The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1885-09-09


each differed somewhat in method, the
general Importance of thorough drill
work in oral and written spelling was
conceded 10y all.
SECOND DAY.
August 18th, 1883.
The Institute re-assembled at the
College, and was called TO order by the
chairman at . o'clock NJ
At roll call forty teachers responded,
when many others registered their
names. The minutes of the preceding
session were read and approved.
School Hygiene, which was assigned
to DIR. J. +. PendletOn, was deferred on
account of that gentleman's professional
engagements.
The method of teaching reading was
practically discussed 10y G.. T. Kelley,
Rev. 7. \. Edwards and many Others.
Regular attendance and good atten-
ton, though not on the programme,
were, on account of their Importance,
submitted a. additional topics. The
question elected considerable debate
Prof. John OFlaherty, in a few per.
tinent remarks; explained his method
of procedure. He was followed by
Prof McHenry Rhoads, who very
ably seconded the position of the
former a. to the many means which
must Ice resorted to to secure puuctual-
ity. J. Il. Wilson, III. G.. Truman and
p. +. Hooker, each in a clear, forcible
and able manner, detailed at length
their experience As teachers on this
very important element of school SUE
cess. The teachers present We're in
profound attention as the discussion
progressed.
\ short recess was taken, after which
Primary Reading was well treated by
Prof. II. b. Taylor. This gentleman's
success as teacher gave weight to his
remarks, when were terse, practical
and ladened with great, good sense.
Prof O'Flaherty, at this juncture,
submitted for consideration the ques-
ton "What freedom of intercourse
should be permitted among the sexes
at common schools ,"
Prof |. G. Hoover re-opened the dis
cussion of Primary Reading, and briefly
-at fort a tho ,Iap (which x.-as ,,,nSt gt,o-
cessful i'm his hands. He insisted on
securing the interest and love of the
child at the very beginning, 10y resorting
to any simple means conducive to
that eud.
Prof. O'Flaherty, on this subject,
expressed himself to the effect that the
teacher must not confine himself to any
particular plan; the alphabetic plan,
the word method, phonics, and object
lessons are each good in particular eases,
and with particular subjects, but that
he thought il a mistake To rely on any
one plan to the exclusion of the rest.
His experience was that he could reach
the minds of some through the reasons
ing faculties; those OF Others only by
cullivating the perceptive faculties (;
believing so, he thought the word
method, and object lessons combined
gave best assurances of success.
Mr.. L. G. Hubbard being present,
responded to she call made upon him,
and for some time held his auditory in
wrapt interest on Our Common School
System. The speaker directed atten-
ton to the II per cent. of kentucky's
illiteracy, the utter repugnance of our
people to pay taxes, and the peculiar
pride with which Kentucky rejected
outside aid, and the still chaotic state of
general education. In his opinion it
was the duty of the people to accept,
and labor for, Federal Aid, irrespective
of any constitutional question which
might arise. Mr.. Hubbard was enthu,
siastic on the question and regarded
general education the great corrective
element in the social As well as the po-
lItical fabric, and secuted the idea that
it ever could become partisan, since it
was absolutely cosmopolitan in its
nature. The gentleman commanded
the entire attention of the Institute,
and his remarks were well received
The chair appointed committee to
recommend series of textbooks to
the end that uniformity in the district
schools might be secured.
The Institute then adjourned to l
o'clock p. N.
EVENING SESSION.
First lessons in Arithmetic was well
and logically treated by Profs. l.. "
Graves, |. G. Hoover, y. Il. Landrum,
w. Il. Miller, J. +. Sutton and w. b.
Whitley. These gentlemen developed
thorough acquaintance with the sub
ject. They We're in accord on the es'
sential, though differing slightly on the
non essential. The ability TO COM
municate and impress their ideas was
a leading characteristic of each.
The l.. G. Nj. and the q. G. ID. became
the especial property of Profs. J. b
Wilson, w. Il. Miller and Rowan Hol
brooks. The discussion on these prop
Ostions was very entertaining and in.
structive. These teachers merit tn,
| highest consideration for the plain ant
easy manner in which each one unfold
ed the mystery involved in this depart
ment of arithmetic, and simplified thu
process of solution.
The committee to whom was referre,
the question of uniformity of text
books, reported that they failed t.
agree on series of text books, and re
quested to lie discharged from an,