The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-07-10

which some estimate might be made of the ef
feet OF the Supenntendency upon the cost of
the schools. This was done very briefly, ex-
pecting OF course that it would receive immedi-
ate attention, as Mr.. w. was pledged to notice
my facts and figures. II has not received
word Very soon the Legislature will be IN
session and will take some action on this mat
ter; the voice OF the people must be heard -
Shall the law be repealed Internationally, thus
sending us back to the old system II seems to
me that such men as Mr.. W. should let their
thoughts be known, especially when they have
taken it upon themselves to discuss school
matters because "the public interest demands"
it. am glad to see that others are taking up
this matter and are inclining to the opinion
that the present system must be strengthened
and improved. But let Us hear from Mr.. W.
Mr.. w. says. - / have visited schools re-
peatedly within the past five years-Mr. Earle 3
statement to the contrary Notwithstanding.
However much Mr. w. may have visited schools
abroad, it is not true that he has visited at
home repeatedly within the past five years"
III this statement is disputed call for the par
ticular schools visited and the number OF visits.
This will settle the matter, and woald be glad
to have every one who participated IN the
Grange Discussion make out such list and
show us how many schools they have visited in
this county during the past five years-how
many teachers they have advised or encouraged
how many classes in the word method or any
other method they have heard.
Mr.. We article having been delayed so long
and published on the eve Of my departure from
town, have no time to consider at any length
the "Word Method" or 'Oral Instruction"
that he says were the principal subjects Of
criticism in the grange. II Is a little strange
the latter should not have been even hlnted at
in tue published report Oral Instruction.
proper, means simply this in all OF the large
schools, in fact nearly all graded schools,
regular course of instruction adapted to the
different grades and embracing the elementary
facts and principles of Natural Philosophy,
Physiology, Natural History etc., Is laid out
and given to the pupils orally. 1t has nothing
to do with the ordinary work OF the school, but
is so much extra work done. 1t is feature Of
modern teaching, designed to interest pupils
and create spirit Of inquiry into the objects
that surround them on every hand. II varies
the monotony of the school-room and many
times is OF very great benefit. Doubtless
teacher must be skilful to make 1t successful
in the highest degree. Mr.. W. may pass his
condemnation upon this il he chooses.
am reliably informed that the word method
is not attempted at all in more than one-tenth
of the common schools OF this county. 1t can
not therefore be a matter Of the utmost i'm
portance to them as whole. Judging by ex-
perience in teaching both methods am satis-
fed that Mr.. w. is mistaken IN his estimate OF
Its value. 1t will require better evidence than
one mans opinion aided by recollection Of
the precise time when learned Dr." raised
his eyes from his manuscript" and removed
his spectacles from his eyes" to counteract
the daily experience of four years teaching
where children of all grades, taught to read by
the old method, have come in from the districts
and taken their places with those who have
been taught the word method thus giving
good opportunity for contrast. In regard to
what was said about log school-houses word,
first attended school IN log house covered
with bark with floor Of split logs, but have
never thought that 1t was any better for me
than II 1t had been more comfortable build
ing. And very much doubt if Mr.. W. would
be in favor OF following out the logical con-
cIusion OF his argument and be in favor OF
going back TO log school houses for his children
to study in during the day, or to the pine knot
for his sons evening lamp. If that Professor
thought his early training would be the best for
all our youth, he should, to be consistent, be
teaching in log house instead OF one OF our
best colleges. But he did not mean that. II
you were to ask him to-day he would express
his Joy that our boys now do not have to meet
the difficulties that he struggled against.
Having withdrawn from the teachers work,
propose. Tor time at least, to leave Its cares
and discussions TO other and trust ADLER hands.
And 10 80 doing. wish to express the hope
that as our schools are the tue foundation OF
both public and private virtue, they may con-
tinue 10 be the most cherished as they are the
most important, institutions OF our State.
Y. a. EARLE.