underValue small things where princi
pie Of undertaking application is IN
Volved. A habit of thouohtfulness in
reference to seemingly trifing affairs in
early lie, Will be manifested in larger and
more important concerns, as the mind .x
pands, and graver themes claim attention.
1t is the habit of Automatically consiaerino
Which it is desirable to establish. This
must begin with things which interest
most or with which .hey are Immediate
~ connected. The teacher Of all mcn
must not despise the day of small things
Seeds insignificant in size expand into
clambering vines and giant oaks. So the
little germs, implanted, will unfold in the
beautiful symmetry of well-matured
minds, and rounded characters, if careful
cultivation attends their growth. IT "a
the design OF education to quicken to life
all there is desirable within A vigorous
growth of principles or habits once estab.
llshed, and everything will feed, contrib
ute to that growth. This habit of thought
awakened early, and exercised on small
things, will grow by every circumstance.
py the fruitful topics presented in nature
by all that is lead and heard, and be so
incorporated into the very life. as 70 he
inseparable from it.
1t follows that it ia neither too slight nor
unworthy matter in the school room to
notice the appearance of work on the
blackboard, insisting on neatness and req.
ularlty, or the position of pupils at reci-
tation or in their seats, their manner of
walking cleanliness of person, condition
of hair piling of books, general condition
OF desk, etc. Without disagreeable fault.
nndlng' or complaining spirit, this
thoughttulness on the part of the teacher
may be made known, and it cannot result
otnerWlse than benefcially. This same
spirit of thoughtfulness will be slammed