The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-05-08

could have been furnished by looking upon
the gathering. On the platform sat G. r..
Brandt, quiet and self possessed, an edu-
Gator who educates and man whose teach
ing has strongly impressed itself i'm this
county. Prof. Van Dorm, member of the
Republican State central committee and the
nominee of his party for State Senator last
fall, kept a close watch on the proceedings
adding words of wisdom from time to time.
Supt. j. w. Simmons, who is equally at
home in teachers meeting at Vernon or
presiding over q section of the State Teach
ers' Association. 4. M. Hopkins, of Lam
sing, who is an official connected with our
present body Of law makers, was also pres
ent renewing acquaintances, while Messrs.
French, Dewey, Cupples, McEuen, Fuller,
Benson, Durfee, Balch, Ingraham, Mrs. l..
K. Gould and others were present to take
part in the proceedings; such are the names
of those who attended and participated.
ii. j. McEuen's paper on the practical
school was an an argument in favor of indi-
vidualism in teaching, and bristled with
points from Mr.. McEuen's own experience.
Patriotism in the schools was considered
by b. q. Hall. 1t was full rounded edu-
cation that appealed to the nobler qualities
of pupils that made noble men of strong
sympathies. Ignorance is lacking in pat
riotism and is at the mercy of designing
persons. No reform Is accomplished through
ignorance but rather ignorance serves to
perpetuate vice. At present AmeIicaniZing
and instilling patriotism into the pupils of
foreign birth or extraction has become part
of a teachers duty. Teach the pupil that to
become an American citizen is an honor.
Miss Della Euler, with most perfect enun-
citation and action recited selection describ-
ing the rejection by an American girl of a
| titled lover.
X. Anna McCaughna, in describing the
school house and its surroundings told of
the evolution of the school house from the
old log school-building in the woods to the
present type, the white painted frame build
ing with green blinds and surmounted by
cupola and bell. The obedience to the
proclamation for the observance of Arbor
day would soon surround the school yard
with shade trees. Flower beds should take
the place of nOxious weeds and a clean lawn
succeed the woodward. School room deco
ratiOns should not be gaudy and the cards
of disreputabe business advertisements be
excluded.
The time is near at hand when our coun-
thy schools, with the combined labor of
parent and teacher, wisely and intelligenty
directed, shall he made what they should be
to educate the whole man.
Miss Mary Dyer conducted class eXer-
else with pupils from her school, which
showed the drill of a true teacher. After a
slight thrill of embarrassment the pupils
were perfectly self possessed i'm their recta-
ton. Perhaps the most practical part of
the program was given by Miss Dyer's class.
Miss Agnes Morrice told of the steps
traversed in primary reading. Assoclating
objects with words was the first process.
This is the natural way. Script should be
used first, then make the transition to the
printed letters when a child begins to take
up the book. Teach the pupils to find
works, give them words to make into sen-
tences. The field for the primary teacher
is unlimited.
The paper read by DR.. Crouch on hea,
and light will be considered at another time.
Resolutions were passed a-king that
Supt Simmons conduct the institute this
season, thanking the Vernon choir for theiI
excellent music, and leaving the date and
place of the next meeting in the hands OF
the executive committee. After supper
some little speech making was indulged in
after which the teachers made their way tC
the railway depot feeling that profitable
day had been spent.
NOTES.
Every teacher in Vernon township ant
Vernon village was present at the associa
ton.
The receipts were $5.7O from dinner ant
supper and 1922 from collection.
Prof. George conducted an institute al
Vernon some years ago.
The Saginaw Valley teachers AssOcia
ton convenes at Oakley, Saturday, May 16
The names of some teachers appear on tht
program who have done excellent work In
Shiawassee county, hence the convention
cannot fail to be good.