The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1892-03-17
ARM, GARDEN AND HOUSEHOLD
Educational Reform.
Written for the Republican jour-


education. Most ably is this matter being
discussed. May it continue until a mark
ed change is in progress. Let us all-for
the sake of the coming generation, as well
is our own-drop our mite into this ocean
If educational reform. Every one who
assists the children in their studies knows
now sadly it is needed.
Mrs. f. P. B. has accurately given my
unexpressed views in this direction, and
renewed my desire to help in keeping this
ball rolling. Would that the editor
might be sn crowded with articles, that
an extra force would be required to get
has work through OF that it might be add
lertised. even as are our local merchants
nd hese columns.
The ideas presented in the issue of
Feb. 18TH taken from the Boston Evening
Record and originating in Winchester.
Mass. are Of the best metal, The third
ana fourth paragraphs are in particular,
Aptewolthv They are as follows: BID
school Biographies are loaded with use
les, surplusage of words and facts. Read
une if YOU don t believe it. 4th. Geogra-
phy is much better taught by local appli-
cations, than by parrotish memorizng of
names.
During this present winter | was asked
by miss of ten years to hear her recite
the lesson she had been studying. Her
answers to the questions We're given cor
rectly-too correctly; they We're ''book'
answers then asked her what her les
SON was about She replied Il don't
know" At that moment / could have
committed every copy of that Geography
t. the flames This may seem strange
language Were it possible, would
soften it by saying: They are suitable for
High schools; but they never reach the
High School. our scholars of fourteen.
or less, have finished Geography 1t is
we'll for their memorizing powers that
hey have.
Now moment on Arithmetic We will
note the rules Ito say nothing Of needless
examples which scholars are compelled
70 commit. as best they can, and when
Unable to get correct answers to problems,
their teacher says: Apply your rules. ="
Now they are for children under twelve.
and allow me to say. that these children
cannot understand, or apply, these rules,
even were they to be expelled the next
lav Yet they often admit that they do,
fearing to be thought stupid, OF really
thinking they do
Ny attention has been called to several
.ases where children are having private,
ol evening teachers, simply in order to
keep along in our second school; and the
children, intellectually, are average chill
lrrn Why is it? Truly. Something is
often in Denmark. l do not wish to
ensure teachers. They have much to
outend with. and not the least are their
text books. | think that many and espec-
tally young teachers, do not question their
worth, thinking they are productions of
nlder and ADLER functions than themselves.
They are obliged to use that which is pro
yided; yet should they, prior to the day
ol hour Of recitation, read and simplify
the lessons by words and practical Illus
rratious, which teachers can devise. their
scholars conld answer more understand
n.ly than if hours had been spent in Ell
1eavoring to retain those long paragraphs
slrough actual force of memory and that
+he children would return home each day
letter informed and with botn mental
and physical faculties less exhausted
Parents read Cor memorizeD your
euwn 5 text books and let rs heal from YOU.
rhink you will feel like writing a poem.
similar to the one from "Puck, given
Journal Feb. 1lth-''The school ldyl
# contains most striking points. Every
uaper should republish this poem.
After reading the books referred to. send
your protest You will surely have one
Anyone who understands the laws of our
icing must have. | hear some one say:
'0h. cannot Fin not competent
Does it require competency to speak for
hildren in home affairs? Why should it
III this the most important work of their
ives? 1t doesn't matter if you never were
utted for public speaking or writing. You
can say something; aiming to free your
own and others from this memorizing
bondage; and that something will en-
courage those who are competent to speak
for you. There is much can be said on
The max up of said books. There are
many technicalities, but four of which
can refer to in this article. The field is
large for discussion. Questions forcibly
present themselves: Why are such books
accepted? and being accepted why intro
luced into this grade of schools of which
am writing? Have our Leaders, child
reu OF their own9 If so, where is their
Judgment Of childhood? 1t does not re-
quire an advanced education to understand
The capabilities given us by our Creator.
During the latter part of a recent term
Of our schools the teacher had occasion to
give a half day recess. The weather be-
ing fine it was like giving food to the
hungry 1t was So celebrating to Nat
ure's jubilant spirit that at the next SEES