Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-08-10
AT THE NORMAL.

| over Two hundred LSacHeES were az Suci'
stations at the normal yesterday morning
ready to expatiate upon different subjects
presented. All the instructors were on
hand bright and early and a most enthu
! siastic session was held.
! There seems to be a sort of inspiration
on hand this year, as everybody called
upon is prepared to attend to the ques-
| tions asked him in clear, distinct man
ner. After roll call and opening exercises,
| it is surprising how quickly all of the
| classes are hard at work.
The class in reading is making a devia-
| ton from the usual order of things, which
| consists of practice on articulation en-
| phasis, infection, ETC., and is devoting
most of the time to methods of instruc-
ton in the smaller grades. This is a much
better idea than constantly going over
| things the teachers already know. 1t was
decided in this class that script should be
taught prior to the printed
words, because it saved time, was
just as easy. and made better writers of
the pupils. Prof Charles is quite original
in his mode of conductions and his classes
like him better every day.
Prof. South is still making good writers
in the penmanship class. The lesson con-
sisted of analysis of the loop letters-l b
and k-with practice with pen and ink
upon the formation of words containing
these letters. This class was SO well at
tended that there were not seats enough
around and some were compelled to use
the blackboard for practice. This surely
speaks well for the interest of the class.
In arithmetic the time was devoted to
methods in teaching addition and subtrac-
tion. Prof. Crusinberry. as usual, had
good illustrations of the work. He vigor
ously objected to the terms carry" and
borrow" as Gifted used in the school room.
The professor is undoubtedly master of
the subject and his classes take great in
terest in the work.
The constitution class were busily en-
gagged in a view of the house of reDresen-
tatlves. This house was compared with
the English house of commons. showing
the points of similarity and of difference.
The qualification of members, the appor
tionment among the several states, the
term of Office and other points were
touched upon. Prof. Wayton has a most
happy way Of eliciting knowledge from all
members of his classes and one can not
enter one of his recitations without learn
ing something he did not know before.
The subject of school organization and
management was discussed under the
head Of 1.-The Last Days Work in a Dis
trict School," showing its Importance to
the succeeding teacher and to the pupils.
The principle points made were: That the
teacher should leave a record showing to
his successor the work Of each pupil dur
ing the term, where to begin the next
terms work, and What, if any, supple
mentary studies had been introduced
such as the elements ~ physics, botany or
object lessons. Quite an animated gener-
al discussion was INDUCED in regarding
the last days exercises. Some advocated
dialogues, speeches, while others opposed
them on the ground that it was too much
for show. Those who favored them, how
ever, being in the majority prevailed.
This closed the session and all left salts
fed that the morning had been well spent
in cheerful, interesting and instructive
work
NOTES,
The ten minutes recess is greatly en-
joyed. The only objection is, it don't last
long enough.
What jolly crowd of teachers Sedg
wick county has! Everybody is smiling
and happy. There is one certain young
man i'll the history class, who for gum
chewing proclivities can be excelled by
none. We would risk him in match
with any of Wichita's fairest.
The institute is well supplied with good
singers, and the fact is becoming more APP
parent every day. One can not help being
impressed with the good order that pre-
walls in all the classes. This surely au-
ours well for the schools which will be