The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-03-04
LOCAL INSTITUTE
At ALDENV|LLE
INSTRUCTIVE MEETINGS
Prof. Watkins Thinks that the Time
is Coming When it VIII be Com
pulsory to Have Devotional ENcr-
Cises in Every School Room.


cises in Every School Room.
MORNING sESSION-The meet
ing was opened with devotional ex-
ercises with Rev. James Rainey in
charge. Following this was song.
The first paper to be discussed
was read by Miss Carrie Gredlein,
who took for her subject Hygiene"
in which she spoke of the need Of
better ventilation in the school room.
She also stated that the children
should be more careful in the masti-
cation OF their food.
Several teachers took part in the
general discussion; the discussion
being closed with remarks by Rev.
James Rainey.
Francis Curtis read a paper on
Public School Government" Be
fore one attempts to govern children
he or she must be able to govern
him or herself. The best results in
School Government are obtained
only when the school and home are
working in harmony.
In reviewing MIR. Curtis paper,
Prof Watkins said: There are two
kinds of government-volu and
compulsory. When you cannot make
a success of voluntary government
compulsory government should be
enforced"
Miss Emma Stanton seconded Mr.
Curtis ideas and also stated that
some teachers would punish a pupil
not because it was necessary but
simply to show his or her authority"
Messrs. Pennell, Clemens and
Smith also gave their various views
of the subject
Next was a recitation, The Build
ers," which was well rendered by
Bliss Treat.
The third subject to be discussed
was school Composition" which
was ably handled by Miss Anna Will
denstein. Composition should be
practiced in every school as it teaches
the pupil to express himself in the
best possible manner. Unuer this
subject come paraphrasing, imagin-
airy story writing, and letter writing.
The young man or woman who can
express his or her thoughts in words,
using correct spelling, punctuation,
etc, is the one who obtains the best
positions.
Miss Rebecca McCabe said: There
is not sufficient composition in the
public school. Pupils should begin
letter writing in the third year OF
school Should also have original
composition"
Miss Stanton and G. h. Knapp
also took part in the discussion.
Mr. Watkins, Mr.. Knapp and others
discussed the advisableness of omit
ting mathematics from the school
curriculum.
Miss Della Collins recited The
Last Hymn" which was fully ap-
preciated by all.
The last subject to be taken up
before closing the morning session,
was Morals and Manners" this be-
ing delivered in a fine manner by
Mr.. Raymond E. Smith. Many teach
ers have not acquired the correct
method of teaching the different sub
jects. History is not properly taught
unless it produces feeling of
patriotism.
Miss Wildenstein, being asked her
opinion of the teaching of Morals"
replied: 1T is very important that
the teacher should lay particular
stress on training the young minds
along this channel. Very often the
teaching of Morals" is sadly neg
/ lected in the school-room."
1t is the opinion of Prof. Watkins
that the time is coming when it will
be compulsory to have devotional
exercises in every school-room.
After the song, I'm be a Sunbeam"
which was eXcellently rendered by
Miss Stantons pupils, Professor
Watkins adjourned the meeting un-
til afternoon.
AFTERNOON SESSION-Meeting
opened at 1880 by singing Gather
ing Seed" followed by a recitation
by Miss Katherine McCabe.
The first paper in the afternoon
was read by Walter Pennell, whose
subject was THE Recitation" The
teacher should spend a certain
amount of time on the lesson so that
he will have thorough knowledge
of the lesson when the class is called
for recitation. The pupil should not
memorize the words of the lesson,
but should be taught to grasp their
meaning, and tell the story in their
own words.
Mr.. Curtis reiterated Mr.. PEN
nell's statements.
Brief remarks were made by sew
eral teachers in regard to length Of
the recitation.
Vocal solo-Miss Harriet Curtis.
paper on obedience" was read
by Miss Rebecca McCabe. "Obedi-
ence in the pupil is most essential.
A word to the pupil is sometimes
more expedient than punishment, in
acquiring obedience from the chill
dren. Parents and teacher must
work in harmony"
The remarks OF Prof. Watkins,