The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-01-22
LORETTO LOCAL INsTTTgTE.
Topics Discussed ny Those I'm Attend-
ance on Aa1urdaY Last.

The Institute was organized by electing
Mr.. j. Z. Seaman chairman and Miss Matte
Denny secretary.
Methods of Teaching Reading" was opened
by Mr.. a. j Sanker, teacher OF Washing
ton township. Mr.. Sanker did not claim to
be- thoroughly acquainted with the best
methods in use ia our best schools, but
would give what he considered the best
methods used in bis school. In teaching
primary reading the word and sentence
method should be used. Reading charts
are Indispensable for beginners Short les
sonS; words at sight aud review often
would not read often for pupils Pupils in
primary classes should seldom criticise each
other in preparation of lessons states
should be used copy difhcult words and
part of lessons; pronounce words from
slate at recitation. He would question pu
pills about the lesson before reading drill
on sounds OF letters as well as words; cor
rect posture in class breathing and vocal
exercises are important. Pupils should be
taught to look from tie book and properly
observe pauses. The remarks of Mr.. San
keI were clearly and fOrclbly given aud lis
tened to attentivaiy. The topic was further
discussed by MeSsrs. Kaylor, Parrish, Noel
and Sup't Strayer.7 All advocated drill on
difficult words of lessons, appropriate ques-
tious, and the proper thought feeling and
expression in order to haYe intelligent read
"The Use OF Text Books in the Recits-
tioE," was discussed by T. j Parrish, Esq
who was followed by Harold q. Kaylor ano
! other teachers.
| Far Should Teachers Explanations Ex-
| tend" BE began the discussion by asking
! the question, WHAT are the objects of ex-
/ planatoDs 2'' They are not to require pu-
piIs 70 metely commit to memory Iules and
| definitions, No mental discipline or culture
/ is acquired In this manner. TIE teacher
| should eyer remember that every mental
/ faculty is not present in every mental &C
ton. The true object OF teachers exp lana
( tions should be to strengthen and develop
| the mind. Explanations are only Eelps to
! the pupils and should be given emily to create
thought and investigation. Pupils of differ
/ ent abilities need help In different directions,
/ ard the teacher should eDdeayOr TO create
/ thought and Investigation in the channel
! where most needed. The great object of
education is to strengthen every faculty of
the mind and encourage original investiga-
! tion on the part of the pupil, and the ex-
PLANTATION of difficult points In the lesson
should only be directed by the teacher to
! this end.
Mr.. A J. Noel spoke on How to Secure
! Attention" He claimed that the first thing
! necessary is to make the recitation interest
| ing. Train pupils by proper habits to be
| attentive. Conduct Tecita tions in a varied
J manuer and do not become mOnOtOnOus.-
| Better close the exercise when pupils seem
weaTied AID are not attentive. Short les
! sons and recitatious in primary grades and
not TOO Tong IN OJner grades SnOuid Oe tue
TEACHERS motto Mr.. Parrish followed and
agreed with the speaker in the points ed-
yanced, and added that it was one of the
mos: important elements of successful teach
ing, and that teachers who fail to have the
attention of pupils in recitatiOns or explaBa-
tions would most surely fall In the general
work of the school.
Sup't Strayer gave the derivation of the
wort attention" aud showed how, IN vari-
Gus ways, the teacher may secure the pro
! at af ma fyap ~
tion is not a faculty OF the ni-5.t be
| lnnps To ALL of t. urE,