Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-11-26
TEACHERS IN COUNCIL.
SECOND DAYS PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COUNTY INSTITUTE.
kindergarten Tots Give an Interesting
Exhibition-schooi Methods
Freely Discussed.

bled at $3.50 A. NJ. yesterday and was called
to order by Superintendent Howard. After
roll-call Miss Hattie Wilson gave a grace
full rendition of "Miserere."
Miss NJ. Alys Pullman then exhibited to
the admiring audience various accomplish
ments of kindergarten tots" First they
represented the blacksmith shoeing his
horse; but instead of the horses hoof, each
tot took the foot of its neighbor and ham,
mered upon it. Then the children were
given bells, with which they kept perfect
time to music played on the piano. The
"Motion Song" which followed, well Illus
trated children's initiative faculties, giving
by various gestures of the little hands and
arms what older persons would have to ex-
press in words and at the same time lay
ing foundation for future exercises in
calisthenics.
Charles Y. Osborne read a paper on
"Pedagogics in which he dwelt with en-
phasis on the impractical manner of teach
ing children. He said that higher educa-
ton, without practical use OF the same,
was not necessary to good citizenship. The
nation looks, not to its highly educated
men for advice but 10 its practical, reason
ing men. The duty of the teacher is, not
to cram the youthful mind with facts, but
to teach the child to think for himself and
to rely upon himself. Tell the child
how, and he viii not ask lUhy There is too
much examining and too little unfolding
in the present school system. The hope of
promotion keeps up temporary, but not
a lasting, interest in studies. Narrow the
many textbook facts down to few and
enlarge upon the few; then the child will
become thinking being instead Of a ma
chine for remembering. In speaking of
school government, Mr.. Osborne said that
as a rule, only poor teachers have poor
government. The bringing in of bugs.
throwing spit-balls, etc., did not reflect
upon the scholars, but upon the teachers.
Guard against too much government, but
good order is the sine qua non of success.
a short recess was declared, after which
E ?. Howe, Jr., gave the teachers some
good ideas in regard to the collecting and
preservation OF insects. Have plenty of
specimens and an ordinary cabinet in
which to preserve them. Let the children
learn to notice and compare, being sure of
each insects habits; note the injurious in
sects and their destructive qualities. Mr..
Howe thinks the study of entomology
great benefit to children in the country,
and if the teachers would all do their duty,
the bugs would have his heartfelt SYM
pathy.
Superintendent Fisher OF Alameda, re-
GREETED the lack of entom ology. teaching in
the schools. He thought few of the more
destructive and of the more useful insects
could be taken and understood in every
school. Mr.. Fisher then spoke in a most
vivid and impressive manner of Patriot
ism in the Public Schools" Patriotism
cannot be taught as one of the studies.
People are patriotic because they love
everything connected with the land in
which they were born or in which their
childhood was spent. Their country is en-
deared to them from the many struggles
which it has undergone aud the victories it
has won. II is not to American children
that American teachers should teach pa
triotism, but to foreigners coming to make
homes and gain liberty in the land of the
free. Mr.. Fisher would have the American
flag waving over every school house in the
land, and he would have its significance
explained many times.
Mrs. Z. B. Purnell responded with few
fitting remarks. She said that patriotism
did not consist of boisterous celebration
on the Fourth of July--it was born of
deeper feeling. Patriotism has been mani
tested in all ages. Miltades and his heroes
of Marathon, Oliver Cromwell, William
the Silent-all these were patriots of other
countries. Webster and Washington were
true patriots of America.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
In the afternoon Miss Mabel Barnes IA
vored the audience with vocal solo. Lit
tie Annie Laughlin reoited in most capti-
waiting manner, and was loudly encored.
Superintendent Fisher spoke at some
length, defining The Relation of Trustees
and School Officers to the Public Schools"
His remarks would have been of greater
benefit had more Trustees been present.
Only two being on hand, they were called
upon for their opinions in regard TO the
subject.
MIR. Welty, of Pacific District, stated that
he always allowed the teacher to run the
school according TO her own ideas.
Someone then remarked that 1.-The trouble
we hear about must be caused by Trustees
wives"
Mr.. Welty couldn't say as to that, but
thought Trustees pretty good fellows"
He then went on to state that he was very
much interested in education, and had
been trying for long time 10 revise the
English language there being no reason
why such a difference should exist in
mansion" and mention" gem" and
'jam,' etc. He thought reconstruction
of the English language would save a vast
amount of money in the teaching Of it.
Mr.. Lipowiiz thought the idea good
one, although "a chestnut and that
wife" should be spelled "yf.'
Mr.. Simons, an ex-teacher, spoke few
encouraging words to the teachers, narrat-
ing some of his early experiences.
Mr.. Jackson was next called upon, and
replied: Il came not here to talk
A few minutes were given 10 recreation
Miss Mary Quinn favored the assemblage
with piano solo.
Mr.. J. h. Pond was listened to with
great attention while reading Pride in Oul
Vocation" Mr. Pond prefaced his re-
marks by declaring himself "a champion
of the fair sex" in reply to previous re
mark He declared men had two objects
in life; one was TO disparsge women, The
other to deliver :orations. He said tina
the speech previously prepared by him
having besn despoiled of its beauties by
former orators, was left like tree Topped
of its boughs-nothing but the trunk re
mained-the title.
Speaking of college education, Mr.. PonC
wished to correct the false but popular ides
that it is of no use in q business life. There
must be natural ability, but when to that i!
added q thorough education, it is reason
able to suppose that the result will bj
eminently satisfactory. If study gives as {
return nothing but the pleasure derived
from the perussl of books, then il woulC
more than pay every one 10 obtain college
education.
In ancient times the crown of laurel was
awarded to the teacher, as the.one who haC
done the most for mankind. Should no
the teacher, then, feel pride il his voca
tion7
Miss Carrie Wooster's paper on Defect:
in the Course of Study showed some well
developed ideas. They agree with those o
many other teachers Miss Wooster be
lieves there are too many studies, and too
little time given TO finish them. 1t is botl
detriment TO the pupils and burden to th'
teachers. Take longer time in which t
learn the required studies. and learn then
thoroughly.
Superintendent B. F. Howard closed tn,
afternoon with some remarks relsting t
Miss Woosters subject.
EVENING EXERCISES.
A Large Audience Entertained by Prot
Dickinson and Others