The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-11-29
\. {. |. ]. DEPARTMENT
Mrs. f. Van Hood. Editor
Scientific instruction in schools

was adopted by state law rs a part
d the regular school course this has
been a subject Of discussion among
teachers in every state in the Union.
It has been. and 10 a large extent
still is, an open field. Each teacher
has used the method best suited 10
his school and community. For any
one teacher to say that his way is
absolutely the best, betokens self
conceit out OF harmony with his ad
vancement; but as ideas are eX-
changed, each one may Gull those he
can best use.
The teacher should be the strong
est intellectual and ethical force in
the school room. Example is conced-
ed to be the most effective method
of teaching, for, you teach more by
what you are than by what you say
Hence the first requisite is that the
forms Of narcotics, both on and off
duty.
The next requisite is correct infor-
nation Reliable books, giving sci
entific facts in plain language, are
now TO be found in every up-to-date
school library. These the teacher
may use for study, class work or ref
erence. Other books in which facts
are given in more simple language.
may be placed in the hands Of the
children and youth. AS the state
instruction be given in all grades,
the methods of presentation must
differ according to the age and ca
pacity of the pupils in the classes.
The principles of pedagogy that
apply TO other lines Of instruction
are of the same value here.
Children of all ages learn more
readily when the subject matter is
presented before their eyes as we'll
as to their ears, and remember more
clearly when the hands and feet are
:
ans of sense. Oral and the text
book lessons should therefore. be
combined with black board lessons,
chalk-talks, notes. outlines, pictur-
es and experiments. These should
be supplemented particularly in the
primary grades, with expressive mo-
lions of the fingers, hands, head and
feet, giving emphasis to the most
important truths taught by stepping,
clapping or other appropriate exer-
ciSeS
The instruction should be positive
and clear. Much negative instruction
falls short Of the mark. \ perpleXed
little boy once expressed it this way:
You tell me what to do, but YOU
don't tell me what to do
This does not mean that the in
furious effects Of narcotics should
not be pointed out, and decided
warning be raised against them. On
the contrary, the evils following
their use should be plainly stated
the harm done to every organ and
tissue Of the body should be clearly
explained. The class should know,
for instance, that the paralyZing eff
feet Of all narcotics upon the inhab-
itants is only one Of degree, from
the soothing cup Of tea or the tiny
cigarette, past the wine glass and all
its atfinities, to total unconscious
ness under the opium pipe.
1t does not mean that the positive
view of the strong, clean man or wo-
man, who uses none of these things
should be kept to the front. The
power Of temperate life, which
means a self-control that can use
good things in moderation, and alb
stain from all bad things, should be
the point in every lesson.-Augusta
B. Cambridge, Los Angeles, Cal.
Signs of the Times
Dos NOiDpC Ia Nov -DoS