Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-08-09
NORMAL GATHERINGS

| "A
the county normal yesterday and the man.
Hesitation of interest and enthusiasm con-
tinues. Promptness is the order of the
work and no better evidence of the inter-
est taken in the work is needed than a
visit to the early classes, which consist of
pedagogies, history and photography.
| These classes convene at 7:4O a. m. and are
crowded with teachers who are eager to
| instruct or be instructed, as the case may
| be. After this comes regular opening ex-
ercises consisting of prayer, singing and
miscellaneous remarks.
The professors are all growing in popu-
| larity, and each one knows just how to re-
| tain the life and enthusiasm of his own
classes
When the signal bell rings everyone is
expected to move" and no time is wasted
in lettering in the halls or in passing from
one room to another
The class in penmanship is doing good
practical work-just the kind that will be
of benefit to teachers. Prof. South be-
lieves that the proper way to learn to do
thing is by doing it, hence all
In the class are supplied with
pens, ink and paper With these the class
practice the proper positions, movement
and the form of letters. The letters are
then analysed according TO principles and
elements. This class has become so crowd
ed that it is necessary to seek more COM
modious quarters than the room it now
occupies. In arithmetic the time was de-
voted to the best way to teach multiplied
tion and division of fractions. Good con-
crete illustrations were given by Prof.
Crusinberry, which are almost indespen-
sible in presenting the subject to small
pupils Give them something tangible
something they can see, and they cannot
fail to comprehend the work; but present
all in theory, and the time is utterly
wasted. The philosophy clasf still dwelt
upon matter and force and the laws gov
erning the same. Prof. Naylor believes in
practical experiments and invites each
teacher called upon to present some SIM
pie, every day apparatus to illustrate his
theoretical talk. This is eminently proper
and nothing tends to better fit teachers for
their work in the school room.
The bookkeeping class are
busy wrestling with the intrica-
cies of journalizing, posting and
other occult terms too numerous to men
tion. Under the able leadership of H. w.
Charles, there can be no doubt of the re-
suit, as be is complete master of the situa-
ton: All of the other Rotations were
well attended and very instructive. Just
before dismissal the institute is resolved
into committee of the whole to investi-
gate school organization and management
The phase of the subject presented was
THE First Days Work in District
School" This was deliberately presented
by Mr.. Bailey and others. and the old,
time-worn question was presented in
novel and interesting way. clothed with
fresh interest. A good point was made
regarding the securing of visits from pat
rons and the benefits resulting therefrom.
Just at this juncture the bell announced
that time was up" and ere long the hall
of learning were deserted for the dining
halls.
What's the matter with the bass sing
ers? They surely do not make themselves
"felt" at morning service
Prof Pence seems to be the happiest
man present, and well he can be. for his
hard work surely deserves the success it is
receiving.
The enrolment is rapidly increasing, al
ready 1876 with many more to hear from.
The reunion will be held on this friday
evening at the board of trade rooms in the
Sedgwick building. The presence of every
teacher and of everyone that ever was or
expects to be a teacher is requested, A
good program is prepared and a pleasant
time is assured.
Fifty or more members of the institute
attended the EAGLES press matinee yes
terday after Don. Those that failed to at
tend missed a treat The next matinee
will take place Saturday afternoon at 2
o'clock.