Daily Republican., 1884-02-16
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Tsaehers-Qu ual iac atisns. ssc.

For the RRPuBLICAN. ~ ~
The public school system is one of tn,
greatest institutions tnat has ever beer
established In this country for the edu
cation of the children of all classes. Il
has afforded opportunities for thousand,
of children to get fair education
who otherwise would have remained
in ignorance.
And by the rudiments of learning re-
ceived here, many have acquired a
thirst for knowledge, that stimulated
them TO adopt means to seek for a high
or education Of the academy or college,
or by dint Of effort, have made them
selves respectable. self-educated, men
or women. Not only the middle and
poorer class Of persons have been edu-
Gated here, but many of the rich have
wisely considered the prOpriety of hav-
inc their children mipgle with their
interiors, Gas they are often called, to
give them a better idea of the condition
of other children, and induce them to
have proper respect for all classes.
Next to the teaching of Christianity for
the moralizing and elevation of society,
follows the grand system of public edu-
cation.
1t is difficult to decide how much
ignorance and superstition is abated,
and as a result, how much crime il
prevented, aud protection given to the
people.
Where ignorance abOunds, sin and
crime of every grade is fostered. The
wealthier class Of people can wei! af.
f, ma II lor In, 20 utat, n
lie benefactions. In all my knowledge,
| mover found but one ar'stocratic fami.
ly who publicly announced their oppo.
sition to public schools. They had
means to send their children away to
college, and were decidedly opposed to
paying anything to support the poor.
Shame shame One of the most i'm
portant factor in this work Is the teach.
er. The qualification for this work is
very great, and those who have the ex-
animation and appointing of the teach.
ers are not as particular as they should
be. Twenty to fifty, or more children,
are put into the care of teacher to
instruct merely ! no, but to train me IL.
tally, morally, and physically.
MENTAL TRAINING.
The mental training Is q work of the
greatest Importance, and requires con-
stant care, attention and activity.
No drone or nope should ever be
allowed to remain long in school.
house.
They should be burdened with the
care of the children watching every
movement and opportunity to catch
in the child to develop, and
then employ every moment in exercis-
ing the varied talents of the pupils in
80 me way to attract their attention and
thought.
In this training the blackboard
should be used frequently by the
teacher, not only when the class recites,
but at intervals, to arouse attention and |
remove the apathy from the school
room. Some important question might |
be written to analyze, OF a sentence for
exercise by the whole school for
a few minutes, would greatly benefit
and instruct the children. The writer |
has for years made it part of his work |
TO visit the schools, and often found in
teachers at work. Teachers
Who moved about the room as If they
were burden to themselves, and when |
shey heard the classes, spoke 30 low and
indistinct that they could hardly be |
and the children of course
would initiate them.
MORAL TRAINING.
Moral training is required by law,
and not less important than mental.
No teacher should have the care of
who is not moral.
Their conduct should he of such a |
character as to help in modelling the
,hild's life for future usefulness. If
hey are properly trained at home, the
of the teacher will have the
,endency Ito strengthen that training ;
t not taught at home, the effect of the
eacher's life will be beneficial ia curb
ng any evil desire in them. Be very
,articn .ar to avoid immoral teachers of
III classes.
PHYSICAL TRAINING.
The attention of the teacher is called to
he health and comfort of children, C.
The school. house should be bnit with a
view to good ventilation. If not, the teach
,r should spend a few dollars, Gf ences-
'ary) to have springs put in the sash,
o have them lowered at the top to let
n the pure air, and sometimes at the
bottom. Thus the foul air is removed
md the pure enters the sch ool-room, at
east to some extent. it will not be as
t ought, hut is better than none. The
eacher should be particular to have the
lOuse sufficiently warm to admit the
,ure air, especially in cold weather.
A TEACHER.
TO BE CONTINUED.
sa-~- l.