The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1889-12-13
Educational Notes.

English that is taught in the Laingsbure
schools. In their pronunciation, Laings.
burg pupils might pass for Boston cultured
children. And this all arises from the fact
that correct pronunciation and grammar is
not only insisted upon but compelled by the
grammar school teacher, Miss Carrie f.
HICKS, who sets the standard for the entire
school' In the grades above as well as below.
The expression, that much neglected
part OF reading, is brought out in full force.
Ihe selections, as read by the various
members of the class, seem to stand out in
the vividness of recital by an actual par
tlcipator. A class of twenty boys recited
In concert, Poor Little Joe," with fine ex-
preston and military precision in gestures
MISS Nellie Phillips recited the same piece
ina most pleasant manner. Order is SUI
preme in Miss Hicks room, not the order of
machine simply, but the order of intelli-
gent industry. An innovation in school
WORK, In Laingsburg, is instruction in the
usages of good societies, these talks by
Principal Smith and Miss Hicks on manners
on the street, at the table etc., are produc-
tive OF good and doubtless will save en-
barassment at some time.
ID. j. Hicks, an A Nc. teacher. has
hnely refitted school house in Middleburv
township, new seats, two flags and an at
tendance of about 49, with several precincts
yet to hear from. History is taught by
campaigns, and to acquaint his pupils with
the actual descriptions of war had G. l..
VanDyne, veteran of the 5th Michigan
Cavalry, lecture before'the school one even.
ing, on the battle of Gettysburg. With
hags and patriotic utterances there is little
danger of patriotism falling into inocuous
desuetude in this part of Middlebury.
Teachers, here's an idea. Invite in AN
ex-soldier to describe the actual progress of
a campaign and tell how battle is fought.
These are the things that give teacher a
grip on the district
Take an educational journal, SAYS Prin.
keyes of Vernon, for what success that |
may have had in teaching has been largely
due to the reading of educational journals.
The best teachers in Shiawassee Co. have
the Moderator, or some teachers paper, ON
their desk. So says the Secretary.
Secy. Mcbride is visiting the schools i,
Burns and Shiawassee townships this week
MIR. EDIroR:-I have read the poem in
he last issue of The TIMES entitled. sold
Fashioned School Maam," with pleasure
md the perusal thereof has set me to think
ng OF the days when l was a poor, perse-
uted pedagogue, and l have decided that
With your permission, l will narrate some
II my own experiences in this line for the
'eneht of aspirants to this time honored
profession. L do not wish to DISCOURAGE
nyone in the laudable work of teaching
he young idea how to Shoot" but candor
ompels me to be truthful. will recount =
ONE or my experiences, and then if Won
eel like making teaching life work. why.
Vade in. You will have a great many v
eople 10 please; first, your pupils, then the
arents. There are great many theories
regard to teaching, and those who never
.leu III tnlnk they know most about il. o
ou must be willing to receive advice for
on will have it offered in abundance
tut do not try to follow it all, for if YOU do. e
on will not know whether you are teach. b
lg school or managing circus.
L nave boarded around the district. slept
lth the hired man or the baby, as clrcum-
ances demanded, upstairs, downstairs. "
nd in the wood shed; have set at the head n
tne table, and sometimes at the foot. and
gain by the side of the hired girl: was "
)litely waited upon, or speared for myself h
occasion required.
was generally addressed as teacher. and
as asked my opinion daily, on matters b'
omentous or otherwise, from the proper in
ode or setting hen, to the correct process m
making soap. ~
L was looked up to and sat down upon. 80
ST as circumstances ordained. There
ere people who didn't like the fit of INV
othes, and others thought my head con-
acher.
One man limited that was not handsome la
'hich was true) and that had missed INV
ling, and boldly declared that / was no ~.
)re use as teacher, than pocket book VI
country editor. But despite all these La
III backs, just kept right on pegging
'ay and radiating wisdom, until finally
d the satisfaction of seeing one of nv
pills promoted to the Legislature. and two ma
lers sent to Jackson for a term of wears.
us was glory enough for one mortal. and
had accumulated fortune by this time pu
achers always do,) retired ON INV Eli
rels. o.
Now have noticed what the public have
d and thought of me. OF course did
ne thinking for myself i'm those well r. hel
mbered days. One thing did know. / he,
not happy; there was feeling of un-
brooding over my gentle spirit, a feeling {
I something awful was going to happen. mig
every time the wind shook the door. / =
lgined the school board were coming TO
me my walking papers and pull down his
blinds. /,
he old school houses creaked in winter. ~
groaned as though they were haunted. Luz
stoves were always broken and several law
dow panes gone. Most of the children n
colds, and sneezed i'm concert, and that "
about the only concert we could expect uay
hem. of d
ometlmes they came i'm crying, and | NJ
ia wipe their noses and brush away
tears, cheering them up as best knew wer