Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1901-08-05

though he thought the reverse was
perhaps the case with large class Of
readers. Mr.. Edson's lecture on
''Origination" contained many wise
and helpful hints to teachers. He
dwelt chiefly on letter writing and
children's compositions. He believed
if wisely helped a child would easily
learn to write good composition, and
not only this but he might to some de-
gree be made his own critic. He should
be given a subject with which he is
familiar, perhaps a journey which
he had taken, or an imaginary
story, or the personifcation of an
inanimate object, or something in
which the child is especially interested.
He read several compositions, written
by children from five to seven years
old who had been taught something
after his methods, which showed real
ingenuity and much thought on the
children's part. Mr.. Edson's work
was all OF a very high order and prac-
tical, his methods having been tried
and found successful in many schools
both in the city and in the country.
One thing which he said was a great
encouragement to teachers. He said
they must not expect to find perfec-
ton in their pupils work, but be sat
isfed if they find Improvement. Mr..
Edson will always find a hearty vel
come here both by teachers and by all
the citizens who have made his ac-
quaintance.
Walter D. Parsons, who has had
charge of the mathematical work, was
born in Essex, VT, where he fitted for
college. He graduated from the Uni
versity of Vermont in 1890. Since
that time he has been engaged in edu-
cationaI work in different parts Of
this state. He was principal of Island
Pond schools, and examiner of teach
ers for Essex county. Later he had
charge of the schools at Hardwick
then at Swanton, and at the present
time he is principal Of the Woodstock
high school Of Woodstock. His work
during the past week was in Arith-
mettc, and he dealt mostly on the
practical instead of the scientific part
Of that branch Of study. a good deal
of attention was given to percentage,
discount and interest as among the
Important things to know thoroughly.
Mr.. Parsons is candid, pleasant, affa-
BILE, well adapted to draw out of his
class answers to his questions by
reason of the fact that he does not in
spire his pupils with awe or fear so as
to confuse them and SO prevent them
from doing their best. His kindness
and good nature make all feel at
home for he never criticizes them
sharply if they chance to make mis-
takes.
Another of the eminent educators
of this country who has given some
most valuable instruction during the
week is Miss Sarah L. Arnold, super
visor Of schools of Boston. Mass, Miss
Arnold is genius-a cultured genius,
who puts her soul into her work. She
is the author of several educational
works and has been for many years
prolific contributor to educational
journals. Her lecture on ''Reading''
Tuesday afternoon was much enjoyed
oy all who heard her. It was simple,
practical and sensible. Some Of her
thoughts were as follows: Children to
read intelligently and with proper |
emphasis must know about the things |
hey read. They must know the |
meaning of the words they read, |
must have an idea Of the things they
'ead about, must recognize the form
IF words, must be taught to see accu-
'ately, must "mind their p's and q's.'
t takes the little child some time to
earn which side of the straight line
he circle is on the p Or the q. A
,hild must see we'll to read we'll
it is discovered that the
hild who seems dull in learning to
cad has defective vision. A child
must also hear well to read we'll. A
eacher should test the hearing and
eeing of her pupils. How would you
each child to read with expression?
lelp the child to make the thing real,
elp him to imagine the scene, give
i'm something worthy of reading. A
hid could not read with expression
he sentences, 81 go up. Dol go up"
Eelp the child to be independent, to
o his own thinking and speaking
yhen he comes to hard place give
i'm just enough help so that he, using
II the mind he has, can get over it.
hese are only few Of the many
houghts touched upon by this wise
nd experienced teacher during the
our of her lecture to the teachers.