The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-02-13
DISTRICT INSTITUTE
Held in Public School Building of Yves,
Reynoldsville February 9th.


Reynoldsville February 9th.
Devotional exercises conducted by
Rev. A. j. Meek of the Reynoldsville
Baptist church.
District institute, composed of teach
ers Of Reynoldsvillo, West Reynoldsville
and Winslow township, organized at
1870 a. m. by electing A. j. Postleth-
waite chairman, and Misses Stauffer
and Beer secretaries.
First subject for discussion, "Funda-
mental Rules OF Arithmetic" was very
ably discussed by Prof. w. M. Brown,
Prof. Leavenworth and Prof. Lenkerd.
Some of the practical thots given were:
The great weakness OF work in mathe-
matics in all grades, and especially in
the higher grades, is weakness in the
fundamental rules. Pupils, as a rule,
are not accurate In the fundamental
rules. This work should become me-
chanical. Great mistake was made
when mental arithmetic was eliminated
from our public schools. Mental arith-
metic causes consciousness OF power
that is not obtained by written arithme-
tic. II should be incorporated into all
the schools.
In the absence of paper on his sub.
ject, "The Objects Of Recitation" by
w. T. Harris, U. S. Commissioner OF
Education, was read by the chairman.
Prof. w. M. Brown discussed mature
Work in the School," He said: Mature
study should be from nature and not
from books. We are selfish II we
know nothing Of our neighbors--the
animals and plants Of our earth.
Teach pupils not to fear the small ami.
mails. Bring them into the school
room. The work should teach US to
love the objects of nature. Should have
pupils spend much time In watching
the things In nature. Then follows the
true love of nature, and the true lover
Of nature recognizes God in all nature.
Adjourned to meet at 1.30 p. m.
Afternoon session opened by singing
beautiful Isle."
Prof. Burdick discussed his subject
"Value Of an Education"
Prof. Leavenworth discussed, "Phys
ical Culture" He said: "In school.
whore the session is three hours long
we should give exercises for rest OF both
body and mind. Begin with light ex
ercises. 1t is work in which all are
interested and progress is very appar
ent The object is to rest pupils; t.
create within them the innate con
seriousness OF decision, to cultivate ,
liking for promptness of decision. Re
ults are that pupils return to menta
effort greatly refreshed"
On the same subject, Prof. Teitricl
said: The country and borough school,
need much different kinds Of physical ex
ercises. Physical culture gives grace
and ease In movement which is a grear
help in the exigencies OF life. Time i,
coming when music, drawing and phys
ical culture will be taught in all oul
public schools"
An address on ''How the Home MAJ
Help the School, by Prof. J. L. Allison
Of Punxsutawney. He said: "The end,
Of the home and the school are the
same, to ft the child for life. The
home is the basis upon which this mus,
depend. The office Of the parent is the
greatest Office to which any human be
ing can aspire. The law requires Z
certificate before any person can teach
but there are parents all over the land
who are not at all capable Of training
children. Child should be trained IL
the first six years, 80 that the teacher
will not have to take 30 much time Il
correct the errors of the first six year.
at home. II the home influence is right
there Is little diffiulty In training the
child In school. Children are sent Il
school too young. The parents send
them to be rid OF them at home. Posi-
tive injury to the child Is the result
Personal influence is the greatest factor
In teaching. This being true the par
ent should exert his influence In tht
right direction or the school can d.
] worry little good. II the home snt