Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-08-02
THE TEACHERS TAUGHT.
Closing Procee dIngs of the Teachers
Institute at COIuHlbia-SOme Highly
Important Questions Discussed-A
Perfect OrSa aizatiOn Effected.

To the Union and Americana
COLUMBIA. July 81, ISII.-The exer-
cises Of the Teachers Institute were con-
tinued through this the fifth and last day
with increased interest. Instruction in
Spelling by the method of written words,
was given by Prof. Garrett, who was fol-
lowed 10y Prof John W. Webb, of Guile
Okla, in his method of teaching spelling,
which he does 10y requiring recitation in all
studies TO be made ON the blackboard or
slate, each word to be correctly spelled and
properly written. capitals, punci nation and
good English observed-gTaiing the words
used to suit the progress Of the pupIl-thus
almost totally discarding the spelling
book.
Prof. II. II. Smith, next gave lessons in
ratio aud proportion, after which he made
a short address on the Importance OF nor
NAL schools. 1t is as important that the
teacher should learn how to teach rs it is
fUr the physician and lawyer to learn how
TO practice their professions.
He "likened- the employment of the I'M
trained teacher s'untO' the employment Of
the blacksmith with huge Sledge7 and an
vii. TO repair the delicate hair-spring Of
500 watch, or a young law student en-
trusted with the management Of an estate
of millions. The teacher has more to do
with the training Of the child than the
parent, the preacher, or the printer. lie
should teach as a prOiessicn-nOt as the
wOOdchopper who is disappointed in job,
takes a school at SO per month, and spends
all his leisure time looking for wood to
chop at SIS per mouth.
The question Of the temporal status Of
the imperfect tense, Of the potential mood
was discussed for more than two hours by
Professors w. Il. Webb, W. X. Garrett,
J. w. Webb and e.. w. Campbell, result
inc in the conclusion that il was a useless
mood, but not settling the question as to
the time involved.
The Institute resolved itself into q per-
manent organization to meet seIni-annually
and to be styled ''the Seventh Congress
siOnal Institute Of the State of Tennessee
The next meeting will be held in Lynn
vile, Giles county, and will be conducted
bv Professors w. r. Garrett, of Giles, and
w. A. Smith, Of NauTy, the time To be
fixed by them. Prof. ii. III. Smith, OF
Shelbyville, who, with Prof. Garrett, has
so ably and satisfactorily conducted that
Institute has been requested TO aid them IS
Lynnville. In the evening short addresses
were delivered by DIR. W. A. Smith, IrOt
IL. Ill. Smith and Superintendent Wilkes
The subject of DIR. Smiths address-read-
ing. was, as he does all others, happily dis
cuSsed. lie suggests the Use OF newspapers
in schools for a change from the routine
fourth reader. Has heard a great deal SAID
about the high moral tone Of the press, but
wonld advise the teachers to read every
article carefully before he places 1t into the
hands of the pupil.
He urged the practice Of vocal gymnaS-
tics. attention 10 accent, meditation, and
reading as we speak; the use Of gestures if
in the right place. and to sum up 'feei the
truth and speak without fear"
Prof Ii. III. Smith liked animation in
reading; without IL, one reminded him of a
beautiful animal, once the property Of
celebrated man, who said she was perfec
i'm form and lacked but one thing, and that
was life. It was his dead mare. There is
a shameful neglect Of reading, even among
our college graduates of both sexes. Their
library seldom consists of more than Tes-
lament and family almanac. 1t should
lie the effort of the teacher TO make the
child love TO read. He paid a deserved
tribute 10 the schools of Columbia, and
especially TO thuse Of Nashville, pointing
10 the litter IS models which the largest
city South will be proud to
initiate, Prof Garrett thought teach
ers needed the encouragement Of patrons,
but by their Indifference he supposed they
regarded the education of their children IS
a matter left 10 the teacher and in which
they had no interest.