The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1897-06-24


sentative faculty.
On Wednesday morning Prof. Leach
continued the subject of history, dealing
with method. The points made were
these: In the beginning il should be
oral, beginning with home his
tory then with biography. It should
be narrative, and taught in con.
nection with geography. The matter
should he in story form, in simple
language and inspired with the PERSONAL.
ty and enthusiasm of the teacher. This
makes it interesting.
Prof. J. NJ. Richardson continued the
subject Of spelling. He alluded again to
the inability Of teachers to select = list
OF words, and then gave the comparison
of the column test and sentence test, and
the phonic method, which was endorsed
Those who read much do not spell better
than others. The results Of so called
clash method" do not warrant any great
praise accor ing to DR.. Rice as published
in the Forum. After all, the best results
comes from the individuality OF the
teacher, her personal equation. The
wise teacher will use both oral and writ
ten spelling.
Two periods taken by Mr.. st. John to
discuss vertical penmanship in which
forms of letters. and points made in
favor Of the vertical as compared with
the slant as follows: ID The vertical is
capable OF being written more rapidly
than the slant il children are brought up
on the vertical and form the vertical
habit. The reason was given that the
hand travels less distance in making the
vertical letters. This was worked ont v
Mr.. st. John and demonstrated By num-
merlcal measurements, something that
has not been done before (2) it is more
legible; 80 it is less straining to the eyes :;
"a it will less easily degenerate into
scribbling; 90 it is more natural to chill
dren and more easily taken up after the
print; and t6l it brings better practical
results. Charts comparing the slant and
vertical were exhibited.
Then Prof. Leach discussed examina-
ton papers as they are and as they should
be. The three essentials OF a good ppptr
should be: Correct answers involving
the formation OF habits Of accuracy and
precision: systematic arrangement as to
position and form Of matter on the page !;
accuracy in English throughout the pa
per as to details in composition.
The afternoon session on Wednesday
was opened with singing led by Prof st.
John. This is the third time that sing.
ing has begun the session and the entire
institute have learned the classic song,
"Once | Saw q Brier Rose"-both words
and music so that it is sung from MEM
Dry. Occasion was taken to impress
upon the members of the institute the
ease with which large number Of songs
may be learned in term.
Prof. st. John then continued the sub.
jet OF Child Study giving the different
methods Of study, dwelling upon the
the method Of undirected observations at
home, on the street, and in school, as
being the most practical kind for the
common teacher. The results already
reached were outlined, the general work
ing hypothesis that the individual re-
peats the history OF the race was ex.
planned. 1t was concluded with state.
ment OF the dangers of the study in that
conclusions created a phantom child
which was imaginary only and unlike
any child with which the teacher has
practically to deal,
Mr.. J. =. Richmond then took up the
subject Of Psychological and new as
given before Mr.. st. Johns class in senior
pedagogy at the normal school. Mr..
Richmond seemed well informed on the
subject and left good impression.
Some time was taken by Prof. Leach
and others in discussing spelling in which
considerable interest was aroused. Spell
ing book or no spelling book was the
principal question. Part was taken in
the discussion by Messrs. Schwartze,
Miner and Mcintosh.
On Thursday Prof Leach began the
forenoon session with a talk upon his
tory. Attention was called to the ease
with which short biographies could be
furnished adapted to the grades, and
hints were given as to the methods of
THEN use.
Then followed short talk upon phase
of grammar-compemen being the
topic. This was by Prof. st. John. The
topic which most were interested in from
past experience was that of discipline by
Prof. st. John.
Something was accomplished In the
attempt to analyze teachers power to
govern. Elements entering in largely
were the following: Personal magnetism
and natural ability, but more in general
and special preparation. Daily study to
keep the teacher fresh. Lack or freedom
from worry. Individuality. A respect
for pupils regardless OF circumstance that
amounts nearly to love. Will power or
ability to hold herself up to orderly, sys-
tap,atip mat work ITDifOrp1 traot M ont