Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1881-12-03
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8. 1881.
From the Lansing republican.

Under the new ScnO0l law applicants
for teachers certificates are required to
undergo examination in the theory and
art of teaching. This fact has awakened
much interest on the subject, and many
inquiries are being made for books that
will assist teachers in preparing them
selves for the work. One of the best
publications on the subject, that we
have seen, is methods of teaching" by
John SWEET. published by Harper &
Brothers. From this book we have
made the following extract, relative to
ungraded country schools:
1. The true economy of teaching an
ungraded school is to make the fewest
possible number of classes, and to con-
slider both age and capacity in making
your classifcatiOns.
2. If your school is large one, do
not attempt to hear daily recitatiOns in
everything, but alternate the studies of
more advanced pupils.
3. When they are not recitingI assign
your classes textbook lessons or some
pieces of definite work on states or black
boards.
4. Economic time and instruction
by means of as many general exercises
as possible, in which all except the
youngest pupils can join; such as drill
exercises in the four rules of arithme-
tic examples, the spelling of common
words, abstracts in composition, review
questions on the leading facts of geOgra-
ply, etc. To do this will require tact
and fore thought: but we'll done, it is in
valuable.
5. Take an hour, weekly, for select
readings, dialogues, and lessons on
moral manners. You can fire whole
school with enthusiasm for good by
reading the right kind of stories.
6. Occasionally give your classes a
written examination. In most city
schools written examinations are car
ried to great extremes; but in most
country schools there is enough Of writ
ten work to give readiness and exact
ness in the written expression of
thought.
Z. Train your older pupils to correct
and credit the papers of the younger
ones, and let the oldest girl play teacher
occasionally.
8. If you are woman, give your
girls occasional talks on domestic econ
Omy. Buy some sensible book on the
subject and lend it to them. A great
many homes are poorly kept on account
of ignorance. Huxley says, 81 put in
structiOn in the elements of household
work and domestic economy next in Or
der to physical training" knowledge
of domestic economy" says Kingsley,
saves income"
8. If you are man, take some inter-
est in the home work of your boys. In
still into their minds the necessity of
labor for every human being. Point
out to them the lifelong value of being
trained in bOyhOOd to habits of re gular
employment in useful labor. Many a
boy on farm complains of his hard lot
when he is really being blessed by hard
labor. A wise teacher can often set him
right in his notions.
10. EndeavOr to make your school the
district center Of civ y, politen ess land
good manners. If they learn good
breeding at all, many pupils must learn
it at school. There is no limit to the
civilizing influence of gentlemanly
man in a country school. Send out your
pupils with the seal of honor and truth
fulness.
IL. Persuade the parents to visit your
school, even if you have to do so by
means of exhibitions in which their
children take part.
IL. Remember that school trustees are
your legal supervisors in Office. Argue
with them, persuade and convince them
if you can, but do not contradict them.
-. Bear in mind that, though you
may have more "bOOki learning" than
most of the men and women in a cOun-
try district, there are sure to be many
parents who are your superior in sound
sense, in judgement, and in knowledge
of the solid facts of human life.
Ia. Before you begin school, if posi-
BILE, call meeting of the trustees or
committee. Talk over matters with
them, ask their advice, and tell them
your plans. 1t is we'll TO 60 into new
school backed by the weight of official
power.
Is. Whenever you have any unusual
cases of diciplinelcOnsult the trustees
or the parents before yon take action.
10. The following may be taken for
practical guidance in your course Of in
struction:
A child of average mental power
ought to be able, on leaving school at 10
years of age
1. To read well and spell we'll.
2. To write neat and legible hand.
3. To know the main points in the
geography of the world and the leading
events in our cOuntry's history.
A. To speak correct English and to
write readily well-expressed letter of
business or friendship.
3. To work accurately and plain bus
mess questions involving the four rules,
common and decimal fractions, and
simple interest.