The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1886-02-03
Employ Your Spare Moments

In every we'll regulated school the
work to be accomplished during the
day is divided in such O way as to
effect the most in the least t::A".
Every pupil knows his duties. and
when they must receive his attention;
and the teacher knows just what time
to devote to a certain piece Of work
in order to attend to his various
classes and complete the work OF the
dav. The teacher who rightly values
his time never loses sight Of the ne
cessity for complete organization
methodical arrangement and strict
adherence in time to every appoint
ment. Such a school room is per-
feet machine minus the automatic
feature. But, even under such con-
ditions, the practical teacher tells us
that occasionally he finds his work
completed before the hour Of dismis-
sion arrives. Now, he wants to kno"
how to use these spare moments.
They must not be wasted. Ihey are
nart of work hours and some work
must be done therein. The question
is achat work?
We propose to answer the question
in part, and TO ask others to add
thereto whatever may be of value to
the inquiring teacher.
Suppose, then, that on certain
day the teacher has attended to all
his classes, and, looking at his watch
finds that he has ten minutes at his
disposal. Let him open his dictlon'
ary at some page; and, dividing ms
pupils into two classes, spend the
L
time in contest at spelling. If the
contest cannot be decided that day
let it be continued to a second occa-
sion when some spare moments may
exist. Be careful to select those
words that are most commonly spell
cd incorrectly. Or, if you prefer,
adopt this practice: Tell your pupils
that YOU have five minutes left, and
that you propose to require each OIL
them to spell word Of your selection
before he may leave the room.
But YOU want variety in this exer
else to make it interesting and profit
able. On some occasion propose 9
practical problem in arithmetic to the
entire school. Or write on the black
board and criticise some inaccuracies
of English grammar or inelegancleS
ofrhetoric. Orrelate some historical
anccdote. Or explain some question
in geography. Or step out into the
yard, and, plucking flower, explain
to the pupils the parts of the flower
thus enlisting their interest in thai
most charming of studies-botany
Or some day, as you are on your way
to school, pick mp on the roadside
some interesting rock. and tell its
story to your pupils. They vii
listen with delight to a history Sc
varied and romantic. and Will os
anxious 10 learn more from the "sIonJ
leaves of natures volume" Or tel
them Of your varied experience as ;
student, your successes will give then
hope, your failures offer new conso
lation and nerve to vigorous effort.
Occasionally draw a newspapej
from your desk, and read an accouh
of some important event that has jus
transpired. Tell them of the events
that will make the history OF you
State and your nation. Let then
realize that the countries they learl
of in geography exist not alone OF
paper. but have place on this beau
tiful planet. Above all things, re
solve that these spare moments shal
he devoted to showing to the immor
tai minds under your tutelage tina
knowledge comes not alone 1ron
hooks. Teach them to see, to oO
serve as they live. Let them com
into full possession of the great lac
that all knowledge comes dlrectI.
from God or indirectly through III
works; and, hence if they would hav
a pure and satisfying draught' the
must drink deeply Of the fountain.
We speak earnestly in this matte
because of its immense Importance
The habit Of observation upon |hlc
the Inductivc Philosophy of Lor'
Bacon depends must be cultivated
The scientist may find more to il
struct and amuse him in short wal