The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-12-08
Teachers Institute.


The Teachers Institute, which convened in
Stanton, December 1st. end, 3rd inst, seems
to have pleased and profited every one pres
ent. The number of teachers assembled wa.
larger than ever before, there being from the
country 80 male and 50 female teachers, and
from the city 3 male and 16 female teachers.
In the absence of Supt. Grattan, DR.. Hamil
ton introduced Prof. Marvel formerly Of Mas
sachusetts, who soon showed that he was
thoroughly master of the situation.
Prot. NJ. makes no pretensions to oratory
yet his simple, earnest style oftalkng, and his
perfect familiarity with the work, render his lee
lures most attractive. He has the rare. per
haps the highest faculty, of holding his hearers
firmly bound to him, so long as he is before
them, and the only regret is, when he takes
his seat His first subject was Arithmetic.
In the lowest grade with child just entering
school at the earliest age allowed, the combi-
nations of numbers as far ms 10 affords an am
pie field for the beginner 10 explore during
the first year, These combinations teach the
whole subject, that is. Addition, Subtraction,
Multiplication and Division. Give the child
objects TO handle; thus he sees and feels the
facts he is learning. Make practicable appli-
cation OF every operation performed by re-
quiring statements or problems Of what he
does. AS he advances, teach those parts of
Arithmetic which are more generally used in
the business OF life, for instance U. 5. Curren-
cy, Fractions, Percentage Interest, &c, &c.
Avoid puzzles and hard questions. Hold what
has been learned by constant reviews. Prac-
tice specially rapid additions. Work by in
spection in the earlier years more than by
rule. Make good figures, and see that the
subject develops with the years and attain
ments of the pupil. This may be considered
| very brief summary of a few of the promi-
nent points made by the lecturer upon this
topic A number ofquestions were PROFOUND
ed by different teachers in reference to the
various perplexities of school room work, all
of which were answered by Prof NJ quite as
promptly as they were satisfactorily.
The hour of adjournment for the day no,
having arrived, Prot. Hulvey of the Stanton
High School came forward and In some well
timed remarks, showed the utmost importance
Of being well grounded in the first four fun
damenta rules of arithmetic. He said he was
at least prepared to believe, that thorough
understanding Of these four rules furnished
the guide to the expl Grafton of the whole
mathematical labyrinth.
Upon re-assemhing Friday 10 a. M the
Institute being called to order by Supt. Graf
tan, Prof. Marvel proceeded in his lectures
by introducing the subject of school discip-
line
The views Of the lecturer on this much vex:
ed question were listened to with the pro-
toundest interest, the more so, as he handled
ii like child sports with its playthings The
point was at once reached when the speaker
said the best way to have discipline is not to
furnish an opportunity for the want of it,
Constant occupation is the surest means to Sc
cure good order. Put boys to work immediate
| ly on entering the room in the morning, and
keep them at it during the entire day and you
have the best discipline. 1t may, at times, be
necessary to give additional work to the
quicker pupils for these commonly are the
ones who cause the greater mischief in the
school Every element and concomitant of
disorder can be eluded by constant and close
occupation. Be with, and scrutInize the
plays and sports during recess. You may
find it to advantage to take part in some of
the games. Strive to make your school attrac-
tive and you will successfully combat the
great evil of irregularity in attendance As
to corporal punishment, let it ever be last
resort. Never punish pupil in the presence
OF The school
Prof Huvey next lectured upon the Incen-
lives to Study" These were divided into
doubtful and proper. OF the former are
prizes, merit marks, emulation, fear of pun
ishment, shame and ridicule. OF The latter
are appreciation Of teachers, appreciation of
friends, appreciation OF society, pleasure of ov-
grooming difficulties, qualification of curiosity,
desire of knowledge, hope of success in life,
duty Of self perfection, satisfaction of doing
right prospect of heavenly reward. Prof. II.
showed elaborate thought in these discussions
under the various heads. 1t was really learn
ed disquisition upon the principles of our NOR
| "
the most able minds have seen fit to differ
Prof NJ, next took mp the subject OF Ian
guage Drill. He said writing is spelling
Take only time for oral spelling sufficient to
test the progress and accuracy of the
class, say once or twice week. Always read
for the thought. Extreme care upon the part
of the teacher is required to ascertain whether
the pupil has the thought of the writer or not
Words may be called properly, emphasis OBJ
tanned, yet without the drought of the writer
all reading will be if not meaningless at least
lIfeless. Grammar is reached upon the same
plan. His time nearly ready to expire hur-
ried him over this part of his course of lee
lures. As a mere out line, SAID he, give
names ola number of objects. Now you are
ready to teach the fact that they are nouns be-
cause they are names. So too with quality
and action words.
Prof Hulvey then followed 10 some practi-
caby remarks upon the two opposing meth
DDS, the synthetic and analytic-arguing in
favor of the latter. His remarks were season.
ed with good humor and seemed to be relisbed
by the audience.
Prof NJ. once more arose and called the at
tention OF the teachers to the study of geogra-
thy. Geography should be taught in the same
practical common sense way. Beginning with
the cardinal points of the compass the most
familiar objects in and about the school prem
ises are located with reference to these points,
and then foundation for map drawingis laid
With bali in his hand. the pupil is taught to
see what ismeant by planet sphere. Teach
first the most important points, places and
| things of the earth we inhabt.
| Throughout Prof M. insisted upon scllcolroom
work, first, last and all the time 1t is better
for boy to study at school and play at home,
than contrariwise. Then that work must be
me:hodical, economical and practical, as well
as thorough. The great paramount underly-
ing principle of the whole is that that eoork
proves to be the educator of the child. After
this Prof M. spoke at length upon certain
structures or criticisms in the art of teaching.
These, too numerous to mention in our brief
notice, were intended to apply as tests upon
the merit or demerit of teaching throughout