Martinsburg statesman. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1869-1906, 1906-08-24
Teachers Institute.

DIR. Sanford made the first talk on
Wednesda, His subjects were the old
aud new methods of 'earning lette :,
peculiar methods ofspelling. He savors
the new method of learning the alpha
bet and the old method in spelling.
He thinks pupil has more complete
mastery of a word when calling each
syllable by name as he spells it than
he can possibly have by naming all
the letters in word before attempting
to pronounce H. He closed his talk by
giving directions for training the vo-
cal organs.
Mrs. Ponce discussed pernieious
literature. She thinks the popular nov
eI mas worse effect upon the mind
than the old yellow-back literature,
The popular novel gives low ideals
poor plots, ond comes in the garb of re
spectability.
Mrs. Ponce next discussed Kip
ling's Recessional with the members OF
the institute as she would do with a
class She thinks kipling is dual
man, exalting war in one composition
and uttering most remarkable praye
I'm another.
Mr. Thunhurst gave another talk
on geography. He thinks the mind is
treated like pin cushion by many
teachers. They stick as many facts as
possible into the mind without regard
to the relation Of those facts TO each
other. If the first 10 or 50 pages OF geo.
graphy is thoroughly taught the re-
mainder of the book is review, The
speaker explained several experiments
that may be used in class work, clos
ing with the good advice: you can't
be the author, be Yourself
Mrs. Ponce gave an excellent talk,
taking for her text the word "gnmp-
tion.n Many persons think this word
is not good English but it is. Gump-
ton is common sense and tact, that
enable the teacher to meet trying situ-
atoms that are suddenly thrust upon
them.
DIR. Sanford talked next. His adj
dress was to the members ofthe school
boards present. lie thinks steam heat
is worse for the pupils than stoves, IN
less fans are used to force pure air in
to the rooms.
On Thursday morning, DR.. Sanford
did some model teaching to a class OF
rs boys from the second ward. He
taught decimal fractions to this class
for the first time and did II successful |.
ly. This model work was one Of the
strong features of this successful insti-
tute.
Mrs. Ponce recited humorous sci.
ection for the pleasure Of the little
boys of DIR. Sanfords class.
Mrs. Ponce next discussed memory.
She thinks a good memory is equaled
by good ''forgettery." She thinks il
Is fine mind that can let go Of the
non essentials and retain the essen
tials. She gave several illustrations OF
minds choosing only the matter that
could be used.
DIR, Sanford TALKED again Of primary
reading and gave to the teachers his
pam phlet discussing fully this sub
ject.
Mrs. Ponce gave her farewell talk
Immediately after dinner on Friday.
She expressed great pleasure associa'
tions Of the past week, and closed by
reciting the poem goodbye"
DIR. Sanford closed by talk to the
teachers upon the business Of teaching
He named three classes Of teachers:tht
born teacher, the person born t. not
teach, and the third and largest class
that are not born teachers but who
by study and effort can become good,
strong tea cheers.
Thus losed one Of the most helpful
institutes OF recent years.