The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-12-30
MAINE TEACHERS.
Annual Meeting of the State Educational
Association.

BATH, Dec. 90, 1867.
At the evening session of the Maine State
Educational Association paper upon English
Literature was read by Prof. 81, L. Chapman
of Bowdoin College. Prof. Chapman said the
claims of English literature have only been re-
Gently recognized by lower schools. Its name
in lthe curriculum appears attractive; its at.
Effectiveness is not realized in the school. Those
who leave school at an early age should have
occasion to appreciate to some degree the writ
ten thoughts of men. Methods of introducing
children to the study of English literature were
considered. Study in its early stages is aesthet-
ic rather than scientific. The influences of this
study are purity of sentiment, quickening of
imagination, enlargement of understanding
The process Of forcing will not do. The child
must be led or persuaded Such process in
wolves tact and skill. Work must be done by
the teacher. The teacher must have enthusi-
asm for the subject. 1t is important that the
study belong to the early course in order that
the development may be symmetrical and pro-
ductive of right bent of tastes. Study should
appear in the light of entertainment At first
nothing must be attended to except the read
ing made pleasing by power of teacher; then
beauties, figures, coarseness, &C., must be no.
uced When, therefore, scholar comes to the
high school he has had preparation for the
study of English literature in thorough man
ner Manuals upon this subject are servcea.
BILE for reference, but must not come between
the pupil and the writings of authors.
The next paper was upon The Rights of the
Taught, by Prof Barbour of the Bangor Theo.
logical Seminary. The first right of the taught
is that of an unobstructed use of their mental
faculties. Science teaches that mind depends
fba hody for tic h.
ton should not be charged to the teacher or pu-
pill The right to disregard the interference of
higher minds was next presented. Infelicitous
manner should be avoided. The taught have
right to an intelligent treatment in the process
of education. All functions cannot be appeal
ed to at once by the teacher. In departments
of education there is much from which
pupil can claim exemption. Teachers must
not talk about subjects which are unintellgbe
to pupils, but must direct him to find out for
himself The pupil has the right to patient
hearing until peculiarities are overcome There
is peril in trying to instruct the average instead
of educating the unit Exercise in mental
celer:ty is wrong. The teacher should congrat-
ulate pupils for efforts, not for success. Right
to discipline of exertion was next urged. Do
not put pupil upon work for the sake of
ease. Ease is not what he was made for. The
| task of the day is paramount The taught must
| be trained to bear responsibilities. Right to
the discipline of correction is another-chastise-
ment if necessary. There has been great deal
of fine talk about chastisement Wrong is in
| flicted upon young mind if it be not correct
| ed or even chastised for moral violence. Pun
ishment with the rod for moral wrong is justifi-
| able; for intellectual wrong it is cruelty. In
| Fiction of bodily pain is Gods plan. Only the
| most serious cases of moral wrong should re-
| ceve this treatment. The pupil can claim too
| right to such character in the teacher that
| will command the respect of the taught. If a
| narrow or selfish life is discernbls the taught
| will be the first to recognize it, knowledge
| may not suppress personal vice any more than
| ignorance. Increase of knowledge is not nee
| essarily an increase of virtues. Training of
habit is the process of developing morals.
FRIDAY.
The closing exercises Of the convention were
| opened this morning with prayer by Rev. DR..
Hill of Portland. The following officers for the
ensuing year were elected:
President-Albro E. Chase. Portland
Vice President-h. L. Chapman, Bowdoin
College.
Secretary-W. o. Fletcher, Re ckland.
Executive Committee-W. j. Corthell. Au.
gusta; c. Fish, Oldtown; Miss A. M. Tate,
Lewiston.