Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-10-02
NORTH DICKINSON TEACHERS
Proceedings of Their FIRST Institute
Held Saturday.

Proceedings of Their FIRST Institute
Held Saturday.
The teachers institute of the North
Dickinson district convened at Center
dale school house, Saturday, Sept. q.
At IL O'Clock President II. NJ. Light
called the meeting to order. Prayer
by Supt. Ford and music by the school
followed. Next in order was the elec-
tion of officers, which resulted as fol-
lows: President, II. NJ. Light; vice
president, W. II. Phipps; secretary,
Jesse Engle; treasurer, Ralph Miles.
Ali of the old officers were reelected,
with the exception of J. II. Engle, who
is not in this district this year.
It was not yet time for dinner. The
time was occupied in discussing ques-
tions suggested.
Mr.. Mouiton showed his plan of
teaching local geography in the Abb
lene schools. Their courses in local
geography lead to an advanced book,
no intermediate geography being re-
quired.
MIR. Cook, of the high school, showed
how he would make less classes in
country schools. Many teachers have
twice as many classes as pupils. Many
Of the teachers of graded schools for
get the actual condition of the irregu-
lar ungraded country schools. They
can easily speak Of combining classes
Of all kinds but to conduct them sue
cessfully is vastly different.
Supt. Ford with others thought that
q teacher should not teach any classes
during intermission or after school;
that physical geography, algebra, ETC.,
have no place in the country school. 1t
is wasting time and energy of the
teacher.
After dinner the president appointed
Fred Shadinger, critic. Ex. commit
tee, Messrs. Cook, Holmes and Wag-
ner; reporters, News, L. Humbargar;
Chronicle, c. E. Rugh; Enterprise
Journal, w. Early; Manchester Sun,
Emma Cooley; Alliance Monitor, C.
r. Troxel.
An address of welcome was made by
Jesse Engle and responded to by W.
81. Wagner. This we think is gener-
ally an unsatisfactory as well as un-
necessary proceeding at our Institutes.
First steps in language was intro
duced by MIR. HumbargRr in absence of
Miss MyTta Wick. He said the first
steps i'll language should begin with
the first steps in the school room.
Mr.. Shjrk urged taking time to
correct written work if the teacher re-
quires it to be done. Neisley, Ford,
ct a. discussed the subject ably.
Miss Belle SINNERS read a paper on
"object teaching" Miss SINNERS has
had much experience in primary teach
ing. She says pictures are good, but
objects are better. Do not write fig
ures until you know what they repre-
sent. Mr.. Wagner thinks we go to ex-
tremes in object teaching.
The old question was discussed. the
bible in the common school. Mr..
Holmes believes those who are not
christians cannot teach it, and that all
morality comes from the bible. No
man should teach" said Mr.. Shirk.
"who does not believe in religious
work."
At the evening session w. II. Phipps
reviewed current literature. Mr.. Cook
read lengthy paper Oh teachers
morals" and Supt. Ford read of the
"characteristicS of the true teacher"
The papers had the right ring and
did honor to the authors. Miss
Schmitz and Miss HOisington rendered
beautiful solos. The high school quar-
tette deserves thanks for their singing.
Mr.. Early and school pleased all with
their music. The high school bows
showed elOcutionary drill in their dec
lamations.
Forty teachers were present. The
next institute will be held at Sutphen's
Mills, Oct, 25.