River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1876-02-24
Educational.
II. =. BAKER. A. H., Editor.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT



In pursuance Of call by the president,
the Association convened in the Normal
School-room at 10 o'clock, A. NJ, Feb. 10Th.
with very large attendance. The Associa.
ton was opened with music by Prof. Earth
man, after which followed the discussion Of
the "Use Of Text Books in Recitatons,n by R.
i. Reed Mr.. Reed did no; favor the use Of
the book by the teacher. Exceptions were
taken to his remarks by j. b Thayer and
Pres Parker
The second topic was 'Engish Grammar
discussed at length by A. p Weld, who
showed many misunderstanding in relation
10 il.
The topic, "The true Function Of Normal
Schools" was introduced by G. NJ Long, who
| called attention to some thirs Is expected Of
Normal Schools, and m-L toned the fact that
the Platteville Normal schoa has sen. out
Sc graduates, most Of whom re teaching in
this state. The president calld the secretary
to the chair aud spoke upon the topic. lie
was followed by Messrs 5 VI. Merrick, Cor
don, Reed, Earthman and Plrker, who said
that five years were allowed the River Falls
Normal School, in which to graduate the frs.
class. Prof A. II. Weld vas called, and
made extended remarks upon the same topic.
The discussion Of this continued until half
past twelve. }. B. Thayer noycd that the
next topic be indefinitely + stponed Lost.
motion to adjourn until hat past one was
carried
The hospitality OF the citizens was then
extended to those from abroad aud after en-
joying bountiful repasts, tae members re-
assembled at half past one The exercises
were opened with music, led by Prof. Earth
man. The discussion Of "Lscal Map Draw
ing by A. Earthman, was then listened to.
He showed the simplicity Of the work Of
teaching home geography.
The topic History" by Miss Lowell, was
omitted by her request, Oh account Of indis.
position, and the time was occupied by J. B
Thayer, in discussing, "Arithnetc in Prac-
teal Life" His conclusion wa, that much
contained in arithmetic, is Of no value tc
practical men Remarks followed from
Earthman, Merrick and Elliot
Arrangements were then made for extrs
work in the way of questions. to be answered
by members Of the Association After a five
minute recess, Pres, Parker discussed tn,
subject of Mathematical Geography" usins
globe, and showing the reason why tn,
Polar Circles and Tropics are ocated as they
are.
The Association then enjo'ed an ilustra.
ton Of recitation in reading with Miss Foot'
as teacher, and A. Esrtla.Aas-ts pupil Sh,
showed the difficulties that teachers encoun-
ter in that branch
At this point, few questions directed t,
different members Of the Association, were
read and answered. This proved subject o.
much interest
How and where shall an ambitious Wis.
consin boy fit for college" was discussed at
length by Prof Weld lie gave an idea Of
college life, with its labors and responsible
ties, showing the subject in its true light.
He did not recommend any school in par
ticular, nor give any advice, but left every
one to choose for himself.
II was moved and carried that the Associa-
ton adjourn to meet at the call Of the presi-
dent II S. Baker was appointed to prepare
the programme for the next meeting The
president appointed the next meeting at Ellis
worth, to convene in the new school-house,
March 4th, at 10 o'clock, a. A.
The Association then adjourned, feeling
that the meeting had been one OF the best
that tba org.nizafion had ever known LET
all remember to attend the next Association
at Ellsworth
III S. BAKER, Pres. G. NJ LoSG, Sec