The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-11-27
Local Institute.

The teachers of Greenwood and adj
jacent districts met in local institute
in the opera house on Saturday, Nov.
ember ii.
Supt. Johnston called the meeting
to order, John Bruner conducted the
devotional exercises, and II. w. Ewes
was elected chairman, who made
few remarks, saying that more united
work of parents and teachers was
needed and more interest manifested.
Institute sang "Bringing in the
Sheaves" and Ida Jacoby Of Rohrs-
burg primary school was elected secrc-
tary.
Laura Heacock recited an appropri-
ate piece entitled Autumn"
The subject of Language was dis.
cussed by Boyd Trescott of the Pine
Grove school. 1t is means by which
thought is communicated to one an
other. To correct the language of
children it is necessary to drill them
month after month. 1t is sufficient
for first and second reader grades to
know how to use a word without know
ing its class. Let the child begin to
construct sentences from the first. 1t
is preferable to begin with verbs as it
will lead him to broader ideas. Avoid
sameness of expression and do not al
low the work to become monotonous.
BY repetition fix the correct form in
the ch:ld's mind so he will use it un-
consciously.
Supt. Johnston, making remarks up
on the subject. sad that the child's
early training was the most important
training and if properly done the later
work will be easier.
Prof. Welsh: There is no need of
language book. Make all lessons
language lessons. Teach pupils to
think more. In answer to the ques-
ton : When should the study of
technical grammar be commenced
He said, when pupils can study history,
and arithmetic to interest, they may
prohtably begin the study of technical
grammar.
Pupils from Millville sang, "Swing-
ing Meath the Old Apple tree" and
Annie Rich, of the Greenwood school,
read an interesting essay entitled, How
to make the School Room Pleasant.
Recitation, Frank Lyons, A True
Story.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Institute called to order at 1870,
and pupils sang an appropriate song,
and gave concert recitation.
Supt. Johnston spoke on the subject
of harmonious development. Be
careful not to strengthen the strong
and neglect the weak. 1t is the teach
er's duty to see that child receives an
all round education. 1t is 4 mistake
to allow pupils to pursue just his favor
itc study, neglecting others just as i'm
portant and must be remedied by the
efforts Of the teacher. Poor
classification produces the same one
sided education. 1t is in the recita-
ton that the teacher exerts the most
powerful influence. Do not allow the
bright pupils to do all the reciting.
Praise judiciously used is a good
stimulant to secure good study. Be
careful to strengthen the weak and
not neglect the strong.
Institute sang "Help it on"
Prof. Bakeless of the Bloomsburg
Normal School gave interesting talks
on "rhe natural Sciences in the Public
Schools" Why should farmers not be
acquainted with the plants in the fields
and trees in the woods? Plenty of
specimens just outside the school room
door. Give something outside the
dry facts of the text book. The study
Of common stones and the chemical
composition of the soil form an inter
esting and valuable study.
Recitation, Sadie Herring. AID a
concert recitation entitled "Our
Country's Flag"
Henry R. Russell spoke on the
teachers preparation. He should
have professional reading; he should
know the subject and the object of
teaching it. The spirit of the teacher
has much to do with the pupils love
for the work. Every teacher should
have professional reading in education
al papers.
Singing, "Crowding Awfully."
Prof Welsh; "a talk to Parents"
A great many children are ruined be-
fore they reach school, not only physi- |
cally but morally. If the school is
not good do not growl about it but 60
and visit it and see If the reports are
true. Your presence will encourage
the teacher, if the school is not right
it is your fault. You elected the di-
rectors, and they do not look after the
school. Parents should see that chill
dren attend regularly. Do not keep
them at home unless sick. There
should be more reading matter for the
children.
Institute closed with singing "rwi-
light is Stealing"