The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1882-08-10
,,oRMAL INSTITUTE.

| 10 me ia, p ~ me Edgte:
We reporter is requested to write the ill.,
stitute up or down rs il may be. We will be
general rather than specific. Prof. Ross has
Philosophy, bookkeeping and others. In
| Philosophy the institute first studied the
properties ofmatter, Mechanic gravity with
reference to the pendulum and falling bodies,
hyorostatic and hydraulic, with examples,
suction pumps, which were explained and
illustrated by several members of the inst-
tute. The class dwelled ut last on friction
and ventilation, the latter with reference to
| the average country school house.
In Bookkeeping, Prof. Ross presented u
regular course oil entries, TO be journaized
and posted; some differed in form but the
main principal was agreed upon.
| Mr.. Miles principal studies are Physiology
and Constitution. Physiology seems to be
the most interesting. especially since the
study of the heart commenced. The first
week was occupied liz the study of the skel-
eton, its various bones, their manner of
| formation, uses, etc, muscles, and the
five different senses. with the brain, lungs,
their composition, shape and position.
Hygiene of the manner OF dressing.
In Constitution the articles of confedera-
tion were first discussed, powers OF congress
mode of eleeiing representatives,, both State
and National presidents powers and duties,
also state prohibitions and rights. This
branch has not only been interesting but
profitable in every way.
In Mr.. Phillips room the study of Gram
mar and History have been the main topics.
Dry grammar has been very dry; this is the
fault of the course of study entirely, for
Mr.. Phillips and the teachers have done their
utmost to make it interesting. We want
something practical not philosophical, some
thing of daily use in the school room not
college theory.
United States history is quite hobby with
teachers. If any one wants complete his
tory in a nutshell let them attend the insti-
tute. The class first took the discoveries,
their nationality, discoveries and results;
the colonies, by whom settled, how, where,
when and incidents; French and Indian
wars, different battles, results, CAUSES, treat
les. generals, etc.. principal events Of the
administrations of the presidents, date of
inauguration from what state and so on. Ii
is upon the topical plan.
The first week literary society was or
gani zed, but rs the teachers could not attend
regularly, it was dropped.
Prof Hoss, editor of the EducdtionGtist.
came in the interest of his journal and Sc
cured seventeen signatures for one year. In
the evening he gave lecture at the Baptist
church. subject, Literature in public
schools" 1t was quite poetic and listened
TO attentively.
Prof. King, an elocutionist has started =
class OF fourteen in elocution, his illustra-
tons on emphasis were very amusing and
highly appreciated.
We have been visited by the following
persons, who are candidates for County
Superintendent, viz: Lester MeBee, Ches-
+. King and b. ID. Hammond. W. F.. Wood |
ward is attending, so you can see who take
an interest in teachers and teaching.
Didactics have been very interesting, es-
pecialy the seven year course of study pre-
scented by Prof. Ross. 1t is good and were
it adopted in practice, it would be better.
One thing should be corrected, that is, for
some teachers to stand and tell us younger
and perhap. poorer teachers, whatwe should
do. but when asked if they had practieed the
theory. answer no. Practice what you preach
and rice rersq.
Teachers seem TO consider the institute a
kind OF examining machine, TO get ready Tor
examination: this is wrong. How can we
remedy it 4: By giving an assurance that We
may escape the examination honorably by
certain success attainable in teaching. We
believe that the legislature should take some
steps in reference to this.
The critics reports are exceeding spicy
and to the point We hope some have pro-
flied by them.
The singing has been lead by W. +. Wood
ward, assisted by several lady teachers,
which is very good thing. The instructors
have secured an organ and it is app reciated
by The teachers and helps wonderfully.
The attendance is now one hundred and
fourteen. the largest Of any previous one |
held in Se6gwick county. More anon.
j. T.. HUMPHREY Je, Reporter.