Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1872-01-05
Institute Report.
WINTHROP, Dec. 80, 1871,

~. VI. L ICICC SHulIMhi', AiCC ASaIuCy
Secretary, Miss Addy Knight and Mr.
Andcrs, Critics. Eleven members pres
cnt.
The session was held at the new schoo
building. Owing to the tardiness o.
members, but little was done until after
noon.
The following resolution, offered b,
Mr. Webb and discussed with considers
BILE interest, was passed
Rcsolred, That the habitual use of TO-
bacco is sufficient reason for the suspen
sion of q pupil.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Sixteen members present.
Song-"Music is blessing"
Reading-How to secure interest in
the advanced grades Of reading. Mr.
Downs does not secure much interest
having only ten minutes for recitation
has his pupils drill ON portions Of the
lesson. Mr. Strain requires his pupils
to read as if speaking. Miss Knight
gives attention to emphasis, infection,
force, time, &c, then gives class drill
Mr.. Anders requires his pupils to initiate
his reading. Mr. Stockwell gives short
lessons, takes into consideration pauses
and omission Of words, then reviews,
noticing emphasis and infection, then
requires his pupils to write in their own
words the lesson, then use that for the
next lesson. Mr. Pierce suggests short
lessons and drill for primary classes; ad-
vanced classes may take longer lessons.
He thinks the teacher and pupils should
study the lesson together, and that at
least one half hour should be given to
the recitation. If this cannot be given
each day, have recitation only two or
three times q week Rev. Brintnall
would give small pupils long lessons in
order that they may acquire greater
vocabulary.
Geography-Mr. Downs opened the
discussion by reading an essay. In teach
ing geography he would commence with
the formation, teaching the elements
which constitute the earth, then some
thing Of physical and descriptive gcogra
ply, the habits and government of its
inhabitants. He would not harass the
pupils by memorizing the names and
situation Of many cities, rivers &c Mr..
Andcrs would teach something Of our
own county and State before that Of for
cign countries. Mr.. Stuckwell would al
ways teach map drawing in connection
with political geography. MIR. Pierce
would abandon the use of text books as
much as possible, but where the book is
used let the pupil give in their own
words, the lesson without asking qncs-
tions.
Essay by Miss Knight-Self culture.
Discussion on school government.
How govern school?
Mr. Downs would divert the mind from
mischief by correcting in mild but firm
manner and giving the pupil some pleas
ant but useful work to do. Stockwell
thinks, by rigid determination and self
command, order may be maintained at
all times
Mr.. Webb says, if pupils have work
enough to do they will find no time to
get into mischief He does not treat his
pupils alike, for q punishment which
will serve for one will be no punishment
for another having a different DISPOSE
tion.
Mr.. Pierce suggests strict i,npartiality. I
self government, and the use of n switch
The matter Of defamation arising, Mr..
Pierce suggests that teachers always give
their pupils the benefit Of private rchcr-
sal, and allow them to speak the same
piece more than once il they choose.
! Essay by Miss A. Barncy-"Birds ola
feather flock together"
Reading of programme for next lnsti.
tutc. ~ Critics REPORT by Mr.. Andcrs. s's
Adjourned for three weeks.
MISS A. BARNEY, Scc'y.