The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1904-12-01
MUM Der q,

| book IN the school library. He should
be capable of giving brief biographical
sketch of each of the authors Of the
most important and noted books in the
library. He should take copious notes
OF important passages and chapters of
all the school library books he reads.
These notes should be model Of neat
ness and accuracy. They sho1ld be
properly indexed. so that they may be
used at a moments notice. The books
should be properly classified. By this
we do not mean that any elaborate
system of classification should be used.
But the books adapted to the capacity
of the pupils in the Primary Form
should be placed on one shelf, or series
OF shelves, in the book case: those
adapted to Middle Form pupils on an.
other shelf, or series of shelves and
those intended for pupils in the Upper
Form on still another shelf. or series of
shelves. The books in each group should
then be properly classified under such
heads ~ these: History. Biography.
Geography, Natural History Folk Lore
Natural Science Poetry, Fiction, etc.
When the teacher has made himself
thoroughly familiar with the library,
he has the means of breathing the
breath of life into all the work Of his
pupils at school But hA should not
neglect to teach the pupils to use the
books at the very outset of his work in
any school. His possible want of
thorough familiarity with the library in
n school where he has not taught before
Is no excuse for not beginning to teach
the pupils how to use the library He
should do the best he can at thu outset
aud this best should grow better from
day to day. The pupils should drink
from running stream and not from a
stagnant pool % The teacher should
grow from day to day with the growth
of the school
A brief, animated narration or vivid
description of II part Of the contents of
an interesting book will often be instru-
mental in inducing pupils to read that
book. The teacher may also arouse a
pupils interest and curiosity by oc-
casionally reading chapter or two to
his class. II this = judiciously done
and followed 10y few hints "a to the
fascinating character of the remaining
chapters. some of the pupils in class
will usually express II strong desire to
read the book
Teach the pupils to read thoughtfully.
Require them to reproduce orally part
If that which they have read Permit
them to give an account of the contents
Of book they have enjoyed Let this
be done before the school This will
afford admirable training in language.
DO not interrupt the pupil when he is
talking but assist him if necessary.
with suggestive questions. Occasionally
require the pupils to reproduce in
writing suitable parts of what they
have Just read Supervise all the
library reading done by your pupils.
Guide the bright children, encourage
and stimulate the dull and the indiffer
ent ones Use the library So that its
Influence shall pervade every home in
your district Use the library to enliven
and Illustrate the work in geography,
history, civil government. nature study,
physiology etc. Use il to elucidate
historical, geographical scientific and
literary illusions found in the reading
lesson and in other studies. Assign
lessons carefully Anticipate all the
pupils difficulties Don't tell the pupil
too much. But arouse his interest.
point the way, throw on the highland
then let the pupil do the work for him.
self Don't think for the pupil teach
him to think for himself He learns
only by self-actvity Tell him where
to find information Be specific. Point
ont the book, the chapter the very
passage Tell him where he can find
a additional information
Teach the pupils to use the library
intelligently in preparing special pro-
grams for the literary society, debates,
etc Let the encyclopedias and other
reference books not be neglected Teach
the pupils To use these books with
skill and precision.
Let the pupils select their own books
for home reading but guide them. with
n loving interest, in their selections.
Occasionally the pupils should be per
mitted to read library books for au hour
Mt time during school hours.
Teach your pupils that intelligent
reading is the key to the knowledge of
the world
Prof. Freeman Lecture.