The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-04-23

textbook called "Practical Arithmetic"
We find it satisfactory plan to coufine
our work TO thorough review and to nd
vance through square root rs the minimum.
This makes o good foundation for the
theorems in algebra. The work in gram
mar in this grade is of utmost Importance.
The advance made in the grades below be-
gins TO make itself felt in the alertness of
pupils in correcting the slips Of their fell
lows, and by proper attention in this year
correct habits of expression are formed
that will be of value.
In this grade the schedule includes, as
in other places, the possibilities of singing
and drawing. The former may he brought
into good use, even if the teacher does not
consider herself competent to lead or
teach. Let her furnish the zeal and spirit
and among her pupils will probably he
found those who can GENE forward as
leaders and very strongly support her in
carrying forward this department, which
means sunshine in many cherries spots.
| think there will scarcely be found a
safer guide than the course as laid down
| by the State Board. The teachers can
and will live and teach up to this, ard
many OF us are doing it, but We are
hindered by obstacles that the School
Board can remove. To begin, children
are graciously permitted to drop in, with
charming informally, any day in the week,
month, term or year, at any hour in tie
morning or evening. This should not be.
The schools are open promptly nj . a. N.
September LIST III every year. Let il be
known that all entrances must be made
then or NOS until January 81 or February
| |. Or il this seems TOO rigid, at leas. per-
mis- them only TO enter at the first o. each
term, say during the first three days. What
world Of confusion and vexaton would
be avoided for teacher aud pupils by this
plan.
Then, if in the caprice Of parent or
child, it is thought he is not getting on
fast enough hy following The State sched-
ule, he may change from one school to
another, where, for the sake of an in.
creased attendance, the teacher will not
scruple to stretch her curriculum and al
low Billy or Bobby to read in such aud
such reader or study the large geogra-
ply, albeit Billy or Bobby may be an
absolute stranger to the corresponding
mathematics or even have only speaking
acquaintance with that Of the grade from
which he has fled. Here again the author
ity Of the School Board is needed to have
the district law enforced, and If it comes
to it, absolutely forbddng the exchange
| OF districts
Another spirit shat tends to warp our
! grading is an emulation, mistaken rivalry
OF teacher with teacher. In the large
schools OF the towns this is q danger some
what remote, hut in eiShborinG districts it
! is great temptation If we hear that Miss
%o-and So teaches algebra to the fourth
! grade 0: geometry ia The siXth-.the Yanke-
spirit seethes Within us, and we long to
drown her ' esuvius with our Niagara. and
insert some high-soundin& "oicgy" where
our true interest and that OF the pupil
would be to work steadily on in the pr.
scrihed c0urse, ana At tie end ut the year
have little farm well TILED rather than
vast eypause Of tarts With here and there
thc fuil cora in the ear
! Let liz he careful dat we do not over