The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-04-11
VAN buren, COUNTY TEACHERS, IN
STIrUJF.

STIrUJE
The spring session OF the Van Buren, Copntv
teachers Association, held at Lawton on the
"a I'd and 4th, was the most interesting and
profitable meeting which has been held for
many years. The attendance, notwithstanding
the inciemepcy OF the weather. was very snll
from the beginning to the end OF the session
Inc large room IN which the exercises were
conducted was crowded to its fullest capaotv
Although most Of those who were exnec.ed 20
be present to conduct the Ipstitpte failed .,
put IN an appearance, yet sufficient talent and
experience in that direction was found amopo
The teachers present to suffice for the pprpoaa
OF instruction. The teachers participated fpllv
u TIE discussions which followed the presanta-
uon OF topics and many good ideas were
brought out. Much credit is due TO rbe presi
dent, j. Elliott Sweet, for his faithful efforts
IN making these Institutes successful Tboro
were 20 teachers IN attendance, representing
al portions OF the county, and all were prov;d-
ed for by the citizens of Lawton. II was the
common remark by the members that this wos
tne most pleasant and profitable Institute
which they had ever attended.
Among the well known and exneriencod
teachers present were Prof. Upton of Decatur
ProE Burkett OF South Haven, Prof Jordon
Z. d. Lawton. Capt. Hinchey, Mrs. Russell
Miss Anna Hogmire, and others.
The Institute commenced at 10 =. m Wed-
nesday and the first action taken after the
opening exercises was the appointment az as
Slstant secretary, Of Miss Alice Olds. The
Following were selected as committee on re-
solutions: Milton Pugsley, Allie Durkee and
Lu. Beedle.
The first topic, Composition. was opeped nv
Mrs Russell of Hartford, who gave her method
OF making this exercise interesting and ae-
ceptable to pupils. This was followed bv /
general discussion. G
AFTERNOON SESSION
Are afternoon session opened AT Ian n y, ,
PFof. Burkett occupied the attention Of tho v
institute for the drst half hour by an interest Il
Ing discussion OF the object and Importance 81 il
teachers associations, urging that all shonh
attend and resrettiug that any sought occa- D
''on to excuse themselves.
The next topic considered was School Gov y
'rnmart' opened by Prof. Upton. who in q ),
'ery Interesting and instructive manner held Of
ne attention OF the audience for upwards OF
n hour' The Professors remark called ON, a,
ONE sharp criticisms respecting a few ~ h;o a,
nethod' very generally, however,. tina meas u
Tres WHICH ne recommended were subscribed IA
by those who were present.
The remainder Of the afternoon session Wac
ccuped by Capt Hinchey in presentin, tbo :.
ubject OF Word Method" This a,so No.. ~
ne subject OF some pretty sharp quest,onioo :. =
lere bang some present who were opposed :,
the use OF this method in teaching cbildreo =
apt IL. endeavored to show that the faplt vss
OF IN the method bu. in the failure 70 tesc, - -
ghuy. ~
ex
LyENING sEssIoN. -
lac early part Of tho evening session was DO
'ReD up with the discussion Of the rance os rel
uaies IN common schools, the discussion be- hi,
q opened by Prof Jordan. tht
lie arranged the studies rs to importance. a. yo
ioWs' Reading; Spelling and Arithmetic;