The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1911-04-12
TEACHERS MEETING
GREAT SUCCESS
| ecture by Dr.. Belts Well Attended
by Teachers, Pupils and Patrons
A Great Lecture.
ROUND TABLES INTEREST ING
Papers by Different Teachers Bring
Forth Discussion and Prove to
be Valuable to All Present.

The Crawford County Teachers
convention, which was held under the
supervision of County Superintendent
Olrv, at DenisOn on Friday evening
and Saturday, was great success
from every standpoint and nearly ev-
cry teacher in the county was present
to take part in the meetings.
The Friday evening program was
held in the M. e. church as planned.
DR.. George II. Belts, of Cornell col
leee at Mt Vernon, Iowa, gave one of
the most practical lectures that we
have had the pleasure of hearing. The
lecture was delivered before large
and appreciative audience OF teach
ers, patrons and pupils. His subject
was THE Schools of Yesterday, To-
day and Tomorrow He traced the
history of our public school system
from the landing of the Pilgrims to
the present time, and showed IN
very pleasing way it's growth and de-
velopment DR.. Belts told how the
Puritans had laid the foundation of
our high schools and colleges during
the first six years Of their life IN the
colony. He went into detail about the
text books that were used at that time
and how simple they were compared
to the ones now in use in the public
schools. In the earlier stages OF our
public schools the boys were more
favored than the girls, the girls be-
ing denied the privilege of attending
the high school. This condition pre-
vailed in this country for nearly a
hundred and fifty years and a girl
was given a certificate, stating what
she had learned, thus proving that
she had a mind and could learn as we'll
as boy.
At the close of the address Mrs. B.
+ Sibbert sang most beautiful SOLO,
Swiss Echoes" which was greatly
appreciated by all.
The program for Saturday morning
and afternoon were carried out as
planned but for the exception of two
numbers. The Saturday meetings
were held q: the cenlra; school build
ing and the morning program, which
started at 9:15, was opened by a vocal
solo by Miss Helen Hayes, which was
followed by another beautiful solo by
Miss Beatrice Lally. These were both
very pretty and enjoyed by all.
The mixed chorus by the high
school pupils was a very pleasant sur
prise, as this number was planned at
ter the program was printed. Miss
Winifred Wright played pretty piano
solo and the piano duet by Miss Fran
ces Leahy and Miss Grace O'Connor
was much enjoyed by both teachers
and pupils.
Much credit is due the chairmen of
the various round tables for the good
list of subjects and the able way in
which their part of the program was
carried out. Space will not permit of
a detailed statement of the various
parts OF the program in the round
tables and Of the ones taking part in
the discussions. The subjects were
practical and the discussions resulted
in an exchange of ideas that will be
mutually beneficial.
The primary teachers round table
was presided over by Miss Bond and
the secretary reports the meeting
success. The papers by Miss Jenna
Strahan and Miss Ann SchnOebelen
were very interesting and these, with
the plays and Games" by Miss Bonds
kindergarten class and the Games
and FOX Dances" by Miss Crafts
pupils, took up the time. The little
folks showed the result of careful
planning and good work.
The grade teachers round table,
presided over by Miss Norris, was a
success. The papers by Miss Emma
Raine and Miss Emily Matousek Of
fered some practical hints and
thoughts on the subjects: How to
Create High School Ambition in the
Grammar Grades" and "To What EX-
tent is Poor Reading Responsible for
Poor Work in the Grades" The other
subjects were discussed informally.
The talk by Mr.. John Ainsworth on
the subject, Our Text Books in the
Rural Schools plainly stated his
ideas of our text books now in use.
Nearly all came in for more or less
criticism in not being practical, as not
teaching the subject they are sup
posed to teach. He thought that the
books now in use had been in use too
long and that they should be changed
Most teachers and the county super
intendent agree with him. The paper
on manual training by Prof. Johnson
and the paper on domestic science by
Miss Warner were full of good sug-
gestiOns as to what can be done in a
country school, They offered some
practical suggestions that any pro-
| greSSlVe teacher can use