, 1890-08-27
ON A PRACTICAL BASIS.
Work of the Laramie County Insti-
tute now in Session.
The Lectures Beneficial and En-.
tirely Without FriIIs.
Sound Views on Methods of Teach
ing the Various Branches.


The morning session of the teachers
institute was opened by a short exercise
from Prof. Churchill, consisting OF a
reading calculated to show what might be
done with such exercises in ones school
room.
Miss Alison's exercise in geography
was of unusual interest. She dealt with
the subject of mathematical geography as
1t might be made plain to young children.
entering upon the somewhat daring topic
OF the solar system, but she upheld the
theory, which must be considered an emil
nentiy correct one, that small children,
can comprehend these grand facts of the
universe, not only intelligently, but with
delight There is a tendency advocated
by many OF the disciples OF the so-called
new education to keep children too
long on posh and childish chatter. 1t is
refreshing to see a vigorous departure in
the natural direction. Miss Alison also
explained the different divisions of stand
ard tune very cl-ariY.
In the gVmHastc drill Miss Crouch took
up the Herman system. She gave the
teachers the names of books valuable in
the work, n gave a few of the vigorous
movements Tor the hands and arms.
Miss Tough In her arithmetic class
handled the subject OF factoring in a very
lucid manner. There was some discus
sion as to the ACCESSIBILITY OF spending
much time on factoring. Miss Harrison.
In some vigorous remarks, claimed that
there was little practical utility in the sub
ject, and that the time could be spent
more probably. All finally CANT to the
conclusion that since the subject was re-
quired to be taught it had better be taught
In the best manner.
Prof. Churchill gave some excellent
points on enabling pupils to express their
thoughts. He said that accuracy should
be insisted on; that dictation exercises
were valuable. He also claimed that let
ter writing should be taught at an early
age, and that especial attention should be
given to notes Of courtesy, kilograms and
common forms. In preparing for writing
compositions, suitable subjects should be
selected, such as they cannot copy from
books of information. A very profitable
model exercise was given with a birds
nest.
After noon Prof. Pasmore continued
his subject of the rudiments of pusic.
He makes the work serY clear and simple,
but a master of any subject naturally la
bors under a great disadvantage when he
attempts to condense a years work into a
few brief lessons. Some excellent rules
for breathing were given, and faults mem
TONED to be guarded against.
Miss Mcdonald is giving some valua-
bic lessons in history methods. She has
given much conscientious study to this
subject. and her results mo but be of
much Importance TO ambitious teachers.
She gave a long prepared list of books
on this subject. of great aid to the teacher.
She spoke of the Importance Of cultlvat-
ing patriotism, suggested that there was
material for a grand epic poem in our
national history. She then advanced a
theory for teaching the subject that is an
entirely new departure. 1t is to com
mence at the beginning OF the world, and
lay a broad view of all time before the
pupil. The plan is certainly unique and
based upon sound logic.
Prof, Churchill conducted his physlol-
oRy work like a school exercise. 1t
seemed to keep the attention Of the
teachers very closely. The construction
OF the bones was well illustrated.
The drawing work by Prof. Collins is
exceedingly beneficial. He explained
the method of procedure beginning with
brackets. He exhibited models, had
drawings made and the figures cut from
stiff paper with the SCISSORS. This gives
the pupil something definite to accomp-
llsh.
The work of the entire institute seems
to be conducted on a very practical basis.
Work is given which is OF direct use in
the school room. As a result a lively air
is given to the sessions, No one com
plains OF being bored.
A change was announced for the sue
ceedlng days, The physiology will come
In the morning and the gymnastics in the
afternoon.
This is the present institute member
ship; Cora NJ. Mcdonald, Mrs. f. B.
Black, C%heyennei Miss c. M. Fry,