Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-01-18
Number ~

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attention is the condition that un-
derlies them all. Attention is re-
fiex or voluntary. DO not try to
develop reflex attention, but as il
is most active in childhood, use it as
a means to cultivate the voluntary.
Reflex attention is earnestly exercis-
some of the faculties along the line
of the attractive; voluntary, to that
to which we desire to exercise it in
the face of IL lack of attraction. In
developing attention, discourage
mind wandering. Introduce variety
of mental exercise, teach to become
useful to the child. Let your study
periods alternate with periods of
absolute physical freedom. BE clear
in statments to children. Do not
divert attention from main topic.
Singing.
1t is exceedingly difficult to do
justice to DR.. Huock's closing adj
dress. In talk on general matters
of interest, largely enlivened by his
sunshine and personal magnetism,
he advocated singing from memory,
teaching of patriotism, the use of
the blackboard as the best piece of
school apparatus, planning and abil-
ity to carry out the plan, he also
made on eloquent plea for those boys
and girls who find all the sunshine
of their lives in the scho0lroom.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
AS usual, this session was devoted
to the directors. 1t is doubtful if
any influence is more apt to bring
the teachers and directors into closer
touch than this one afternoon i'm in
stitute week. DR.. Smith spoke on
chow to secure the best teacher;'
"the ability Of a teacher not deternl-
ined by the salary paid him. On
selecting teacher get the advice of
some one who knows something
about teachers. Qualification, not
residence, the principal consideration.
Make the best teacher you can out of
the one you have employed. Do
this (D by granting her freedom of
action in her work; (2) by supplying
all the help you can; (3) by uphold
ing her; (D by visiting her school.
Finally, if possible, have at least one
woman en- the school board, and
when Il teacher reaches the 'dead
line" get rid of him.
Singing.
\ good school board is rot, said
DR.. Corson, necessarily a learned
one. A school director should be
broad-minded. The importance of
this office is far greater to us person
ally than that of Governor. Con-
duct your school upon those business
principles which dictate the reten-
ton in employ of a faithful employ
ee and the discharge of the indiffer-
ent one. DO not allow your sympa-
thy to get ahead of your business
connection. Whatever you do, stand
by your teacher, and in all things
act as you would if your own child's
future were the object under consid-
Grafton.
Singing.
DR.. Houck said that the good
director attended the meetings, voted
right, does not stand in the way of
advancement, employs teachers up
on their certificates and in re-em-
pIoyment considers those little things
which cannot be put on a certificate,
but stand for more than what is often
put there.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
DR.. Byron w. King, of Pittsburg,
delighted a large audience with one
of his unequaled entertainments.
To be appreciated he must be heard
and seen. In the line of entertain
ment no man is his superior. In
the expression of any emotion he
has unsurpassed ease and facility in
being what he would portray.
THURSDAY MORNING.
After singing led by Prof. Parker,
Prof. Meylert announced the follow
ing committee: Resolutions, Prof.
Black, Miss Cronin, and r.. j. Molly
neux; auditing committee, f .E. Deit-
lin, Frank Shoemaker and IT. j.
Cavanaugh.
DR.. Smith then took up the sub
ject of ''The Abstract and the Con-
crete in teaching, occupying the first
period. After accepted definitions
of the abstract and concrete, he pro-
ceeded to explain their exact mean
ings and interpretations. Danger in
teaching in the concrete lies in the
fact that what would be taught is
often forgotten in the interest in the
object employed in illustrating it.
! Work with the concrete towards the
abstract. From what we use in
things to what we use in language
alone. DO not underestimate accu-
mulated knowledge, books, and do
not value only what is learned
through the object itself. Teach
children how to look and for what
they should look in their search for
light.
DIR. Corson followed with talk
on "What the pupil expects in
discipline. He expects the teacher
to be absolute master of the situation.
If you disappoint him you lose his