The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1895-12-04

the schools of East Orange, occupied the
first period subject, "School Manage
ment." There is good deal in this sub
ject. School management means the con-
troll of the school, and that means the
control of self Schools are no doubt
managed better than formerly, but it is
doubtful whether we have progressed as
rapidly as we should. 1t is a good thing
to graduate from a normal school; but
that will not supply all.
Miss Kate B. Stout, of the State Nor
NAL School, spoke on Language Les
sons" Language composes so large
share of education that il should command
a large share of attention 10 school work.
The object of teaching language is to en-
able the pupil to express thought in good
English. Correct habits of speech are
fixed by repetition. The rules and prac-
tees of grammar have their use, but they
do not take the place of practice in cor
rect speaking.
Prof Davey next talked on Mature
Studies" The study of Nature develops
the observing faculties and the esthetic
taste. A new sense Of enjoyment is
aroused in the student of nature. There
is some fear that time will not permit
such study, but we may so coordinate the
study Of nature with other studies as TO
lose no time. We may teach language
and spelling in connection with nature
studies. Do little during the first year
of such work. Do moro in the second,
still more In the third, and so on through
the course. Gather specimens on the
same plan. Teach the class first TO OBJ
serve, then to describe. Never let q
child guess at the spelling of new word.
Show him the correct form at once.
Miss Stout then resumed the subject Of
Language Lessons. The esthetic fac
ulties the love of the beautiful, manifest
themselves first in the child, and should
be cultivated. The great end of instruc-
ton is not TO inform, but to inspire. The
speaker read "Daybreak" very pleasant
ly, and showed how great interest might
be aroused, and new beauties discovered
by n careful preliminary examination of
the lesson.
n In the afternoon Miss Stout took up
"History." She believes that the History
Of bis country should be an interesting
subject to every patriotic citizen. Begin
tho study of any historical topic by an In
formal discussion. History is simply the
story of mans progress in civilization. 1t
is not record of wars and battles.
Always teach History by topics, that
is, teach each historical subject by itself.
Teach the constitution of the United
States in connection with its history.
Miss Caroline Mcclure occupied the
next period with "Reading." She thinks
truly, to-that there is much poor read
ing 10 the schools. This might be reme-
died in fact il the teacher herself would
always read with expression. There is
much trouble with articulation, especially
with the consonants. This can be over
come by drill. The speaker then illus
trated the method of vocal drill.
The Roll Call showed l48 teachers pre-
sent. After this Miss Stout again took up
"History," and chose "Civil Service Re-
form" as her topic.
WEDNESDAY, MORNING.
II. M. Paxson, Superintendent of
Schools of Plaintield, first spoke on"Geog.
raphy and History" These are intimate
ly associated, and should be taught to-
gether. The historian does not deal with
facts alone, but with their causes. He
must take into account position, climate,
products. Geographical environments have
much to do with shaping the character
and the destiny of nations.
Prof. Gilhuly, OF Pennington, next in
troduced @. Gregory Of Long Branch,
who talked on Arithmetic. The speak
er said he had not come TO pose as an au-
thorily in arithmetic Life is too short
for one to become an authority on any
subject He came to talk about the best
way to teach arithmetic so as to get re-
suits. He gave plain and simple illustra-
tons of his method OF teaching fractions,
interest and percentage. He believes
arithmetic should be taught as whole,
not by topics. II is a unit, and should be
taught as such.
Prof. Maxson then spoke on Sun
shine" There should be more of sun
shine 10 our schools aud more ia our lives.
A long face is not the measure Of p.ety.
Good people should be The happiest peo-
pie. Let the sunlight into the heart, and
reflect 1t from the countenance.
Prof. Gregory then talked again on
Arithmetic, giving some excellent ideas
concerning The teaching Of this important
branch. He is fully convinced that the
results obtained in arithmetic are not
commensurate With the time spent in its
study and he believes that one cause OF
this is poor teaching-not lazy, negligent
teaching, but erroneous teaching.
This closed the exercises provided for
the Institute.
Supt. Hoffman then announced that a
subject OF interest TO the teachers would
be handled by E. T. Bush. Mr.. Bush
said
''Teacbers / will not make my own
speech. will make your speech. | will
simply say what you have told me to say,
only shall not say it half SO WE'LL" lie
then addressed his remarks to ex-County
Superintendent Z. NJ. Heath, who hap
pened to drop in few minutes before
and at the close presented to that gentle
man on behalf of the teachers, hand.
some gold watch.
Mr.. Heath was completely taken by