The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1876-01-06
Report of Teachers County Institute.
MONDAYS S PROCEEDINGS.

MONDAf > PROCEEDlNGS.
The Institute was called to order BY the
President ex-oficio, Mr.. Morey, who stated
its object and things necessary to its sue
cess, in an appropriate address. Mr.. J. K
Andre and Mr.. j. 7. Griffin were elected
secretaries by acclamation The prelimi-
nary business being promptly disposed Of,
the subject of reading was taken up at the
suggestion of the chairman. This exercise
was introduced by j. T. Griffin, who took
the ground that reading was 4 vocal art,
that it is learned by imitation and should
be taught by example. a lively discussion
ensued in which it was plainly shown that
short lessons, a knowledge of the subject,
photography and meaning of words, consti-
tute the principal parts of a recitation
Prof. ". W. Woodruff was then introduc-
ed TO the teachers of Monroe This gen.
tleman continued the exercises by address
ing the convention on the subject of spell
ling He considered spelling and reading
of more Importance than arithmetic. There
are two methods of teaching spelling, oral
and written. The vocal organs are disci-
plined by oral exercises. In order to as
sist the pupils in pronunciation and thus
enabling them to study their spelling les
sons inteliigently, the teacher should pro-
Gonuce the words when the lesson is as
signed.
After short recess, Mr.. J. H. Bush,
spoke of the aid teachers should give pupils
Give all the assistance that time will allow
Let every teacher have period for miscel-
laneous business. Lead pupils to discov-
cr ideas instead of telling them all about
any subject.
Prot Woodruff, concluded the proceed
ings of the day by presenting his excellent
method of teaching United States History.
1t can be taught successfully without books
Tell pupils what is going ON and what has
taken place. Incidents relative to the for
nation of our government will not only be
interesting, but will indelibly impress his
torical facts upon the pupils mind. 1t is
important for the teacher to be prepared
to give oral exercises.
TUESDAY.
MoRNING.-Opened by reading few
appropriate passages of Scripture.
Prof Woodruff, began the exercises of
the day by some practical remarks on the
Objects of the Recitation. The principal
objects are, first TO cultivate attention.
Without attention the teachers efforts will
be unsuccessful second, the cultivation of
the memory third, the cultivation of the
perceptive power fourth, to ascertain
whether the pupil has reflected
How to teach English Grammar to ele-
mentary classes, was opened by Mr.. Yies-
ly. 1t is not necessary to require pupils
to commit every abstract principle in the
book. Begin by teaching the idea of
nouns, followed by their properties, the or
der of which should be number, person and
gender. To teach English Grammar sue
cessfully, illustrations independent of the
book must be given. Mr.. J.. Van Vliet,
indicated his method of teaching the rudi-
ments of grammar by class drill Remarks
were also made by Mr.. Transue and others
After short recess the Institute was
favored by music, even me"
Then the subject of Business Arithme-
tic was presented to the convention by Mr.
j. X. Andre. Pupils should be required
to solve a large number of practical prob
lens not found in the text. The teacher
should collect or compose actual business
problems and give them to his classes fer
solution
Prof Woodruff made some pertinent re-
maks on pronunciation. Closed with
music, ''When you are in trouble.
AFTERNOON.
Opened with music, America" The In
stitute was then favored with an interest
ing talk by Prof. Woodruff, on the var
ious methods of teaching spelling. Sufii-
cient Phonetic spelling should be taught
pupils to show them that words are not
spelled according to sound alone. Music,
Gwen me"
Among the excellent exercises of this
session was, an essay on punishment" by
c. s. Smith, of East Stroudsburg. The
essay was a gem in thought and language
Natural and unnatural methods of punish
ment were portrayed with vividness that
displayed the ability of the author and
elicted applause by the audience
Recess, Music, Denis"
The subject of school government was
admirably handled by Prot. Woodruff
The practicability of having no rules
was clearly demonstrated by the speaker.
The teacher should learn how to render
assistance, and he should behave well him.
self in order to attain success in school gov
ernment. GLOW can a teacher inspire pu-
pills to work" was thoroughly ventilatec by
Mr.. NJ. A. De l.. Van Horn The line be-
tween proper and improper incentive to
study was distinctly drawn. This gentle
man warned the teachers of the pernicious
effects resulting from the prize system of
inspiring pubils to work. The fuency with