The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1908-06-18
II Fl Il SO FL O OIL
Problems of the District School.
Chapter x. harvesting the Results.
By Prof. Dinsmsre.

fair way to Judge the efficiency Of
school is to observe the signs Of
purpose in the minds of the pupils,
particularly the older ones. Have
they some definite, worthy aim in
life. or are they merely drifting
hither and thither like a leaf on a
pond? How many are planning TO
seek further education than the dis
trict school affords? How many nave
their minds set to improve on the
conditions around them? Are these
voupg people planning to take high
places in the world around them as
teachers. preachers, farmers, mer-
chants and mechanics? If they can
not now decide what their future av-
ocation shall be are they neverthe-
less laying a firm foundation for
whatever opens up before them?
These are pointers that show what
is being done.
The teacher who fires the minds
of his pupils with noble aspirations
is doing much il he did nothing else.
But fortunately he must be doing
his whole duty in order to do that
We cannot conceive Of a lazy and
Sinking teacher creating enthusi-
asm in his pupils. It takes fire 10
kindle fire and fuel to keep it burn
ing. 1t is a common saying in these
days that every boy or girl that re-
ally desires II may have a thoro edu-
cation. Schools abound on every
side offering the means Of education
to the humblest and the poorest.
1t remains Tor the teacher to kin
die the desire and show the way. II
we cannot discover these signs
there is something wrong with the
teaching.
3. HABITS OF READING AND
sELF-uiPROVENIENT. If such work
as that which has been outlined in
this book has been faithfully per-
formed even one term Of school
viii show gratifying results. The
pupils will be in possession Of some
good books and will have acquired III
taste and habit of reading. They
should be encouraged to keep on add
ing to their stock of books and 10
continue their reading. l. they do
this they are certain to go on gath
ering knowledge and improving their
minds. Otherwise at the end Of the
term their education comes TO stand
still and their minds begin 70 grow
rusty
The teacher should have the com
munity and the school so organized
and cooperating that a reading or
literary society win go on thru the
vacation when the mental power Of
the district has been gotten into
fine working order thru six months
Of effort it is poor economy to let it
lie idle for the next half year There
Is not only the loss Of what might
be accomplished but the machinery
is certain to rust and get out Of
order from disuse. Much time and
effort will be required to put it in
shape again.
II cannot but be a source Of sat
isfaction to the teacher to know
that his work is going forward after
his term OF service is over; that
his plans for the betterment Of the
neighborhood are being carried out.
The leaders and workers owe their
training to him and the greater their
success. the more JOY and credit to
him.
A course OF reading may be laid
out for the pupils that viii last
thru the vacation, taking so much a
day or week. Each one may write
the teacher a letter at the end of a
month telling him what they have
accomplished and receive in return
suggestions for further work. This
will be something definite and the
letters will be a source OF pleasure
TO all concerned.
Subjects for discussion for the lit
erary society may be furnished ss
they are asked for which they are
likely to be. Tn this way the teach
er, no matter where he may be, can
keep In touch with his pupils and
patrons until the next term begins.
s LIFE FRIENDSHIP BORN IN
THE SCHOOL. A true friend is
ever valuable possession. Friend
ship forms a large part OF the 10Y
OF living and should he encoura0ad