The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-08-25
GRADED COURSE
IN RURAL SCHOOLS
.------------
Prof. Fitzpatrick, OF Gate City,
Points Out Need OF
Such a Reform.
PLAN CLEARLY OUTLINED
...Nould Aid Superintendent III
Their Work and Greatly
Benefit Children.
PLAN CLEARLY OUTLINED

At the Educational Conference held
here last fail one of the ablest ana
most interesting papers submitted was
that of MIR. Il. r. Fitzpatrick, princi-
pal of the Eigh School at Gate City, Va
MIR. Fitzpatrick is considered one of
the strongest young educators in the
state. His paper, which was on the
subject of Graded Course for Rural
Schools. and Which is full of interest
ing points. was rs follows:
am glad to know that our exam
liners are putting forth an earnest eff
fort to have uniform course OF study
for all rural schools. Tho introduce
ton OF such course at this time is
most opportune. The present interest
aud enthusiasm in education through
out the State, the new regulations that
are now being introduced into our
public school system and tho necessity
OF more eEactness In the articulation
of primary grades with grammar
grades, and grammar grades with the
State High School course, Will aid ma
terially in the permanent establish
ment Of such a course.
We all agree that such course Is
desirable, hence l shall not consume
your time in trying to establish the
ndvisabiuty Of It's adoption.
IL
Of study for rural schools. 1t is in
the main. the same as that offered by
the committee on Standard country
school" at our last annual meeting. 1t
embraces all tho branches designated
by the State Board Of Education with.
the exception Of physical culture and
vocal music.
8H First Year.
Il; Reading-Thi work should begin
With the word method from the board
supplemented by the chart. Later the
phi onetic method should be combined
with the word method. At the end of
about six weeks the primer should be
put into the hands OF the pupil.
Langua ge-Conversation about famil
lar objects. such as trees, plants, fruits,
minerals and animals. Get the chill
dren to talk as freely as possible.
Teach the use of the period and the
question mark. telling and ask!ne-
sentences. use OF capitals II" and 20"
and in the first word OF a sentence.
Number-First ten numbers in all
their combinations, first ten Roman
numerals. and sign" .take-away
sign" time sign" division sign
counting TO 100 by ones and two's
This work must be concrete. and there
must be q proper association of the
familiar objects.
Spelling-Words selected from Ian
guage and reading lesion. Three to
four new words should he given each
day. They should be carefully writ
ten on the board by the teacher. Get
the pupil TO see the word-picture and
to repeat the word after the teacher.
Later the word should be analysed
phoneticallv. At this stage no attempt
Il ~, = +. 4,
words should be kept on the board
from day TO day for the purpose of
constant drill.
Science-Easy lessons in nature,
which may be combined with langua ge
Litera Observation-Disclosures r Y III S,
fairy tales. etc.
Writing-Copy words and easy sent
ences from the hoard. Let the pupils
write their own names.
Drawn g-Cube. ball. cylinder and
natural objects based on those three
forms.
Reading-Tha nrst reader should be
supplemented by board work. In this
ms well as in the preceding grade
careful attention must be given to
getting the pupil to express himself
naturally. He must grasp the thought.
not merely call words. The word and
phonetic method should be combined
In this grade.
Language work OF the first
grade should be reviewed and en-
larged nron. .Giive easy lessons in
home 9eogTaphy, such as fields, noun
tains, water and rivers. Hold inter-
csting conversations about the earth,
sun and moon Teach use of cxclama-
tion point; is" and are" "was' and
az nd 30 Al.