Fergus County argus., 1905-09-05
UNIFORMITY
IS AIMED AT
SUPT. HARMON OUTLINES THE
COURSE OF STUDY REQUIR-
ED IN SCHOOLS.

In accordance with the state law,
Superintendent of Public Instruction
w. E. Harmon has just issued a man
uel for the use of teachers, but it
may be studied by pupils as well with
much profit.
A new feature of the course is one
in practical agriculture. Mr.. Harmon
in his introduction says:
Section 17O5 of the Political code
makes it the duty of the state super
intendent of public instruction to pre-
pare and prescribe course of study
for all the public schools of the state
The first and only course that has
been printed for Montana was issued
in 1899. Since that time nearly all
of the text books used in the public
schools of Montana have been chang
ed making the course prepared at
that time of little value. The present
course is based almost entirely on the
texts chosen for thes chools of Mon
tana by the state text book commits
sion. In the preparation of this course
many courses of study, both state and
city. have been consulted.
The aim in preparing the course
has been to prescribe good prac-
tical working course Of study, embOdy-
ing the best ideas of the most noted
educators. The three RS are given
a prominent place in the course. For
the last few years it seems to be a
recognized fact that these time-honor-
ed subjects have not received their due
portion of attention.
"A sentiment prevails that more
attention should be accorded them. 1t
is not the intention to give these SUBJ
jects as much time as was formerly
accorded them, but to give them the
time that is their due. Reading and
literature are not given more time.
but the time is spent in studying oV-
er a broader field. The same pieces
are not read and reread until there
is no interest left in them, but new,
fresh and interesting material is con-
stantly supplied. In arithmetic more
drill work is given to insure accuracy
in computation, but fewer subjects
are required than formerly.
"By law physiology and hygiene
must be taught in every grade OF the
common schools.
''The following course is outlined to
meet the requirements of the law,
and is therefore taught in every
grade.
"The suggested topics are taken
from a scheme outlined by Mrs. Mary
H. Hunt.
The Book Of Nature.
"A course of study that did not pro-
vide for instruction in nature, sub
ject from which all boys and girls
derive pleasure and profit would be
imperfect indeed Children take de-
light in the study of living and NOV
ing things. in the beautiful, the
bright t-colored, the thought provoking.
The nimble squirrel, the fleet rabbit,
the soaring bird the budding tree, the
sprouting seed, the fragrant flower
all contribute to their happiness. A
day in the hills on the ranch, or out
fishing. What child does not enthuse
at the thought?
"The book of nature is open. How
eagerly they read and study the con-
tents. No book at school is half so
interesting. This book broadens the
life of the child, makes him an observ-
er, helps him to interpret the printed
page in geography. literature, read
ing and history. Teachers should not
neglect to bring their everyday work
this most interesting study.
1T is an important aid in the teach
ing of oral and written expression in
language work
"The subject of agriculture is intro
duced. 1t is surely a subject in which
a large percentage of the boys and
girls that attend school are interest
ed.
MANY city children spend their va
cations in the country. This subject
will make all children more observ-
ing.
1T is not expected that the course
is perfect, not even approximately so,
but it is hoped that it will furnish a
basis for the school work that will be
helpful to the rural and graded school
teacher alike. Criticisms and sug-
gestions will be gratefully received
as the course will be revised as oc-
casion demands it.
81 thank each and all who have in
any way aided either by suggestion or
otherwise in the preparation of the
course"