The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1891-02-13

ing their Views to the work at hand;
kindling anew the fires that have burned
low, drawing inspiration from the best
thoughts Of the masters. This much 1
deem absolutely necessary to even
moderate success. Then IL we are
ambitious, and are looking for a better
situati0n-and who ia motive may
select some particular branch, about
which u reading sh0nld center, In
this field We would, in time. come to
know the best that has been said or done,
and we ourselves would become an
authority on the subject. As teachers,
gradually become specialists, in a
limited sense, their influence would do
more than has yet been done In making
our work professional to a degree worthy
Of the name. The field Of education is
80 vast, that the general reader who
attempts to master all the departments
is certain to make a shipwreck, no mat
ter how brilliant his talent. or how great
his energy may be; while almost any
teacher, that sufficiently limits his work.
may hope to render real service to the
cause, even with limited time and
Strengthened circumstances. The inter-
est in educational problems and edu-
cational literature is snow perhaps deeper
and more general than ever before, with
no sign of an abatement. 1t has never
been 80 necessary to read AMI to think
diligently to keep from falling behind
in the race. While on the contrary. the
rewards for professional services have
never been 10 sure and SO substantial.
Second general reaning; II after
accomplishing that which was named so
essential, there is no desire to prepare
for special work. we should outline q
course Of general reading. This gives
breadth to the student. A knowledge Of
things in general aids In all subjects.
There is no subject which may not at
some time be brought to bear upon some
branch OF lower grade work. Think of
the great number Of questions that the
Youngest pupil may sk-questions relat-
ing to the work, and yet whose solution
may require q wide range of knowledge.
While writing, I recall the experience
of some teachers not long ago when the
world went wild over what was supposed
to be the star Of Bethlehem, the simplest
knowledge of the heavens would prevent
such a blunder. The well read person
is the possessor OF a fund of information
which may be Of practical value every
day. How often OH illustration, CLEANED
from general reading, introduced at the
right moment, may impress a thought so
as never to be forgotten. Reading
improves the vocabulary, and opens the
way for the use Of the very best English,
sometimes not always practical by
teachers. Teachers as much as any
class Of professional people need to cul-
tivate readiness Of expression.
The course of reading for the teachers
should consist largely Of the best litera-
ture-culture books, history and philo-
sophy. essay and biography. poetry and
fiction. Whatever Informs, broadens,
polishes and s%piritualizes the individual,
and whatever makes him a more har-
monious, better poised, or a purer person.
by so much. makes him a better teacher,
for after all, our power is measured more
by what we are than by what we know.
Add to this a few we'll chosen books upon
the philosophy and the history of educa-
ton that he may always be ready to
give a reason for his educational faith
and practice, and you have all the
requisite material for professional
growth.
Teachers who are growing by reading
will unconseiously inspire their pupils
to read. Noone can do more for another,
educationally speaking, than teach him
to read; that is to develope in him a love
of good reading and an instinct to find
1t. Happy is the teacher who knows how
to read, and who can inspire his pupils
with the above reading. His mission is
not a lee one. The sphere OF his
influence nc one can limit. He sets In
operation forces which may be world
wide in their effect. For such teachers
the world now stands waiting.