The record-union., 1893-11-29
TEACHERS INSTITUTE.
Treatment cf Various Subjects
Yesterday.
The Work Laid Out for To-day
some Very Interesting
Papers.

The second days session of the Sacra-
mento County Teachers Institute was
called to order by Superintendent How
ard.
After rolI-call of teachers the minutes
of Monday were read and approved.
The Superintendent reported the death
of three members OF the institute of 1892,
and suggested that the Committee on
Resolutions draft suitable memorials.
''School Decorations" was presented by
Miss Conrad. She thought surroundings
had a great influence on pupils. No
schooIhouse should be suggestive OF q
prison, hence all teachers must strive 10
supply that which will tend to elevate the
minds of their scholars. Walls, pictures
and windows were suggested as places to
be beautitied. Her remarks were listened
TO attentively.
Miss Anna G. Murphy was next intro
duced. and spoke at length on "Estab
fishing Literary Connections" This dis
tinguished educator contends that it
should not be the aim Of teacher to as
sist only those who are Of literary turn
of mind, or have good home influence
but those who are dull, and know only
such sentiments as may be found IN
Puck, Life or Saturday Night. Nothing
can be of so great detriment to the child
or of so great a hindrance TO the teacher,
as the early inculcation OF trashy Itera-
ture. 1t must not be allowed. The sell
ing of such works as have been mem
toned should be considered q crime.
ONLY elsvatlng studies should be
pursued. She suggested that the
institute petition its County
and City Boards of Education to place
the Classics" on the teachers desk in
every schoolroom in the county. The
teaching OF such literature would be of
almost as great benefit to the teacher as
to the pupil. Children must study the
best works, hence teachers should refrain
from reading those authors which they
would not recommend to those under
their instruction. \ chart o! the Htera-
ture of the world from the time Of the
myths till our own modern classic writ
erS was shown. and the different epOchs
commented upon. Adventure and stir
ring events are vividly pictured IN the
best language, and has never failed to eX-
cite the attention of any boy or girl when
properly told by the teacher. Miss Muir
ply, in her pleasant way, told the story
oil the myths as she has often presented 1t
to her class. The institute showed its APP
probation of her talk by prolonged ap-
plause.
Recess was here declared, and upon re-
assembling the remainder OF the forenoon
was occupied by ". II. Y. Raymond in
an able address on the Use of the Public
School Library Tie gentleman stated
that he had received forty replies 10 a
circular sent out, and that but one teacher
gave an answer as to what extent she
used the library IN her school work. This
teacher allowed The pupils 10 select one
from a number of works she would
recommend, and upon its return to the
library the pupil would be required to
write a composition upon some character
III the work or upon the story IN general.
his method was presented to the insti-
tute rs a practical one, and its adoption
by the teachers was urged.
sir. kaymOnd's suggestions, as TO the
course OF reading to be pursued, were
well received. The institute then adj
Journed until l;30 P. N.
Ipou reassem bling the institute lis
tened with pleasure to D well rendered
vocal solo and encore by Mrs. b. +. How
ard The grammar grade pupils Of the
sacramento Grammar School, under the
suBcrvision Of Professor Ferdinand
Fischer, gave a most pleasing drill in
physical culture. The young ladies show
great proficiency in their many difficult
movements.
Miss IneZ J.. Robinson, in well-writ-
ten paper, presented the educational
value OF history. This study is second
only TO literature, in which one may
have an opportunity TO study character.
Persons are more interesting to pupils
than events; events more than abstract
truths. To read their lives is to know
them, and TO know them is 10 be like
them.
Mrs. Mary w. George OF the San Jose
Normal followed with an excellent ad-
dress on the Public Schools OF Our
Mother Country" The meaning of a
public school" was given and then the
startling statement was made that there
were only eight really public schools in
England. She gave minute descriptions
OF the life at Eaton and Rugby. Mrs.
George stated that her Anglo enthusiasm
had not in the least changed her loyalty
to America and its educational institu-
tions.
Thought Teaching" was well handled
by Mrs. I. 2. Osborn Of Florin. y text
book is textbook still, and can never
be changed. The teacher who depends
upon such methods in her teaching is
never success. The Advanced Arith-
metic gives an excellent opportunity for
thought development
Miss Bertha Ebert gave an interesting
account OF her visit to Chicago.
The institute then adjourned till to-day
at $3.50. when The following programme
will be carried out:
MORNING.
9:30-Rou call aud music
9:50-"Side Lights in Geography" w.
II. Y. Raymond.
l0:35-"School Recreation" Miss Flora
Greenlaw,
10:50-Recess.
IA 1.-THE for the Esthetic," Miss
Anna c. Murphy.
u:45-"The School System of Dereinst,"
Fred L. Wharf.
12-Intermission.
AFTERNOON.
1:30-Roll call and music.
1:50-"Chemistry in the School-room,7 -
Fred &. Ray.
2:50-Recess.
"School-room Devices" Miss Mamie
Feeny.
5:I5-Miscellaneous work. Report of
committees.
Adjournment.
THE LECTURE.