Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1892-02-26

[ ueHneu luea, III MS mlnd. Let the child
read by the thought, the sentence having
developed from the idea or sentiment. In
doing anything be guided by results. If
you have pet theory and It does not work
well abandon it and try something else.
Principal Pinkham of Woodstock, who was
the next speaker, urged the importance of
instruction in English literature in the
common schools, and said this instruction
must go through every department of the
school Begin by reading stories from
classic authors. Let the children tell these
stories over and over in their own words,
seeking simplicity and directness of style.
Select alwaws the best authors. The teach
er's natural feeling of patriotism will
prompt the choice Of American writer's.
Principal Nichols on Geography.
The afternoon session opened with a
very able and practical talk on "Geogra-
phyn by Principal w. f. Nichols of Hol-
yoke, Mass
He said IL general definition Of geography
might he, "A big book, full of maps. pictures and
hard names. Are We teaching IL to plit
oar iniividua y into It and make it living
thing Teachers often show no skill in asking
questions Think Of $50 map questions on Flu
rope. The aim Of such teachers seems to be- a
waste of time The speaker had no belief In the
question and answer method classified know
ledge Is the only knowledge. and there is no sub.
icct like geography for this Teach outlines first
As aids for recitation lac would recommend sand
tables and outline maps which can be- filled in 10y
the pupil the outline itself made non-erasbe
Study the size say of North America, using this
as ii standard with which to complre all the CON
tinents. To teach the coast line take voyage Of
discovery from the cehergs NJ the north to the
coral islands Of the tropics. eucountering storms
of the coast aud noting everything. but only one
point at tim" and moulding everything upon
the sand tables The us' of Culored maps was
emphasized to fix the physical characteristics
plateaus tahe-lands river system $. the inhabi-
tantS ami their occupations Fine work of this
kind was shown, some of 1t hv very young pupils
Teach what relates to man. his necessities and
advantages. before locality. study first a country
as a whole, details will follow naturally
Capt. Hall on school Management.
After singing BY class Of % pupils
from the Sth grade Capt. Hall gave anoth-
er practical talk, this time on "SchoOl
management
The first essential on entering the school room
is "A settled line Of work and careful preparation
for each days work 10y the teacher After this
there must be. first OF all, enthusiasm: one is
likely to succeed without IT, Give to each subject
its proper share Of attention. Know as much as
you can about the district and The home crcum
stances and Influences of the pupils. Some haN"
more to contend with than Others. Show sym
pathy by special inquiries. Commend IN little
things. especially if a boy has fallen little be
low grade heretofore. II fault must b. found
and II Is easy to do this -br careful of time
aud circumstances. Be always honest before pu-
nils else We, loss. our hold. n wrong own il. If
You don't know, he frank aud say Keep cool:
sell. control Is the basis Of control of others.
Keep pupils busy. but urriIg e work beforehand
Look to your own habits of amusement that they
De- such Hs pupils may copy. ran INTO line aS far
as possible with ideas Of parents ON this subject
The personal Huprar'ur" Of the teacher Is an eS-
~"utial Question habits of work would not
some other way ID" better.
In short discussion on promotions
which followed, Mr.. Horne said there
should he great care in this respect. Par
cnts, especially in small towns, often inter
fcre quite too much. Promotions should
rest with those who know They should
not depend entirely on daily markings.
The most feasible way he knew was for
the teacher to recommend candidates for
promotion, and the promotion to be then
made not absolute, but conditional. This
will act as a check on the teacher. and
keep the teacher in the next grade from
saying that the child has not been proper
~ prepared. Mr. RYDER said this plan was
substantially that which had been adopted
at Bellows Falls. Mr.. Dunbar's talk on
Astronomy as related to mathematical
geography was plain, practical and help
full in its terms, and was listened TO with
close attention. An interesting feature
was the exhibition OF a set OF charts. de-
vised by the speaker, which We're charac-
tcrizcd by great clcarneSs and simplicity,
and illustrated what the teacher may use
As help in his work.
This closed the afternoon session. In
the evening Principal Pinkham of Wood
stock gave an address at the town hail on
the Rise. growth, development and pres
cnt status of English literature Most Of
the visiting teachers had gone to their