Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1871-12-07

Brown, Smiti., Kirkham, Bullion or fin-
neo. I would have little choice which,
| have furnished. Doubtless there arc
many others equally good;I mention
these because they chance to be the ones
with which l am best acquainted. The
book once chosen, l would insist upon
uniformity in the class, and while reserv-
ing foi myself large latitude in the way
of illustration by means of familiar OBJ
jects, adhere pretty closely to the general
rules laid down by the author, and re-
frain from confusing their minds by re-
peating the opinions of others: Expert
ence having taught me that full Conf
dence in the book is great aid to pupil
in the beginning of any study. and especi-
ally 50 In this one. -s t7a
would have them commence analiz-
ing, and writing sentences on slate. OF
the board, as soon as practicable, com
biuing the two, and spending as much
time as could devote to that purpose.
And right here, lies what conceive to
be the chief difficulty in teaching Gram
mar in a common district school. The
want of time is an almost insurmountable
obstacle. Whoever can pilot US safely
over that, win be a benefactor indeed
But to return to my subject, I would set
short lessons and have frequent reviews,
keeping the maxim make haste slowly
ever in mind, till they had been once
through the book l would now change
my tactics and begin to reap the reward
of my labor. / would as far Us possible
identify myself with the class, become a
student among them. Take up the sub
ject topically, and introduce, and compare
the views, OF as many authors as could
readily obtain Every scrap of print
within our reach from the child s primmel
or Bit of worn newspaper, 20 Webster'>
unabridged and and finished works on
pocsy and rhetoric should, at will, be-
come our servants, and furnish food fol
analysis, or help to elucidate intricat c
passages.
There should be no drones in the class
if could he lp it. Each member should
be worker, and contribute his or her
mite to the general fund of information.
Controversy within reasonable bounds
should b: encouraged, children are to
far greater extent than grown people,
original thinkers and in the free discus
sion, and interchange of thought, which
woald naturally ensue, their fresh young
minds would let fall many crum which
would be as mamma to my hungry and ia
ded one. Hi
We should become thoroughly aroused
| Aroused, each would react upon the other
Slolh and inaclion would find no place
there and each recitation become All in
tellectual feast from which all would arise
not only refreshed, but strengthened.
can recall a few such treats, and still
feel the genial glow of expanding men
taiitg which peryaded them.
Green cases in the desert of schoo
/ drudgery. Sunny spots on which mem
ory loves TO linger; sweet foretates of th'
time wien thought shall roam uncon
fined" and our yearning instincts, freet
from their fctters be PERMITTED to explore
the mysteries within the veil alqI
I w hen steel and flint apart were kept.
Theig l4tent ire hath ever slept; .."
But let he metal strike the Stone
The spark is lit-the thing is done;
And soon n brilliant fame hath grown,
" Iii / neither could have kindled alone
SO, diiicTcnt minds together brought,
Awake the Slumbering germs of thought
The dormant brain imbibss new life, n
Aud soon with quickened sprouts is rife
Ere long, the slowest soil is teeming o'e
With vigorous plants ungrown before.
Dc ours lie task, may We delight,
To cultivate those plants Alright;
TO thin, and hoe. and prune, and weed,
Till grown too strong, our care to need /;
Till sun. and rain, and summer air
Perfect the fruit, in embryo there. ...
: Yours Respectfully,
LOIS II. LITTEL.
In behalf of the Teachers Institute, !
NJ r