Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1885-12-10

language, Just simply see that they speal
properly. / regard that one OF the mos
Important things that we have TO do is {,
industriously watch our pupils mode of ex
, on the advantage of written worl
and gave the following suggestions
as aids to the teachers. Let your pupil
copy printed matter; let them write from
dictation; written work In classes is yer,
advantageous, and more helpful than ora
recitation; the reproducing OF previous
lessons; letter writing, to which Is recon
mended half an hour each week at least OF
that topic; let your pupils habituate them
selves In writing business papers; and las
the writing OF essays.
Professor Reynolds followed DIR. French
In a short talk upon that bette noir Of tn,
teacher percentage. The speaker considered
1t the most important branch of mathe
matics. 1t Is that branch which Is least vel
understood. An Intricate example was
placed upon the blackboard and dlscanted
upon. Criticism was made by the teachers
upon the theories advanced by both DR.
French and Professor Reynolds.
DIR. A. N. Raub next took up thesubject OF
"Recitatlons. The speaker embodied his
remarks in the following heads; Mental
discipline, the main object OF the public
school to teach the young to think. I'm
parting instruction by the teacher. To en-
able pupils to express themselves properly
I
pupils OF using their own terminology cor
reetly. To fix in their minds what they
have learned. To awaken an. interest in
study. To create desire for knowledge.
10 cultivate habits OF attention. To enable
teachers to correct errors, and to enable
teachers to test the pupils work.
Miss Madge Hilles was next introduced
to the institute. She said: "As some one
with more capabllity OF speaking to you ON
this subject has not called your attention to
tho matter OF hygiene, wish to say In the
interest OF the Woman's Christian Temper
| ance Union that the State Board of Educa-
ton has adopted Steele's Physiology as
text book in that branch. What Is more
important than physiology? Surely, if
children knew the effect that alcohol has on
the system, they will shun the use OF 1t. 1t
is the most important lesson you can i'm
part to those under your care"
The afternoon session closed at 40
o'clock.
Will Carleton the writer, and Miss
Cynthia Bare, a pleasing vocalist, gave an
entertainment at the evening session OF the
institute. The auditorium In the Institute
Building was filled to the extent Of Its seat
Ing capacity, With an audience appreciative
to degree Of enthusiasm. Mr.. Carleton's
contribution to the evening consisted OF
| recitations from his own writings. He
opened the programme with the "Death
Bridge Of the Tay," and Picnic Sam," and
closing with an amusing sketch, " Farmer
Stebbins at Ocean Grove"
Miss Bare's vocal work was very accept
able, and enthusiastically applauded. As
encores she gave familiar selections which
delighted the audience.
The entertainment was attended by about
600 people. which has probably settled In
the mind of the superintendent to hold the
institute in this city every year.
The final session Of the teachers institute
opened at o'clock Saturday morning with a
large attendance.
DR.. John H. French took up the subject of
Common Sense In School Work." The
speaker said that from the choice of subject
it might appear by implication that there
was possibility of an absence of common
sense in some of the work done In our
schools. Teachers should know the lessons
themselves before assigning them to the
pupils. This Is done too often, the teacher
being ignorant at times Of the difficulties in
the task he has given his class for prepara-
ton. The children should never be given
more work than they can accomplish. An
instance was cited of certain teacher
In New York crowding six weeks work into
two. Complaints of over-work had come
from the parents to the superintendent.
Failures in recitations are often made In
giving more work than the pupils can ac-
complish. All primary school work should
be done in the school. No child under IL
years should be required to do task work at
homo. Neither young or old, In the primary
or senior department should be given ex-
cesslve tasks.
DR.. French, In his capacity as State ex-
aminer, found many examples of college
graduates who were without the ability to
express themselves in clear cut English.
The speakers most significant reference
was In regard to certain regulations exist
ing in New York state by which no teacher
is allowed, according to state law, to draw
his salary until he has placed among the
school archives, statements by which, from
the record OF the past term, the status of
each pupil might be seen, his exact grading
for the next term may be made, and record
open and ready to hand will be seen at all
times.
Sylvester Tyson, OF Townsend, next road
an essay upon Teachers Troubles" The
essay was mainly q pretty strong growl
against the innumerable troubles of the dis
trict school teachers life. 1t was listened
to closely throughout and, as Superintend-
ant Williams remarked. was thoroughly ap-
precated by the audience.
Clement Biddel. principal of Friends
School, Philadelphia, addressed the meeting,
commented on what was said by the
previous speakers and placed great deal
OF emphasis on the use of common sense In
school work.
Superintendent Harlan next spoke, prais-
ing Mr.. Tyson's paper. He praised the
enthusiasm evidenced among the members
OF the institute. The speaker deprecated
over-enthusasm or rashness. During the
mornings session Will Carleton, the poet,
paid visit OF few minutes to the insti-
tute room.
Mr.. Birdsall, after regretting the fact, in
somewhat impressive manner, that the
gray hairs on his head were gradually be-
coming more numerous, expressed his
strong endorsement OF DR.. French's state
ments In reference to pupils records and
statutory limitations upon drawing pay.
Miss Mary Williams OF Wilmington in
quired of DR.. French as to his management
Of primary pupils who were unsuccessful
in recitations, whether it was iudicious to
detain them. DR.. French replied that the
children should, within proper limits, be
kept to their work.
DIR. Keables said n few words commenda-
tory Of the present teachers institute. He
suggested that the city teachers of Whining
the term physiology" as applied to Steele's
book. 1t is only tract, as physiological
text book 1t is not successful.
President Baird OF the Board OF Educa-
tion Of Wilmington, spoke In most praise
worthy terms also Of the institute. He said
there is q movement on foot already by
which an institute will be established in
this city. He regretted that other members
| OF the Board of Education were not present.
The speaker Joined with DIR. Keables in
recommending an interchange Of socinbility
between the county and city teachers. He
said the city board was delighted to see the
county teachers present and closed his re-
marks by welcoming them to another visit
to Wilmington.
Prof. Graham then followed with few
anecdotal remarks upon what constitutes u
successful teacher. His words were re-
ceived with great merriment
Superintendent Harlan followed, saying
sit is the duty OF a teacher to love his
pupils and to manifest this love. One who
cannot do so has no right to continue in the
position OF a teacher"
Astatement of the committee on neurology
reported the demises OF Mrs Laura e. Jakes
in August 1886.
Superintendent Williams called for the
sense of the institute In regard to the pur-
poses of the teachers gathering. A unani-
nous expression OF qualification was given
by vote.
Assistant Superintendent Carpenter stated
thatthe receipts OF Friday nights entertain
ment at Institute Hall were sufficient TO de-
J fray expenses and expressed his gratiflcr
) tion over the matter. He reverted to DIR.
French's remarks on arithmetic MS most
| valuable.
The committee on resolutions, Prof, A. s.
J Wright, Miss Fannie Briscoe and Miss
, Rachel Bigger, handed In their report,
! which embodied thanks TO the Board OF
! Education of the city Of Wilmington for
J the use of the school room; to DR.. Raub OF
Newark, DR.. Schaeffer.of Kuattown andsDr.
John French of New York, Tor making the
!, institute so interesting and instructive; to
the executive committee for their excellent
programmes; to the Pennsylvania railroad
TO the respective hotels and boarding houses
of the city for reduction in fare and other
IN ANITA -fasF a,,t