Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-11-08
TOWNSHIP UNIT
One Of the Important Topics Of
Discussion.
Next Meeting Will be Held at Ithaca First
Friday and Saturday OF
May 1902,

gOgues and gave them two beautiful
days and ABOUT seventy-f1ve gathered
to enjoy and discuss the various pa
pers presented.
After two very enjoyable songs by
pupils OF the second and third grades
had been given, Mr.. Z. G. VanDeven-
ter read paper on Geography. To
commit a geography lesson TO memory
without knowing the reasons for the
facts contained in it is loss Of time.
Make much use Of maps and teach
pupils to read them correctly. Relief
maps are expensive but paper pulp
may be utilized by the pupil TO make
them. Show the industrial interde-
pendence of different countries or diff
ferent parts OF same country.
In the discussion following, Arthur
Penny said: Would observe the ef-
feet Of the location OF continent with
reference to zones, winds, etc, as af-
fecting the rainfall and vegetation OF
its various parts.
f. G.. Smith thought that political
&c geography is neglected in modern text
books. lie would urge care i'm com
parison OF the size Of natural divisions
since pupils rarely have fair cOncep-
tiOn Of large areas or large numbers.
c. II. Chase said that pupils can be
trained TO have such a conception by
starting with what is near and within
their comprehension, e. g., the school
yard, section, township, etc.
Walter Swope read paper on
Methods in Arithmetic Results TO
be sought must determine methods.
Accuracy, neatness and quickness must
be secured in the equipment OF each
graduate. Make the arithmetic real
by applying the pri ciples TO actual
problems in daily life. Insist on
analysis.
A L. Cook would give some prob
lens for rapid, accurate solution with
out the formal oral analysis.
Supt. Daniels would insist on the
chow" even II the pupil did not al
ways know the why" AS TO the use
OF books with answers the msjority OF
the speakers decried their use.
In the afternt on. after a rousing
song, the teachers listened 10 paper
on THE School kindergarten" by
Supt. w. f Hanson. The principles
OF the kindergarten must be used in
all right education. Pupils who have
had Kindergarten training have
greater adaptability 10 the work In
the upper grades and have better
appreciation Of literature.
In the discussion which followed IT
appeared that In the rural school as
now organized there Is little room for
kindergarten work. notwithstanding
its recognized value. The township
unit system with its township high
school to relieve the upper grades OF
the rural school might bring relief.
Mr. Walter Hoxie next read paper
on THE Teacher and His Personal
ity." Psychology can not make
teacher. His personality creates
bond of sympathy and helpfulness be.
tween himself and his pupils. The
teacher must be growing being,
striving for mental improvement. He
must be many sided.
Ia the discussion it was suggested
that d:ess, behavior and habits are
also subjects to be considered as af-
fecting his personality.
clear manner 1.-The Rights and Duties
Of Citizens"
Mrs. Jessie Hildreth gave some good
suggestions about "Elocution in
School," Much attention should be
given 20 reading so as TO train the pu.
pill to interpret the author TO the
nearer. Formal elocution can hardly
claim a place in the rural school pro-
gram.
In the evening a goodly number OF
teachers and others gathered in the
/ high school room. After d short dis
cssson OF 1.-The Township UDit Sys-
tenn" the following program was
given;
Recitation, III d. Curtis.
Vocal solo, JAS. Peet.
Recitation, Miss Mabel Schultz
Vocal solo, Miss Belle Crandell
Aluminium chimes, Peet Brothers
Piano solo, Miss Maud Bailey.
Quartette, Misses Nina Beckwilh,
Lula Dodge, Celia Netzorg and Rhea
Seaver.
/ Although the program was some
what impromptu in its nature it
proved to be very enjoyable to the
audience. Most of the parts were en-.
cored
Saturday morning, after singing,