Roseburg review. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 1885-1920, 1886-07-23
READ1NG.

READ1NG.
1t is an admissible fact that reading
is sadly neglected in most of our coun
try schools. The error was long since
set forth, that the higher the book the
pupil is in, the better reader he is.
False theory. There is no more truth
in the supposition than is there wisdom
in the thought that history is the
highest grade of elocution Parents,
blinded by this "high reader" error,
are ever ready for the announcement
that their child is ready fsr higher
book and witness, with approval, his
promotion. The result is readily seen.
The child becomes mere caller of
words, not reader. Are the teachers
to blamel ] answer for all they are
not. Parents, You and only you are
to blame. Blinded by the common
error, you send your little ten years
old with the fifth reader his brother a
year older with Barnes History and
expect us TO teach them. We cannot,
not that We are incompetent but be
cause the children are far above their
standard. Surrounded with books far
above the childs understanding, the
object of your indignation if we turn
him back, subjected to much criticism,
if we do not place him step higher
during The term we teach, l ask you
III plain words, care we to blame that
your children are poor readersF The
average pupil has never heard of mod
ulation, cannot even define reading,
and articulation, much abused articu-
lation, the very essence of good reading
has been neglected, his highest ambi-
ton, his only aim, a higher book-a
fourth, fifth sixth reader, a history,
and he is finished reader. NoDsensel
Parents, strike the scales from your
eyes, help us; We need your assistance.
Buy rs charts; let us say what books
the children shall have. Let us teach
them that the number of the book does
not make the reader. Help us to
show them that history is not the fin.
ished touch Of reading. Sanction our
turning the history and sixth reader
classes back to the third reader and
letting them read that lovely lesson.
"Coals of Fire." or the second reader
and read "Red Shoes" Far better
readers they would be, pronouncine
aud articulating well in the thirc
reader, than reading like the average
pupil reads in a higher book. What
would the author of Don Tulane think
to hear the average scholar numbering
that rare poductionl Does Mrs Brown
ing weep for ''Little Ellie?" Does
Tennyson shed tears over "Dora7" Are
we teachers wrong to Think Oh, little
immature minds why are you here
why are you reading the production
of mighty author the poetry OF a
grand poetess, the golden verses OF a
Laureatel When we Of ripper years
can scarcely understand them. But
the decree has gone forth (can it be
withdrawn that the book makes the
reader? Parents, would that Will
the golden key Of justice could open
your eyes to see the absurdity of thi
error. Really have you ever thoug h
on the subjectl Do your childrer
read at homel Have them read th'
surrender of Quebec, compel them t.
read the capture of Stony Point, SCI
for yourselves their capabilities ant
judge according. Do you know tha
your children do not know the gram
matical pausesl MOI / will tell yol
then plainly they do not They have
had no time to learn them, so eager
have they been to get in higher book
that all the essentials of good reading
have been neglected. If newspapers
cannot be introduced into our schools,
if some method cannot be found where
by reading can be simplifed, I ask il
favor Of parents in ungraded country
schools, ask it with the deepest regart
for your feelings, will Jou help us
Ask you to take in considera ton tha
the book does not make the reader
your children are far above thei
standard, that teachers cannot give
beautiful finish where there's no foun
alton. If when you have considere
these questions thoughtfully, whel
you have visited our schools and hear,
the supposed speech of Reglus de
ivered as it usually is, you do no
come to our afd-for we cannot arres
the error without your cooperation
we can only 90 on in the rut of popu
lar approval while the progress of OIL
atory hangs on slender thread. N.