Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1876-05-27
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT NO. 4.

10 The Editors Of The Independent !:

child with reference to its useful
ness in life. However desirable it
may be to have a knowledge ofthe
higher branches, no child should
be allowed to grow up without be-
ing taught Readiag, Writing and
arithmetic. / consider every par
ent solemnly bound to see that his
children acquire a knowledge of
these branches at least, and an ac-
quaintance with Geography and
English Grammar is exceedingly
desirable in addition to these, but
no parent is excusahIe in the neg
lect of the three primary branches
above named. 1t was to give even
the poorest an opportunity to Sc
cure at least an ordinary English
education, that the Public School
Law was enacted, and thousands
of children, who would otherwise
have remained in ignorance, have
received a good practical education
by means of this popular institu-
ton, and not a few have, through
it, been enabled to tain to prom
inent and useful positions, who
would otherwise have remained
in comparative ignorance and OBJ
security.
The Public School is the Peoples
institution and is open to all,
though unfortunately not appre-
ciated by all to the detriment of
their children. Many parents ne
glect their opportunity entirely,
while others show their indiffer-
ence by keeping their children at
home a great part of the term for
trivial causes, or culpably allow
them to play truant. They do not
speak enough to them about the
great value of learning, and do not
encourage or urge to an effort to
secure it.
Few children are naturally fond
of their books they would rather
be at play than study them;and if,
instead of being properly encour-
aged by their parents, they hear
them constantly complaining and
finding fault, not only with their
teacher and the school, but educa-
ton itself, how can it be expected
that they should love their books?
If we can make our children feel
the Importance of learning, it will
have its desired effect upon them;
and though they should not be
able at that age, to perceive much
of the value of learning, if they
love their parents; which is natur-
al for children to do, they will
study to please them.
Children at very early age take
notice of the conduct of their par
ents and try to initiate them in
their actions. Parents who are
industrious will have indus
trious children. Parents who read
will have reading children. Par
ents who love learning will have
children who love it; and parents
who are opposed to learning will
generally have children who man.
ifest the same spirit. True, there
are noble exceptions, but as gen.
eral rule children copy after their
parents. Example, therefore, is of
the highest importance in the
cause of education, and those who
wish their children to become
scholars, should be exceedingly
careful, what kind of an example
they place before them for imita-
ton.
Speak then to your children, as
often as possible about the worth
and power of learning. Let moth
ers, especially attend to this duty.
Napoleon Bonaparte said, "the flu
ture destiny of the child is always
the work of the mother" Tell
your children how much you love
them, and how anxious you are
that they should behave well and
learn we'll at school. Tell them
how much pleasure it will afford
you to hear of their progress in
their studies and department, and
how sad it would make you feel if
you should hear anything unfa-
vorable concerning them. AS they
love you they will remember your
words of instruction, and save
trouble 10 inc tedcIleT duu STieI tO
you. 1t is undeniable that parents
are much to blame for neglect of
duty in this matter. They do not
in spirit of love and kindness
stimulate the minds and hearts of
their children to enter the path of
learning.
To most children learning may
be made pleasant, if the proper
course is pursued by both parent
and teacher. Moderate tasks, a
proper allowance of time to play,
commentator kindly given when
merited, and occasional rewards Of
merit, usually go great way to
encourage children ia a cheerful
course of learning. GAMMA.