The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1874-09-10
State Teachers Association.



EDITOR CHRONICLE
From my cosy quarters In the Aborn
House, send you some items concerning
our State Teachers Association, which
has been in session for the past two days.
This House is Headquarters for the
Teachers attending the Convention. The
large dining hall contains fourteen tables
and the guests have their every want sup
piled, by eleven nimble walters, whose
complexion is rs black rs the "ebon
shades of night" My room is No. SO, in
third story, SO that in case of fire,
might slightly change the language Of an
ancient King, and exclaim Kingdom for
one of Buttkereit's Patent Fire Escape
Ladders. The session of the Association
have been held in the west Des MOincs
High School Room, which constitutes the
third story Of school building which is
said to have cost Eighty Thousand Dol
lars. The meetings have been very har
monious and exceedingly interesting
Some OF the papers upon Scientific and
Educational subjects were of the highest
order and commanded and received the
closest attention. will notice briefly a
few bearing more particularly upon our
common school work
Prof. Crosby, OF Davenport, presented
fine paper on the subject of English
Grammar in our Primary School," He
said that English Grammar has two-fold
character: it is first an art and then a
science. Instruction in it is therefore the
reverse Of that in the natural sciences
The use of language not only precedes
the study of the science of grammar, but
the principles of the science are best
taught and developed in the mind of the
learner by q systematic course of prac-
teal instruction in the use of words. The
slate and pencil may be happily used
alike, but for different purposes, in both
arithmetic and grammar. As the practice
Of language proceeds ideas are develop
ed, made clear and rendered objective to
the mind
1t is remarkable fact that children
take delight in music and drawing, while
adults not taught these subjects in
youth, care little for them. We know
| that disusc Of speech or composition in
the same manner brings on sort Of dis
taste. The method of instruction by the
aid of composition proceeCs in its earlier
stages without necessary reference to
noun and verb, subject and predicate
1t may continue in like manner, and
| extend to the use and understanding Of
every variety of sentence simple COM
pound or complex. Reference was then
made to the inconsistent theories and
practices of standard authors.
Miss S. J. Porter, of Des Moines High
School presented paper on Primary
Schools: Their faults and Remedies. =
Serious objections were made to the size
and ventilation of the rooms used by
primary schools, showing the injurious
effect of impure air upon the physical
mental and moral nature Of the already
feeble pupil; the remedy lies in enlarged
rooms, proper ventilation, and less mum
Der of hours of school work The second
fault was that of sending to school too
young in years; such course proves to
be a waste of means for the State, and, rs
our schools are now managed positive
injury to the children. A dislike Of
school is often thus formed, hard to be
overcome. The third objection WAS in
the manner and mode of instruction
Whole books are pounded into childs
head and not single idea. Should be less
text book examining, and more real teach
ing the children to think and act for
themselves Another fault was the in
efficiency of the teachers, for which
School Boards and Superintendent were
in large measure responsible.
Analysis of common School Work."
by w. ii. Beach, of Dubuque came next on
the programme. 1t is Of the first impor-
lance for the teacher to understand the
material upon which he works This is
practical rule and is followed by every
good workman. The pcrceptive faculties
come first in the order Of development;
then memory, imagination, under
standing and reason, follow closely
after. The education of taste should not
be overlooked; it is source of continual
enjoyment. Let scholars investigate for
themselves; it will encourage them. The
teacher must respect his pupils and come
to them thoroughly prepared for his work.
Mrs. Matilda Fletcher, delivered one of
the most eloquent and instructive address
ses of the Association on the subject of
moral and Industrial Education"
might add much more concerning the
many good things said and done at this,
one of the most interesting and profitable
Educational Associations that it has ever
been my privilege to attend, but for fear
Of intruding At too great length upon your
| columns. close.
A. Fl. STKRRRTT.
Swamp Lands.