The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-05-27
neeting of Waldo County Teachers.

One OF the pleasantest and most profitable
meetings in the history of the Waldo County
Teachers Association was held at Stoclton
Springs, Friday and Saturday, May 21st and
I'D. Notwithstanding the weather was
somewhat threatening there was fair at
tendance at the Friday morning session.
The meeting was called to order by the
County President, Superintendent F. s.
Brick of Belfast and the devotional exer-
cises were conducted by State Superintend-
ent W. W. Stetson. Mr.. F. N. Nickerson of
Stockton Springs cordially welcomed the
teachers of Waldo County and Mr.. Brick re-.
sponded briefly.
The first talk, History in the Rural
Schools, was given by Superintendent
Brick OF Belfast. He thinks children dis
like history because the lessons are not
made attractive. The cause, he believes, is
lack Of preparation on the part of the
teacher. A sufficient amount of time should
be spent on each lesson to make text book
unnecessary. Blackboard illustrations and
pictures are of great value in securing at
length by different members of the associa-
tion. Many devices We're suggested, and
among others games, both in history and
geography, were recommended,
The afternoon session opened with sing
ing by the chorus.
Prof. W. j. Corthel OF Gorham Normal
School gave a particularly interesting and
practical talk on Reading in the Rural
Schools" He says the alphabet method is
good if used as it should be. The child
should be taught the form of the letter by
use of diacritical marks. The name OF the
letter should not be used. The alphabet
should not be followed, but such letters
selected as will form words Mr.. Corthell
gives this difference between the old method
and the new: In the old, we combine letters
into syllables by name, and in the new by
sound. The discussion of this subject was
continued by Miss Ethel Thomas of Belfast.
After brief recess, Superintendent Stet-
son presented the subject, Arithmetic -
He would omit much in our arithmetic
work that is not practical and spend large
amount of time on the four fundamental
rules, percentage, compound numbers, etc.
He believes that more time should be spent
on mental arithmetic. The discussion was
continued by Miss Grant of Northport Mr..
Corthell, Mr.. II. E. Ellis of Belfast and Mr..
Runnells of Searsport.
The remainder of the afternoon session
was devoted to the query box. The queries
brought out many points of interest and
some lively discussions.
The evening session opened with music
by the choir. State Superintendent Stetson
then gave very interesting address on
The Condition of the Rural Schools of
Maine"
At Saturday mornings session an excep-
tionally interesting and practical talk on
mature Study was given by MIR. A. l..
Lane, of Coburn Classical Institute. He
would begin by using familiar objects and
would combine the study with language
work. He gave a complete outline for
nature study to be used in all grades.
Miss Ida B. Carter of Belfast read very
tine paper on "Picture Work" She uses
pictures in every department of her work
when she can and finds them a great help.
She brought with her many Of the pictures
she uses in her work.
An interesting paper on BUSY Work, -
prepared by Miss Mary P. Beaman was read
by Miss Alberta Wadsworth of Belfast
Miss Wadsworth brought specimens Of
paper cutting and folding, weaving, etc,
which she explained in connection with the
paper.
The renal nder of the session was devoted
to business.
Resolutions, thanking the people of Stock
ton Springs for their cordial hospitality. the
choir for their very enjoyable music and the
speakers from without the county--W. W.
Stetson, A. L. Lane and W. j. Corthell-for
their valuable aid, as well as all who in
any way contributed to the success of the
meeting, were unanimously adopted by a
rising vote. All united in the opinion that
the meeting at Stockton Springs had been
one of unusual pleasure and profit.
The next session will be held in Belfast
some time during the month of October.