River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1886-03-11


Report of Teachers Association held at Esdaife,
FEB. n. 1886.
Meeting called to order by G. j.
Brewer, at 1920 A. NJ.
Singing 10y Miss Darlington, teacher
at Esdaile, and some of her older pu'
pills.
Literary quotations were postponed
till afternoon.
The first topic was Primary Reading,
by Miss Annie Spaulding. The meth
cd employed by her is the "Word
Method" She finds no difficulty in
teaching by this method. The work
should be continually illustrated. The
first object should be to teach the pu-
pill to recognize the words in very SIM
pie sentences, printed upon the board
by the teacher, unless there are read
ing charts in the school. These words
should then be formed in new senten-
ces. Those teachers who attended the
Association held at Esdaile last year
will remember that Miss Spaulding
recommended the pronunciation of the
article as a part of the following word,
as a-box, a-day, ETC., the same as rec
commended by Normal School instruct
ors, and most of our leading educators.
During the present year she has adopt
ed the plan of allowing these words to
be pronounced separately, she not pay
ing much attention to the article.
The pronunciation of these will come
naturally when the pupil has come to
read Understandings, which she aims
to secure from the outset. This, of
course, brought on a sharp discussion.
The reasoning she brought forth to
substantiate her position was good,
and we should think the matter wor-
thy of consideration.
Adjourned till l:l5.
Afternoon session called to order at
LIS P. NJ.
Song by Miss Darlington and pupils,
followed by literary quotations by
members of the a ssociation.
First work of the session was elec-
ii on of officers for this Division for
the ensuing year. They are as fol-
lows: E. X. Barnard, President; Miss
Sarah Darlington, Vice President; and
Miss A. E. Spaulding, Secretary.
Mr.. G. II. Crownhart next presented
"Arithm etic in the Upper Form. "
Mr.. C. emphasized the necessity of
considering every problem as direct
application of some principle. He
also dwelt upon the necessity of max
ing the work practical; recommended
introduction of problems outside of
textbooks. A lively discussion fol-
lowed.
Several who were to present topics
not being present, Miss Sarah Daring
ton followed with the subject of "Ge-
ography." Her method is to begin
with the schOol-rOOm and work out.
Would teach the use of the globe and
begin developing the ideas of distance
and direction at an early stage, max
ing more use of the map as the pupil
advances with the subject. A spirited
discussion followed. chiefly on the sub
ject of direction. Mr.. Brewer advised
all the teachers to test their pupils
idea of direction. He thinks That they
may be surprised at the results of the
test.
Mr.. Barnard next presented the sub
iect of Hygiene" Mr.. b. thinks the
necessity of teaching the subject exists
in every school. After some general
remarks Mr.. Barnard illustrated his
method of teaching this subject by a
class exercise.
The following was adopted:
ResoIred, That the thanks of this
Association are due and hereby ten
dered to the people of Esdaile for the
hospitahle manner in which they have
entertained teachers visiting at this
Association
Association now adjourned sine die.
@. j. BREWER, Pres.
ANNIE SPALDING, Sec'y.