Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1894-06-23
The Oxford Normal.
Univ rsity Miss, June II, 1891

Univ lslt' lliSS., tuhc IL, icvfs
Mr. EDIroR:-The State Stpt of Educa-
ton requested the teachers from the sever
al COUNT les to write to the county Editors,
giving an recount of the work done here at
the Summer Normal, held especially for
High School and Graded School teachers.
AS Others have already written to their
papers, and as | I'M the only one from Nox-
ubee, that was at the opening, | do not in
tend that Noxubee shall 20 unheard from,
even if most Of her teachers are ut the
Bonneville Normal, and | will give you a
brief account of some things in which we
have been engaged. About 10 teachers
were present at the opening exercises June
18th, now more than 325 are present.
Following is Il program of the daily work
which is now being done:
$50 to S.45 Opening, to 1910 Graded work
TO II. Is Primary work to 11.R History of
Miss, to 1900 Physical Culture, to 1913
Written Arithmatic, to 1 90 Me ntal Arith-
matte, Dinner. From 400 to 800 Z. NJ.
Physics. to 600 Physiology.
You can see from this that the teachers
have plenty of work to do, and l assure
YOU that they are hard at work. There is
a great deal of enthusiasm displayed and a
deal of concentrated thought brought into
action. Many teachers, dixie your writer
have left their homes and loved Ones (hard
task and are now spending their energies,
time and money that they may more ctii-
GENTLY serve the people. Aud is it neces-
sary to say that the teacher needs the kind
words Of the people! Many of us realize
that we have had these subjects before,
still we arc here so that by contact with
each other, anu by close application to the
work. we may be enabled to gain encour.
agement and energy to press forward with
renewed zeal to neet the labors and res
possibilities devolving upon the teacher.
Yes that responsibility of directing children
the most sacred trust that God has given us,
into that channel of thought which will fit
them for useful, honorable citizenship In
this world. and a blessed, glorious citizen
ship in the world to come. Boards of Trus-
tees and Patrons of Schools, we do most
sincerely wish that you could be here, even
for IL short while, to see something of the
work.
Never anywhere have we seen more will.
ling instructors than those who have been
selected by our efficient State Supt. of Ed,
to do the work for us here, They are ever
ready to answer in an intelligent manner
any question aakcd them. And not only
this. but they also invite the teachers to
let them know at any time, even outside of
recitation hours. whatever special instruc-
ton Is desired and it Will gladly be given.
The instructors are thorough and congenial
in their work. OuI State Supt. o. Educa-
ton may be seen in the work all the time.
encouraging the teachers in his happy way
to press onward and upward. aud has a
bright smile for every one. DIR. j.. Ii. Phil
lips of Birmingham, Ala. who is manager
of tho Normal, is thoroughly into the wor
and his lectures on school management,
and many other things concerning progress
sion, both Of principals and Boards of Trus-
tees, are not only instructive and entertain.
Ing but also capable OF practical application,
Enthusiasm and practicabillty is what we
need, not only on the part OF the teacher
but also on Tie part of .the Patrons and
Trustees. We are alsO fortunate in hav-
ing Miss Minnie Holman. of birmingham,
as inStruc:ress in Physical culture and the
training of little children from : to I years
of age. Each day she has the little chill
drcn on the rostrum and works with them
Just AS she would in the school room; there.
by explaining in the most fOrcib.e way,
that of hearing and seeing the work done,
how li'lle children should he taught. And
it is really'pleasant and amusing to see how
intent and earnest the little children are as
they work under her direction. Some of
those little children ..hayc never been in
school before, and 1t engages the undivid-
eel attention Of the audience TO observe
their little minds reaching out after the
objects ant! thoughts presented so pleas
antly and naturally to them. But we have
not time TO report concerning all the topics
at once. More teachers are coming every
day, and the body of teachers is growing
IN zeal rs well as size.
j.. o, GLENN.