The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-09-02

The TEACHERS INSTITUTE for Augusta
county, met Tuesday morning in the Y. M. c.
A. Rooms, Superintendent Grattan in the Chair.
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the wealth
er, there were about 40 teachers present at the
opening of the exercises. After an introduce
| tory address delivered by Superintendent Graf
| tan congratulating the teachers upon their 1e-
| appearance in the Hall, and urging the impor
lance of prompt attendance upon, and partici-
patton in the discussions, he proceeded to
announce that any paper bearing on any
! special subject was in order to be read. Where
upon Miss Dudley gracefully arose to read her
essay headed "Woman's Rights" 1t was an
excellent paper, and we understand will be
published.
The Institute having adjourned for recess,
reassembled at 2 p. NJ, when the subject Of
teaching English Grammar was introduced.
| The discussion upon this branch Of learning
was confined to the proper time to commence,
and thebest methods of teaching this important
study. It was participated in mainly by Mes
SIS Calhoun, Steffey, Hutchens, Curtis, Jordan
and others. Most of the teachers concur
red in the view that grammar should be
taught orally, even to the infant classes, and
that constant correction of errors should be
attended to. The text book ought to oe with
| held until q later age, when the capacities of
| the pupil shall have been enlarged.
This was followed by the subject of compo-
sition as means of teaching grammar, and
drew out various plans for getting children
| to compose, prominently the skeleton methods,
dictation exercises or reproducing what has
been read or listened to. Then followed a dis
.cussion upon the moral training of scholars
This elected much that was highly interesting
though nothing new
Second Day.-The exercises were opened
with prayer by the Superintendent. He then
announced that the teachers should now take
the subject of discipline. This was perhaps the
most widely discussed of all the topics, and
hinged mainly upon the subject of corporal
punishment Some two or three only advoca-
ted the entire abolition of this kind of punish
ment All agreed it should be resorted to as
last expedient as a means of promoting order
The hour for recess having arrived the Insti-
tute again adjourned until Up. m. Upon re-
assembling it entered upon the discussion of
the subject of composition and in connection
with it the best methods of speling. The i'm
portance of writing exercises to teach spelling
was agreed to. Enlargng upon these twin
subjects, quite wide range was INDUCED in
by some ofthe teachers
This concluded, the subject Of teaching read
ing was next introduced Messrs Booker,
Arnold and Curtis gave each his experience in
regard to the boys who had been allowed to
attempt to read in books beyond their grade.
1t was acknowledged to be one of the chief
difficulties the teacher has to contend with and
where parents insisted upon their children re-
tanning these books, the only remedy was an
appeal to the proper authorities is the
Superintendent and Trustees. Mr. Calhoun
gave synopsis Of notes gathered at the Nor
NAL Institute, which closed a short time since
and which was held at the University of Vir
ginia. Prof. Hoover being present and called
upon, made some sensible and well timed re-
marks upon the subject under consideration.
He also made some happy hits upon the sub
iect of Grammar The Superintendent then in
conclusion announced the close of the Insti
tute, thanking the teachers, and also giving
notice of the examination which takes place
to-day.