Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1912-03-29
PRACTICAL TRAINING OF RURAL
TEACHERS AT LEWISTON

By Prof. Wooster of the Lewiston
Normal
Practical work that is to contribute to
the improvement of conditions in the
rural districts must be chosen to fit
the condition of the particular district.
1t must be within the capacity of the
children and contribute to their educa-
ton and at the same time better the
condition of the people by
First: Increasing their economic eff
cheney, then, 1. Improving the progress
of existing industries, or 2. Introduc-
ing new industries that are needed;
Second: Improving the living condi-
tions surrounding them. 1. A better
ment of the physical surroundings. 2
Tne increase of the capacity TO enjoy
and appreciate the pleasure and beau
ties of country Inc.
Considering one phase only of the
possible work, i. e., that of manual
training, we find large number of ex
ercises that involve the use of only the
simplist tools and materials Their ex-
ercise should be chosen in the light of
all the circumstances
To simply indicate the kind of exer-
cises we may select will mention
series of exercises arranged under sew
ere headings:
Wood working; the repair of all the
wood parts of farm tools, buildings and
equipment, such as the putting in of
hoe. fork axe and hammer handles,
the replacement of the wood parts of
heavy wagons; the making of wagon
boxes, the repair of out buildings and
construction of simple wood buildings.
The building of shelves in the school
house, flower boxes, seed terminating
boxes, and forms for simple cement
work The replacing of broken window
lights and other simple exercises that
will occur to any teacher who will actu-
ally start such work. Along with the
the wood working practice, the selec-
ton. preparation and appncaticn of
paints For example, the painting OF
farm wagons, implements and out build
ings, as well as simple exterior and in
terror house woodwork.
Concrete work is one of the indirect
means of improving the farmstead- Su-
pervise the preparation of concrete and
the building of concrete walks, steps,
and fence posts both at
school and on the farm. The repair OF
farm implements involves the cold work
ing of iron as well as the working of
wood. We can teach the boys how to
drill and tap holes in small iron as in
the repair of harrow or plow, how to
properly rivit and DSlL iron, to rethread
bolts ana to make and fit iron rods ana
braces The neat and strong splicing
of wire and the erection of wire fenc-
ing are valuable lessons
Harness and leather goods are univer-
sally used on farms and ranches. Teach
the boys to make a neat strong splice
in a broken strap by means Of riyits or
thread: how to cut a strap from side
OF leather and work it into such simple
Things as a hitching strap, riding bri-
die or colt halter.
There are many other problems that
viii come from the farm to school and !
serve as tools to increase the efficiency |
Of our boys The problems should be |
furnished by the school or farm and /
should be actual repairs or construction
Of useful articles as the broken fork or |
harness of a neighbor X of Y. The |
above may suggest some of the available
material which may be used.
This work relates very closely to the
of the up keep of buildings
and grounds. Ii the boys are encour-
aged to repair broken windows, fences
md doors. and put in new book shelves,
window boxes. walks ana fences, they
Will gain a respect for the school prop
,rty that can be obtained in no otner
way.
For the girls the work might include
he study of fabrics. the selection Of
abrics and colors for --e making of
imple garments. the cutting, fitting and
making OF such garments as simple