The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1886-04-03
Teachers Institute.


The first Semi Annual Institute o.
kingsbury county for 1856 opened il
the school building Monday morning
Owing to the lateness Of the arrival O
| the teachers, an adjournment was takel
to go p. m.
When the hour for opening arrived
about twenty teachers were in theil
seats.
The session was opened by singing
reading in concert OF Psa,m and re
citing the Lords Prayer
The work of the session was Open'(
by V. S. l.. Owen. by an exercise il
primary reading, with q class com
posed of children who had never at
tended school. A lesson in Geography
followed, conducted 10y Geo. n. Will
Jams. The exercise consisted of the
definitions of latitude. longitude, zones
axis, surface, isthmus, river and
spring, and methods Of teaching the
definition Of islands, isthmus, longi
tude. latitude and meridian. a recess
of a few minutes was taken, after
which Mr.. Williams made few re-
marks on Pedagogy, following it with
an exercise in marching at dismissal OF
school.
The following questions were pre-
sented by Mr.. Williams and discussed
" To whom give notice of commence
ment and close of school?" TO whom
make report, and what report to con.
tain?' What punishment may be in
tlicted." The last question was an
swered by Supt. McClaran that teacher
had right to inflict any punishment
that parent had right to inflict.
Discussion on corporal punishment
by Supt. McClaran. Mr. Owen and Mr.
\. l.. Sherwood. closed the session.
FORENOON SESSION.
Tuesday. March so.
Session opened by singing, and by
reading Psalm and prayer by Rev. Mr.
Baller tine, and the Lords Prayer by
the class.
Exercises began by class in Arith.
metic, conducted by Supt. McClaran
The method of teaching numbers tC
beginners was very clearly explained
and seemed to be well understood 10y
the class. Then followed mental eX.
ercise which was most searching
After which the subject of alliquot
parts was considered. illustrated by
black board exercises.
The next in order was Grammar
conducted by Supt. Williams. The
drill in that branch was thorough.
After singing for a rest, Physiology
was taken up, conducted by V. S. L.
Owen. The particular subject was the
brain, as the seat of the mind. Recess
The subject Of History was consid.
cred. Supt. Williams, conductor, is
in favor of diagrams, hence proceeded
to diagram L. S. History, beginning
with discoveries. when and by what
nations. divided into periods. sections
chapters and paragraphs. Apparently
a good plan.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Roll call was read at 1:3O. About
fifteen teachers responded.
After singing. the study Of Reading
was taken up. and conducted by Prof
Owen.
Inhaling exercise came next. Thi:
lesson was continuation Of that OF
yesterday.
Recess.
Map drawing-New York, Pennsyl
vania. Illinois, etc.
Definitions - Peninsula, diameter
equator. longitude, earth's orbit, rota
tion, axis, ecliptic, equihoxes, sOltices
Continued till tomorrow.
Recess.
Question box-"Mention qualities ;
teacher should possess?" Answer
y knowledge, q ability to impar
knowledge, 81 good moral character
~ discipline. Principle of question:
ing?' Answered by Mr.. Owen, "Ques
tions should never suggest the answer
"What are the requirements Of the law
with regard to the suspension oi
pupiis?'' Answer by John O'IIora ant
others. "Who are qualified teacher:
under the law" Answer by Miss q
E. Masters, Being not less than Il
years of age and holding a certificate
from the county superintendent"
Adjourned.
FORENOON SESSION.