River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-12-20

Owing to the absence of Prof. Bur
ton, the meeting was called to order
by Pres. Parker at $50.
Officers elected for ensuing year
Prof. r. B. Hazard, President; Tay-
lor Frye, Secretary.
Miss Schultes being sick, a recess
of ten minutes was taken for readjust-
ment of the program.
After the class exercise in music
conducted by Miss Schneider, Miss
Darnell presented class exercise in
fractions using for her class four
members of the association. The
work exemplifed being work in frac-
lions by an intermediate class. The
work was entirely objective and pre-
scented with much clearness. Strips
of paper, each foot in length, We're
given to the class. These were each
divided into two equal parts, the
names of these parts, together with
their proper notation learned by the
members of the class through ques-
tioning by the teacher. a similar ex
ercise in thirds and fourths was also
given. Miss Darnell threw into her
work an enthusiasm which inspired
the entire class, as well as the assOcia-
sion in general.
At this stage OF progress, no ana
lytical work pertaining to the nature
of the numer ator and denomination
should be attempted. The notation
here should be purely arbitrary.
This discussion was followed by lam
guage by Hiss Foster.
AS language is the expression of
thought thinking must precede aOrit-
ing or speaking. The first object then
is the stimulation of thought, and
second the proper use of words to ex-
press the same, in writing and speak
ing.
Material to be employed:
(a) Reader.
(bl Stories told by teacher for re-
production, oral and written.
(c) supplementary reading books.
(d) Beautiful selections to be
memOTiZed.
lei Paper and pens for dictati0n
exercise, writing letters, etc.
When child is reoiting a repro
duction of a story for instance. inter-
ruptions for the purpose Of cTiticising
should not in general Do made. Crit
icisms should be retained until the
close of the exercise.
Miss Caldwell followed by short
but pertinent talk on the same sub.
iect. after which the subject was left
to general discussion by the ass0cia-
ton.
The sentiment of the association
seemed to be that if the pupils were
properly aided in getting some
thoughts. to express the language
wouId follow as a necessary compile
ment. At the close of the discussion,
on motion of Pres. Parker, the follow
ing resolution was adopted:
Reso[red. That Mr.. Brewer be re-
duested to write a report on What
are the most approved functions of
the teacher as related to the thought
and language of his pupil, and pre-
sent the same at the next meeting OF
this association.
The forenoon session was closed by
an essay on the ''Value of time by
Miss Frye. Although somewhat out
of the usual order of teachers meet
ings. the paper was most excellent and
well received.
The afternoon session was opened
promptly at 1870 by talk on primary
number work, followed by class ex-
ercise in the same subject, by Miss
summers.
II was with a feeling of gratifca-
ton that the members of the ass0cia-
ton observed the wonderful quick
ness and accuracy of the little folks in
arithmetical processes. 1t is not a
matter of surprise, however, that a
cIass should absorb some of the en-
thusiasm of so enthusiastic teacher.
Prof. Burton read a very suggestive
paper on The Value of Objective
| illustration. He advocates teaching
the elementary processes OF arlthme-
tic as well as the elements of physiOl-
ogy and physics by means Of objects.
Prof. Ewing followed with a very
interesting discussion on electricity.
The question box contained many
questions of a practical nature.
TAYLOR FRYE, Sec.