The Portland daily press., 1882-07-08
eoRHAM NORMAL SCHOOL.
interesting Graduation Exercisessof the
I'd Glass of 1882.

The graduating exercises of the State Normal
School situated in the lovely and picturesque
village of Gorham, took place yesterday in the
handsome Normal School building, command
ing a. wide and extensive view of miles of
beautiful country. The weather was perfect
such day as only early July or June can give,
and a large audience ATTENDED the exercises
which were of particularly high order of ex-
cellence. The general appearance of tbs pu-
pills was every way satisfactory. With faces
full of intelligence they evidently showed that
they mean to accomplish noble and .earnest
work in life
Tho exercises opened with the repeating in
concert of the beautiful words Of the 10Th and
23d Psalms, after which the Divine blessing
was invoked by Rev. Mr. Rowell of the Board
of Trustees.
Mr.. Titconb gave the first essay. Tho CEN
trail thought enforced was that morality is ore
Of the most essential things for the teacher to
lay stress upon.
Teaching was the theme Of Mr.. Berry's es-
saw. His prominent idea was that no one
should become teacher unless their whole
mind is heartily in sympathy with the great
object of interesting those placed under their
charge. NO ono SnOulQ btaCn hIlIply III uENcL
to earn certain compensation for the gratih-
cation of some end. Ii the teacher is not 1n-
terested in the work OF teaching then an un-
healthy influence will be exerted upon the
mind Of the pupil The final thought was that
success in teaching should be the aim and end
for which the teacher should strive.
The class parts were above the average in
excellence.
The examination of the graduating class was
exceedingly interesting. The Superintendent
instead of giving topics to each one, examined
them by question. He first interrogated them
upon the position and duties of an agent of
district school, The next interrogatiyes rela-
ted to the manner in which they would pro
ceed in filling out school blanks, making out
bills, acquiring a knowledge of the district,
and the arrangement OF the school 6ulldlng IN
which they would teach. The method OF in
struction in the various English branches was
next taken up.
Miss March thought that in teaching hec pu-
pills to read, she should in addition to teaching
them correct pronunciation and accent, in
struct them to hunt up the meaning of words
and their derivatious. Miss French said that
in order to teach scholars to memorize and ac-
quire the art Of good language, read a
story to them, and then let the pupils write it
out. For teaching geography, Mr.. Berry
thought the best method was to instruct first
from objects.
The class was questioned as to how they
would contend with tardiness, One of the
gentlemen was of the opinion that it would be
better TO provide a game of base ball
before school commenced and thus
the scholars would have an incentive
to be ON the grounds in good season. Miss
March thought that instead of any inducement
the scholars should learn TO love punctuality
for its own sake. In regard to punishment
the class seemed to be agreed that no teacher
should punish pupil in anger
After tho examination followed music under
the excellent leadership OF Mr.. ". L. Fitch.
History by Miss Day was apt and piquant.
Prophecies by Mr.. TreadwelI was very
happy effort
The Chronicles prepared by Miss Pattangall
were admirable in style and composition.
Miss Frencll's poem was very bright and the
class song by Miss March excellent.
The A class in Didactics was examined by
Hon. N. A. Luce, Superintendent of Schools.
The Superintendent conferred the thirteen
diplomas with a few. appropriate and we'll
aimed remarks.
Gov. Plaissed and other distinguished gen
tlemen honored the occasion With their pre-
sence.