Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-10-24

school, ard his remedy was an extern
sion of the time devoted to the work.
This would add To thorouGhn@ss. the
comfort and safety of the health of
the students. Mind is not matter, and
must not ice treated as such, lest We
make our children mere machines.
State Supt. Stetson here made Il mo-
ton that Il committee consisting OF
superintendent NIcIochlin of Bath,
Superintendent Smith of Rumford
Fails, Superintendent Head, Bar Har-
Dor, Superintendent Tilson, Bangor,
ana Suuerintendent White, Pressure
Isle, be appointed to report constitu-
ton, q plan Of work for the assOcia
ton and Il list OF officers for the ensu-
ing year.
Superintendent Head of Bar IEar-
loor, reported on the common school for
the NiIiage. lie said that there was
much yet to be settled in the common
schools. There was much uncertainty
ae 10 what should be taught but in
what proportion. The method of lay
ing out course, and the method OF
using 1t are questions that face every
superintendent The subjects to be
taught are of two classes, those es-
sential for business and those essen
tial for culture. The villages had given
so much attention to the utilitarian
studies and should now turn to aesthet-
les. He showed many instances in
which knowledge of literature, etc,
| would really be of more practical val
ne than additional training in mathe-
matics. He was convinced that
material harm would result, if the
aesthetic phase of education were not
more strongly emphasized
State Supt. Stetson then took the
+, floor. lie said that Il great criticism OF
| the common school had been chat too
! many children did not remain through
, the full course, ard the fact seemed to
! justify This. There are certain differ
| cnces in our children which must be
taken into account. Some are colGly
intellectual and the course at present
seems to be fitted for these. Others
are ina ginative. see visions and dream
| dreams. and these have but little atten-
| ton from us. The aesthetic studies
! should be attractive to hold these in
school, and should be emphasized for
t this very good. Others have the obse"-
walton power, and they should have
! training for it. They have right
to their highest development. We
+ have others who are sensitive and
= emotional. and the common school
tends to dull and blunt these fac
! ulties. They also have n right
to training for their highest pow
ers. II is unjust to deny them. Other
! children are physical, and crave man
ral training. and every school house
! should have Il workshop for the benefit
Of these. Summarizing, Supt. Stetsor
| said, Bear on in those directions III
which the child shows strongest apti-
tude. and don't feel that the world is
coming to an end il some studies are
omitted with certain children. In snort
use common sense and sympathy"
The meeting was then thrown ope'
for discussion. In order to get the sense
of the meeting in regard to arithmetic
Mr.. Hamilton of Calais moved that the
present course in arithmetic DC
abridged. Mr.. ]. F. Ryan OF Calais
offered some discussion on the SUBJECT
reminding people that arithmetic is
reasoning. subject. and that Few peopi'
know too much arithmetic.
Mr., Estabrook of U. of NJ and an