The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1875-02-11

[The following Circular has been sent
to the Teachers and Secre tarics in each
School District of Tama County, by our
County Superintendent We publish it in
the CHRONICLE to bring it before the gen
eral reader. The suggestions contained
in it are right to the point and if acted
upon cannot have other than benifcent
effect upon our Schools. Ed CHRONICLE.
To Teachers and School Ojicers::
1t is my purpose to visit your school at
some time during the present term.
! shall examine specially
FIRsT.-SANITARY CONDITION OF THE
SCHOOL:
/. Are the school-house and out build
ings in good repair and proper condition:
9. Are the seats and desks properly
arranged and Of suitable size and con-
struction for the comfort of pupils:
g. Is the room light and cheerfuls
T. Can it be properly warmed in cold
weather?
s. Is the janitor's work properly dones
Is suitable fuel furnished.
6. Is the room adequately ventilated!
:. Is wholesome water supplied for
drinking9
8. Are there wardrobes in which to
hang the pupils hats and wrappingss
Notes.
3. 1t is of the first Importance to have
plenty of sunlight. Dark school-rcoms
arc both cherries and unhealthy. Pu-
pills should never study, and should not
ordinarily recitc with the face toward
windows, as the sight is thereby in dan
ger of being seriously and permanently
impaired.
A. The temperature should be uniform;
about 65 Fahr. is the proper degree.
G. The air of an unven,ilated school
room becomes foul and unfit for respira-
ton. Ventilation secured by lowering
the windows, though bad, is far better
than no VENT alton; but cold air draughts
should be carefully guarded against.
Cold air should be excluded from the
foundation, during winter, By banking
or otherwise.
SEcoSD.-THE School ENLARGEMENT.
1. Is the school under proper control?
,. Are the scholars attentive and in
dustrious?
3. Do classes move promptly and quiet
~?
f. Is there Il programme of recitation
and study: Is it followed.
5. Are the pupils properly classified:
6. Is there daily register of attend
ance, scholarship and department? is it
neatly and properly kept?
Z. Is the school supplied with records,
dictionary, globe, maps, charts and appa-
ratuss
8. Wha. kinds of punishment are en-
ploycd.
Notes
1. System self-possession, energy and
tirmness on the part Of the teacher arc
among the best disciplinary agents.
2. Profitable and constant occupation
is the true preventive of disorderly con-
duct.
g. If every pupil has an assigned place
at the recitation seat and in moving to
and from the same, disorder will seldom
occur. Promptness in the teacher Sc
cures promptness in the school.
A. BY adopting particular time both
for preparing and reciting each lesson,
the pupils progress is made much easier,
and habits Of punctuality and regularity
are thereby formed, to cultivate which, is
an important function of the school.
s. As few classes as is consistent with
the wants of pupils should be formed.
Every school should contain at least
school-record, a dictionary, outline maps,
clock, globe, plenty Of black board
surface with chalk and crasers, water
pail and dipper, chair and desk for the
teacher.
THIRD.-THE INSTRUCTION.
/. Does the teacher exhibit a thorougl
acquaintance with the subjects taught:
9. Does he manifest an active interes
in his work.
g. Is the recitation made searching
test of the pupils preparation:
4. Is it made to cultivate the pupil''
power of telling accurately what he ha'
learneds
S. Is proper aid given the pupil in thu
explanation and application Of the lesson
s. Is oral instruction given in physiol
ogy, vocal music and in morals and man
ners?
7. Is the whole school thoroughly in
structcd in reading, spelling and writing
8. Is the school doing thorough worl
in every respect!
| Notes.
The objects Of the recitation are:
1. To determine thoroughly the pupil
preparation.
2. To cultivate the power of expires
sion.
8. To explain difficulties and illustrate
the subject. In giving primary lessons
the teacher should follow the order: First
Instruct. Second Drill. Third
Test the pupils knowledge.
In every school, there should be SOM
regular oral instruction given in physi
Ology, in vocal music when possible, ant
morals and manners.
The example and appreciation Of tn
teacher furnishes powerful incentive
towards securing habit of right action
The Secretary Of each school distric
is directed to file copy Of the enclosed
Circulars in bis Office and call the atten
tion Of the School Board TO their contents
at their next meeting, so that the essen
tial wants Of each school may be provid
ed for. as far as possible.