Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-09-02

The last days session of the Insti-
tute at the High School was a short
one, continuing only until noon. 1t
was opened by the singing of Amer
lea" DR.. Gilbert spoke upon Nature
Study and the humanistic study of lit
erature and history in primary grades.
He said he would make these the basis
Of all other study. History shows a
continual recurrence to nature. There
are periods of decadenee and periods of
progression. If we study them care
fully we shall find that periods of de-
cadence are accompanied by a retro
gression from nature; periods of pro-
erosion, by return to nature. Lit
erature, too. shows the same phases.
Every great movement for mans bet
terment has come with a return to
nature. The comforts and conyen-
fences of the present age are the out
growth of the study of nature. 1t be-
gets desire for truth. Children should
be made familiar with the phenomena
of nature. Nature study should be in
every grade of every school. Illustra-
tons were given of how lessons OF
this kind might be carried on in the
kindergarten grades. Field lessons were
advocated, every season offering store
of material. 1t is not necessary that
the teacher be an accomplished botan-
list, geologist or zoologist. This study
is not expected to be of details, but
more to open the eyes of the children
to what lies around them.
At the close of this talk the roll was
called. Mr.. Anderson then distributed
enrolment papers among visiting
teachers, who have been in attendance
throughout the week. Mr.. Creamer
being present, was asked to give an
other talk upon writing. The small
letters were analysed, concert work
was explained, and the books which will
be used in the schools were shown.
Also the method of conducting a les
son was given.
After recess a song was rendered
and then Supt. Anderson, in a few
words, reviewed the work of the in
stitute. He said he was especially
pleased to hear the matter of interest
so strongly emphasized by all of the
speakers. One of them had said that
the psychology of interest was enough
psychology for any teacher. Another
happy feature of this institution was
that he had heard nothing but good
words for it. 1t is a real pleasure TO
find others pleased with what has been
provided for them.
Mr.. Gilbert spoke again for short
time upon the Importance of making
school life real. He said the keynote
of true pedagogy is teaching minor
things higher. We often love and adj
mire that which is not highest. Me-
chanical order is one of these things.
Many teachers think it is beautiful and
feel very proud, when they have at
tanned it. 1t is not perfection in detail,
but nobility Of idea that we should
strive for. Beautiful writing, beauti-
full language are dangerous weapons
unless they are put to a good purpose.
Literature, history and biography are
means of culture. They are great helps
in the work of composition. They give
the child something to express. Poems
such as Marco Bozzaris, "Horatius at
the Bridge" and others offer material
for lessons in geography, history, biog-
raphy and literature, In his closing
remarks DR.. Gilbert expressed himself
as being highly pleased with the work
of the past week, speaking in very COM
plimentary terms of Wheeling teach
ers. All joined in singing Onward.
Christian Soldier" after which the In
stitute was adjourned.
nNNr"n On