The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-05-24
ATTHE FRANKLIN SCHOOL.

! Yesterday commencement exercises by
the Normal teachers were held at thi;
! school. and were very interesting. The D
and c primary departments were exercised
in numbers by Miss MCGEE, in reading by
Miss Allison, gymnastics by Miss Wilson,
music by Mrs. Ellis, morals By Miss An
derson, language by Miss Burns. These
are all practical teachers, and on this &C.
cssion demonstrated the efficiency and
thorOughness of normal theories and pTin-
ciples. None Of these lessons were stereo-
typed or confined 10 the school
books, but eacn teacher endeavored
to teach in that way that put the pupil on
the idea. number, language, or subject be-
fore them, and the childs' own thought
was directed as is its disposition or pecul-
lar aim Of mind, and in all instances the
little folks embraced the idea. and were
ready and quick in answer. The exercises
in gymnastics by Miss Wilson and Miss
Burns were exceptionally good, and the
manner of Miss Andrews and Miss Allison
were very instructive. and kept the pupils
in earnest desire to do, and perform cor
rectly. Mrs. Elisi in music, aud Miss Niece
in numbers showed great adaptation in
INC al W III peAA lAAS LAC 4I9oO-o ~ IAS
scholars understanding. The Rotations
in all these was exceptionally good and
entertaining. To fully understand the
great advantage OF Normal training one
has only to see the work of this depart
ment, and VIII concede the pcacticabilty
of the theory aud its superiority over un-
trained, unmethOdical practice and teach
ing 1t is the trained, skilled workman
over the unframed, unskilled apprentice.
1t is better explained in the words of Miss
Bryson. in her address, who has charge OF
these departments:
Miss Bryson said: II am frequently
asked by the patrons of the school if do
not think It Is injurious to pupils to
change teachers every three weeks.
think this point Is not thoroughly under
stood, so | will take the time TO explain it
here. In the first place. the superinten-
dent holds me responsible for the cOudi-
ton OF pupils at the end of the year. l
plan all the work as whole. The young
ladies act as assistants three weeks before
they begin actual teaching. During this
time they watch the work rs IL Is carried
on by the principal teacher, learn the
childreu's names, and gain considerable
Information about each individual child.
When they are ready to begin regular work
larry the work of her predecessor, and |
see to it that no break occurs in the work
when we change teachers. And / wish TO
say few words about the preparation
which the young ladies make for their
work 4 program is written for each day
in which every lasson is written out in
full The young ladies explain TO me just
what points they intend TO make, how they
intend 10 make them, and what materials
they will use. l criticize each program
thoroughly the day before it is 10 be used,
and the young lady corrects her
errors or rewrites her lesson.
as the case requires. In this
way. you see, each Jays work is thor
oughIy prepared beforehand. which is
more than can always be SAID OF many
regular teachers.
There is an advantage. too, in Jhe variety
Of work which the pupils get. Each child
has better opportunity 10 develop his
individuality. All pupils acquire a fuller
vocabulary and a much wider range OF
Information than they could possibly
acquire under one teacher"
To-day the exercises Will be at the Emer-
son school. commencing at 10 a. IL.