River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1876-08-10
Rhetorical Exercises in SchOOl.


These exercises are just as important
as reading or arithmetic. But they
are sadly neglected in our common
schools in the county. The cause of
such neglect may be attributed to the
teacher, directly or indirectly. Many
of the schools never had any, and
therefore, the pupils are as a general
thing unused to them. II is hard, of
course, for many to read any thing be-
fore the school, much more write it.
The teacher, not wishing the scholars
to do any thing which proves very dis.
taseful to them, throws it out entirely.
In this way it is neglected from term
to term and totally disIegarded.
There is certain timidity prevail.
ing in schools where these exercises
are neglected. The pupils lack the
courage and confidence in themselves
to do anything of the kind. They sim
ply need practice. This timidity will
soon wear away If ths teacher will
help and encourage the pupil in these
exercises. There is one way TO cure
this bashfulpess, and that is to com.
pei them to participate in these exer.
cises. But this very poor way. |
have a better way which is as follows:
l have for rhetorical exercises, com.
positions, letters, descriptive, friend
ship, business, and declarations. And
besides all this have a paper. a reg
ular newspaper, complete in every
way except it is written, not printed.
| divide this off into departments, such
as Literary, Poetieal, Educational,
Scientific, Household, and Local. 1t
contains in fact, a little of everything
contained in an ordinary paper, even a
wit and humor column. Then | would
organize the school into a small mag.
mary world, by letting some of the
boys figure as store-keepers, mechan-
les, and farmers. Among the girls
could be dressmakers, milliners,
watchmakeTs, etc. Then teaching
them that in order to be successful in
business they must advertise. lei
all merchants and mechanics rite
their own advertisements, both locaI
and permanent. These advertise
ments could and should be published
in the paper, | would pick out some
one who could read moderately well tC
be editor.in-chief Of the periodical
Then | would pick out some who fount
it ditiicalt to read a composition or de
claim, to edit the different depart
ments. All voluntary contribution.
from the other pupils would, of course
be gladly accepted. There is nothin:
that gives such variety Of subjects
It will greatly interest the pupils
This will teach them to place theil
thoughts on paper, although they MAJ
never be able to speak In public. Blu
in many, may say the majority o.
cases, it inspires them with a suhi
Gent amount Of self.eonadence {,
overcome that local timidity, 1
teaches scholars to be observing in ;
general way. The pupil who acts il
the capacity Of editor must keep hi
eyes open for items.
Iwould have the rhetorical exer
cises as often as once a week. Or, 1
the composition and defamation ono,
a week, and the paper with the othe
exercises once in two weeks.
The exercises, Of course, will d,
best in advanced schools. But the.
can be adopted In advanced summer
and in all winter schools. For small
summer schools I would recommend
composition, letter.writing, and de
clamation, without the paper, and no
require the pupils to read their com
positions, except voluntarily.
have tiled these exercises and dn,
them productive Of good results
Therefore can recommend them /
all teachers g. l.. Bowman