The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-09
TEACHING OF READING.
Some suggestions by a Correspond-
ent at Saltwater.

To The St. Paul Globe
Considering reading one Of the most essen
ttal studies taught in our public schools, and
believing reform in this art Gin order" the
following is respectfully submitted:
The present system is we'll enough in its
own small way, but does not give the bene-
fits desired by the serging mass Of struggling
humanity. 1t may be unwittingly asked what
great benefits could be derived and what re-
forms could be made, and TO those the follow
ing is directed In this advanced age every
man and woman should be able to stand
before an audience and make a few plain re-
marks, political or otherwise, in straight
forward. unhesitating and unconscious man
ner; should be able to read an article with
the same conception a musician executes
piece of music. For instance composition
is given to the public by musical composer
and becomes popular favorite; do not all
musicians play it with precisely the same
expressions. pauses and coloring? Not SO
with newspaper article. The ordinary per-
sons will read the same article with from
FIVE to ten variations from the original idea
of its author.
1t is not from the lack of punctuation the
authors only hope) but general misconcep-
ton of the comma. period. semicolon. dash,
etc. We can not ask people to read the die
tionary to find the signs of punctuation neces-
nal idea Of the writer journalist.
Is 1t not plain the art OF reading is very
Important study? Should 1t not be taught and
studied in the same manner as in the art of
music? The following suggestions, four in
number. are given for the benefit of those
directly interested:
No. l. Articulation punctuation and
pronunciation should be the three guiding
stars Of the instructor.
he piIriI
should be corrected at the time it is made
with a request to repeat the sentence
No 3. The reading lesson should be
confined to only one page Of the reader. each
scholar reading the page in his re-
spectfve turn; it being remembered and un-
derstood 1t is reading lesson and is not
intended to- cater to the whfms and wishes
Of romantic mind. After an entire class has
read and reread the lesson, with the neces-
sary corrections, it will prove thorough
lesson TO the dullest as we'll as the brightest
pupil . 1t VIII be lesson in reading not
soon forgotten.
No. 4. The most important suggestion.
and one that will hold the interest of the
class more than can be realized without a
trial, is as follows: The pupil rises. when
called. advances to q point visible to the en-
tire class. facing them, the teacher station
Ing herself in position where it is possible
to properly correct all mistakes
This will eventually overcome the conscious
or bashful feeling which creeps over one
in facing many eyes, transmitting electric cur
rents and shocks to the nerves of the speak
er. condition which is at present the case
with the majority. There are plenty of men
with excellent ideas that hesitate to express
their views at political and public meetings
from the want of a little training in oratory.
Our hopes are in our schools, and the rising
generation is entitled to whatever we may
give them to improve our political and social
conditions Sincerely yours.
H E. Graham
Saltwater, JAM 7. 1899