The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1879-12-26

been closed with blinds; the library
room has been reiitted, carpeted and
cases have been placed therein for spec
linens OF natural history, minerals and
fossils We have already nearly com
plete collection of the birds OF Mime
sofa, and 800 specimens of minerals,
rocks and fossils. We have purchased
nine volums of the Encyclopedia Britain.
Mica and the Cyclopedla of Education;
but here We were obliged to stop by the
exhaustion of our appropriation, We
hope 10 raise Il sufficient amount of mon
ey by public entertainments 10 complete
our library according 10 the original
plan. The assembly hall has been sup
piled with an eXcellant Bradbury piano,
much 10 the delight of both teachers
and pupils.
PROFESSIONAL WORK.
During the past year We have increas-
eel the number of model lessons IN the
Assembly hall, from two Ia -four per
week \ record Of these lessons Is pre-
served and made equivalent To an eN-
animation, Thereby making il factor
in the determination of u pupils stand
ing, ~ ii should be in scnool the speci-
ia object Of which is To train teachers.
This arrangement compels pupils TO pre-
pare and deliver model lessons with all
possible care, because failure in teaching
reduces their studying So rs to endanger
graduation, even when the average OF
their examinations is tar above the grade
required. 1t is important in Normal
School Ia make success in teaching es-
sential To graduation, and this require
ment secures il, producing results i'm
possible under the old regime.
LITERARY EXERCISES.
Impressed with The conviction that
our provision for cultiyating the power
OF expression was inadequate, at the
opening of the fall term of 1878, We en-
couraged the pupils 10 form literary
society to supply the deficiency. TWAS
not a success; after maintaining feeble
existence during the year, it did not
possess vitality enough 10 organize at the
opening of the present term. Convinced
that something additional must be done,
We commenced 10 hold literary exercises,
one half hour in length, every Friday
AFTERNOON. The Glasses are divided into
sections large enough to occupy the half
hour; the entire class is required to pre-
sent papers for criticism, and each sec
ton takes its turn in reading. This
gives much practice in composition and
some in reading, the true and only
method OF acquiring elegance in the
composition and utterance OF thought.
The possession of knowledge alone
does not constitute culture, as many IA
man has learned to his sorrow the DOW
or to clothe it in winged words for the
ediiication and delight of others, is rs es-
sential AS knowledge itself. In adding this
exercise to our curriculum We have taken
much needed step in advance, and
removed just cause for unfayorable
criticism.
GENERAL CONDITION.
The interest in study was never bet.
ter, perhaps never before equal to that
of the present term. This intensity OF
desire is not only qualification to the
teachers but a perpetual Inspiration to
them, calling forth efforts scarcely posi-
BILE among indifferent pupils. This
eagerness is not a transitory or occasional
emotion inspired by successful recita-
ion, but permanent and abiding force
manifesting itself in uniformity of effort
and producing wonderful transformation
in a single term. 1t is strictly within
the limits Of truth to say that we &C
complish as much in one month now, as
we did in two, six years ago. This is
owing not so much to superior teaching
as to the presence of subtle and in
visible power transmitted as a mental
heirloom from class to class. When
such spirit prevails, obedience and
propriety of conduct follow as logically
as corollary does the main proposition
All this however is the outgrowth of the
example and discipline of the school
which in turn is but an expression OF
the force of character, fidelity and skill
Of the teachers, of whom | desire a gain
10 make honorable mention. TO them
more than 10 efforts of my own, the sue
cess Of the school must be attributed.
Respectfully submitted
ID. G.. JOHN.