The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1890-01-03
THE INSTITUTE LAST WEEK
REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE THREE
DAYS SESSION

On Thursday morning. Dec. 26th, at 10
I"clock Supt. McElroy opened the Second
district teachers institute at the CITY hall
III Corvallis. by Introductory remarks upon
the topic, "What rules ought a teacher to
make at the opening of his school" He
SAYS the state board of education have made
some general rules, for the government of
the schools of Oregon. Prof. ]. NJ. Viii.
lian's, principal of the Eugene schools, then
stated he did nat usually lecture the school
the first morning, and read to them a sys.
tenn of rules. He thought it well to teach
neatness by telling the pupils that he would
each month examine the books of the
pupils. Prof. Givens, of Linn county, fol-
lowed with some good suggestions. He
said rules applicable in one district would
not he so in another. Prof Rigler, of Ore
gon City, public schools said he understood
the question to apply to our ungradeal
country schools. But shall we read a list
of rules male by the teacher at the opening:
He thinks short address to the pupils is
well, but good work is better. Rules
should be made as they are needed. Rules
should be expressed in simple language.
Every rule should be rigidly enforced
Punishment should follow the violation
of every rule. Pupils should help in the
legislation if the teacher guides the senti.
ment. Rule-making is hazardous. Supt.
}. G. Stevenson, of Lane county, favors
outlining the work with few rules. Mr.
Davis, of Douglas county, said he made nc
rules. Mr.. Burns, of Douglas, said he
made one rule-"Do Right"
Institute then adjourned to circuit court
room on account of the cold weather.
Prot. Risler then introduced the subject
of Primary Arithmetic" Provide counters
of splints, pegs, objects of any kind. Test
his ability to count with these objects.
Teach him to number these objects. Drill
him in rapid work. Then in combination
work.
Prof. w. N. Hull, of state agricultural
college, introduced for the initial subject in
the afternoon. THE Value of Graphic Illus
tration." The speaker urged teachers to
illustrate all their work. Teachers are not
well qualified to teach unless they can
practice free hand drawing. Its value in
teaching cannot be estimated.
"Meth.ds of Securing Order" was in
troducei by F. M. Ghormley, of Newport.
He advocates the ilea Of teachers becoming
well acquainted with all the patrons of the
school. Have the directors make rules for
the school a',d rigiily enforce them. Prof.
&. A. Walker, of Albany, did not believe
it good ilea to feel the pulse of the pa
rents to find out what ails the child
Thought it better not to be acquainted with
some parents. Thought the directors
should have nothing to do with the rules.
Prof. Frank Rigler. principal of the Oregon
City schools. thought it good idea to
know all the parents, but not make them
all bosom friends. Did not think directors
should make rules for the COVER nment of
the school.
Prof. Frank Rigler, by request, continu-
ed the subject of .'Primary Arithmetic. -
He believes using methods that will make
the work easy and yet practical. Use
props, or helps. until the child is sufficient
iy advanced to not need them, A great
deal of practice is needed in addition. as
there are comparatively few persons, ont
side OF accountants, who can add with
rapidity and accuracy. Divide long col
umns in addition into sections of ten, ETC.,
for convenience and accuracy. Prot. w.
W. Bristow of the state agricultural college,
did not think child should walk by means
of crutches or props. Believe that child
learns to add long columns as we'll as to
divide a column into sums of tens and then
add the sums. Prof. g. A. Walker. of
Albany, did not exactly like the idea of
proping a child up. Prof. Lane. of Che
mawa, believed children should have arith-
inetic made easier to them. He thinks
breaking a column of figures a good thing.
The association then adjourned till 7:3O
Before the appointed iour rolled around,
streams of living humanity were pouring
into the elegant and spacious court room of
the new county court house, which was
crowded to its utmost capacity.
Prof. w. e. Yates, principal Corvallis
pnblic schools, in his usual genial aud
hearty way, delivered the address of well
come. The speech was full of thought and
feeling.
The "Response, by J. B. Horner, prin.
;ipal Roseburg public schools, was replete
with thought and sentiment. The address
was listened to with rapt attention. The
speaker is too popular speaker throughout
;he state, to need an enconium from our
ben.
Rev. w. Rollins, pastor First M. E.
,hurch, Salem, was then introduced, who
tho assembly on the subject,
. 'Heroism Modernized'' Rev. Rollins is a
popular lecturer, and upon this occasion de.
lighted and instructed his hearers. The
peaker believes there are heroes as great
n humble homes as there are on battle
ields. We need not look for heroes in the
ecords of soldiers and martyrs, but 90 to
he homes of many of our people. The
peaker discussed many of the social prob
ems of the day, and interspersed his dis.
curse with humor.
Hon. Wallis Nash Esq. then read paper