Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1874-08-20
Proceedings of the Normal Institute
Held az Platteville.
PLArTEvILLE. Aug. 3.


The Institute was opened at 1875
A. M.-Conductors McGregor ant
Gardiner being present and also, Pro
lessor Nye and Purman, Regen
Evans and Superintendent Guernsey
There were about thirty teachers il
attendance.
Devotional Exercises were con
Quoted by Mr.. McGregor; after which
the mem bers of the Institute filled
blanks, prepared for that purpose
and syllabi. or schedules of work
were distributed.
Mr.. McGregor gave sub-lectur'
on methods of teaching Primary
Arithmetic, showing, that in the com
mencement of the study of Arithme
tic, the teaching must be, in all cases
objective; that especial attention mus
be paid to the language used, tina
the pupil may learn to express him
self correctly; that the pupil must b.
required to verify his work that b.
must be required to form his own ia
bles; and that he must be taught
step by step, the fundamental princi
pies of Arithmetic.
The programme of work during
the Institute, was then read, after
which the Institute adjourned. The
programme is as follows:
Devotional Exercises Arithmetic
Reading; Recess /; Spelling; U. s
History; Intermisslon; Music
Geography Penmanship; Recess
Grammar; Glass Drill Theory anc
Art; Dismissal.
The Institute met at lao P. NJ.
Mr.. Gardiner conducted an exer-
else in vocal music, the topic being
Observation-Disclosures, Length
Long, Short Melodies, Pitch, High
Low; Dynamies, Power, Loud, Soft.
Mr.. McGregor gave a sub-lecture
in Geography discussing the table
on the blackboard.
After recess, Mr.. Gardiner conduct
ed an exercise in Grammar. Miss
Watkins taught class in Fractions,
which was criticised by various mem
bers of the Institute, and also by Mr..
McGregor.
Mr.. McGregor gave a lecture on
Theory and Art in teaching, teaching
upon the following points. The du-
ty of Superintendents to reject the
papers of all applicants, who are
known to giue or receive help.
Teachers should have more pride
the surroundings of the
The teacher should
mould public sentiments. Prevail
upon the District Board to make
necessary repairs and Improvements,
it is generally, only necessary to re-
mind them Of that which is needed.
The teacher shoald know bow to use,
and should be required to use the APP
paratus provided by the District
Board. In grading a school, it Is
best to classify on a two-fold basis.
First, examine in Reading, then in
extremes meet in these
two studies. Do not, if it can be pos
sibly avoided, put a pupil below the
average age, thereby discouraglng
him, give him at least a months trial.
Put young pupils who are in advance
of their age in Reading, into lower
classes, as there will invariably be a
corresponding deficiency in some
other branch.
August 4, 1874.
An increase of attendance.
The Devotional Exercises conduct
ed bv Mr.. McGregor. Mr.. McGregor
the exercise in Arithmetic,
the subject acknowledgements OF
the idea of Number; Arithmetic
should bel. Objective, 2. Abstract,
3. Practical.
The pupil should DO required to
verify when there is the least doubt
or hesitation. The best verification
is objective. First, give instruction
in the simplest kind of addition for
example, l crayon and / crayon are
2 crayons, from this and succeeding,
similar examples, require the pupil
to form his own table of addition.
Ariom, Tbs sum is of tho same
name as the parts. Mr.. Gardiner
talked Oh the subject of Reading, CIV
ing attention to the following
Pupils should be required to cultivate
facility in the use of language.
Pupils should be made to appreciate
the necessity of good reading. Read
ing is the most important branch OF
an English education. A means of
cleaning information, and means OF
selt-protection, as in the case of the
voter. No lesson can be we'll learn :
ed without good reading. Teach
correct word calling it right. Pupils
should give, in their own language,
the meaning of words. Small child
rem may give synonyms, or put the
word in q sentence.
After recess, the Institute spelled
list of twenty. five words, pronounc-
ed by Mr.. McGregor.
Mr.. Gardiner conducted an oxer-
else in History, diseussing-Canses
and Motives OF Discovery, A cheaper
route for commerce, To obtain wealth
and renown, Religious Zeal, Inven.
ton of the art of printing, Invention
of the compass and as rotate.
The Institute met at 1880 p. NJ. Mr.
Gardiner conducted the exercise in
Music. The Institute reviewing tht
previous lesson, and receiving IN
struction concerning notes.
The subject of the lesson in Geog
raphy was the productions OF Wis
consln.
Some peculiar ideas were advanc
ed.
The exercise in penmanship wa
conducted by Mr.. Gardner. Aftel
recess, Mr.. Gardiner gave sub-lec
ture on Grammar. Teachers, shoult
teach grammar practically. Gram
mar should 90 taught from infancy
orally and arbitrarily. Technics
terms should be taught at ten O