The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1920-04-01
LOCAL TEACHERS
AT STATE MEET

ing and Miss Margaret Cavanagh,
teacher for defective speech i'm Ke-
nosha, have returned from the insti-
tuition for Wisconsin teachers of the
deaf and defective speech which was
held in Madison Friday and Saturday.
The sessions were held in the Senate
chamber with representatives from
two-thirds of the state schools in at
tendance. State Superintendent Carey
delivered the welcoming address.
Round table discussions were the fea-
ture Of the meeting and gave oppor-
| tunity for the exchange of mutually
helpful ideas. Wisconsin, which has a
record for being first in great many
worthwhile things, is also ahead of
every other state in the number of
schools which are maintained for the
deaf.
Kenosha's School Good.
Kenosha has one of the best conduct
ed schools in the state and Miss Reed
was able to offer many valuable sug-
gestions for the work in other schools.
1t has been found that local cases Of
deaf children are more encouraging
than those in the other schools as the
children are not so badly afflicted. Oc-
casionally child RECEIVERS it's hearing
to remarkable degree which, of
course, gives incentive for renewed eff
fort with the other pupils. Miss Reed
has had case Of this kind very recent
! ly where the child has so far recovered
as to be able to attend the regular
schools Of the city. The fact that they
are not so deaf, as whole, as the
children of other schools makes it pos
sible for the regular public school
manual to be followed in Kenosha.
One of the most interesting of the
discussions considered the advantages
of the state day schools over the Del
evan Institution for the Deaf. 1t was
agreed that the better results could be
obtained when the children were not
segregated but were allowd to remain
at home and treated as other school
children. More careful individual at
tention can be given to the children
who attend the little day schools.
An interesting result of the confer
ence is the formation of principals
association, which bands together the
principals of the various state schools
for the exchange of mutually helpful
ideas in the operation of the schools.
Legislative improvement as we'll as
school improvement will be considered.
Talks on "Stammering."
DR.. Smiley Blanton of the University
of Wisconsin was one of the principal
speakers at the institution. He talk
ed on "Stammering'' and gave the
causes of stammering. His discourse
was especially interesting inasmuch
as a great deal of work with defective
speech is being conducted throughout
the state. Quite often it has been
found possible to entirely cure a pupil
of the stammering habit. DR.. Eliza
beth Wood of the state department,
who supervises the opportunity schools
throughout the state talked on the
Relation Between Low Mentality and
the Deaf" She exhibited tests which
might be- applied to the children to
lessen the work of classification and
told where the tests might be procur-
ed. The relation of rhythm to the
teaching of deaf children was also
discussed. A deaf child usually has
set, choppy method of talking which
is developed into good flowing speech
by the aid Of rhythmic exercises and
folk dancing. Voice placing with the
aid of piano is also resorted to.
Miss Gardner of Appleton gave
helpful talk. Miss Wettstein, princi-
pal of the Milwaukee schools had the
question box. Miss Archibald of New
London, had paper on auricular
tests for the child's hearing. These
tests are of material aid in improving
the hearing. Miss Saunders of La
Crosse had paper on the Language
Plan for the Deaf"
Plan Yearly Conference.
Mr. Cook, state supervisor of deaf
schools was chairman Of the insti-
tuition. Mr.. Winnie, trainer of teach
ers for the deaf at the Milwaukee
Normal school also held prominent
place in the discussions. The insti-
tuition was the second Of its kind to
be held in Wisconsin and tentative
plans were made for yearly conferences.