Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-12-20
School Work in Grades
Summarized by Laren
GRADE PRINCIPAL LAREN LAYS
STRESS ON IMPORTANCE OF
OUTSIDE READING

The nrSt nalI OF the SCHOOL year 10
practically ended for the grades. The
work accomplished seems wholly sat
isfactory. Some of the grades are
slightly behind in their work but in
these grades the situation is such
that more rapid progress may be ex-
pected during the coming months
We have found that some have not
the foundation for the work of their
grade which makes an extended re-
view necessary. With the reviews
completed, better progress will then
be possible.
Irregular attendance has handi-
capped many a pupil. Poor study
habits are at the base of many of the
failures TO grasp the work of the
grade. There is a certain disinclina-
ton in all upper grade pupils toward
anything which demands mental la
bor This is a natural state in peo-
pie of their age and in a region that
is blessed with so much outdoor life.
Our greatest problem is to get our
people to read more, to take great
er interest in reading, not for read
ing's sake, but to know good stories
and more facts in science and in cur
rent events.
Ii we could develop situation in
which each pupil would be glad to
take an hours time outside of school
hours for the purpose of reading a
good story, the important news event
the lives of some of great people, or
other worthwhile readings, not as
signed in class because of lack Of
time, we would soon note a better
attitude toward study in the class
room. The reading circle work is in
tended to serve just this purpose but
we find in most cases the reading is
done not in the spirit of interest but
because it is required of them. Such
reading is not the most valuable to
the, person reading.
There should be a greater variety
of books in the library and the num-
Der of volumes should be greatly in
creased. Most of our library books
are several years old and in very
poor condition.
A widely read person is a person
of many experiences. 1t will instill
greater confidence in the person; he
will find more to interest him in his
school work because of his having
read of similar experiences. Encour-
age your children in the reading they
do by taking an interest in it SO as
to ask about the book they are en-
gagged in reading.
A condition which is not conducive
to the best of study habits is the
seating of pupils together as is nee
essary in the upper grade room. Pu-
pills find it possible to get their les
sons at times from their neighbors
or when slight difficulties arise in
stead of relying on themselves for a
solution they turn to someone for
help.
We would like to have more people
and especially parents to arrange as
often as possible to spend some time
in the class rooms.
Teachers note the effect on pupils.
There is more interest revealed on
all sides.
This year kindergarten depart
ment has been added. A larger room
should be available for this part of
the school work
The work done in this department
will assist the people to quicker
and better start in the first grade.
The purpose in the kindergarten is
the same as our purpose in demand
ing more and wider reading interests
that is, to gain many experiences. In
the kindergarten this is done with
out the aid of books. But everyday
they meet with many new and strik-
ing experiences which they never
could meet with at home and of
which they just bubble over in their
relating of the accident OF all the
experiences the one of meeting new
and strange people and adjusting
themselves to social group is the
most important. It is also here that
they get the better start in the first
grade over those who have not at
tended kindergarten and have had
but few experiences outside of the
home.
The teachers in the grades join in
wishing all the good citizens of our
village the Merriest of Christmases
and the most Prosperous of New
Years.
The enrolment by grades is given
as follows:
Kindergarten ...--.-.---,.--.........,.-,.. 80
First grade ...-...-..-..-..................-. 40
Second grade --.----...--..---.------.----- 81
Third grade --.-....-.-...-----.-----..---.- "a
Fourth grade ..............-...--.-..--. 38
Fifth grade ,..,-.-.....--....-,...-..---.---- 80
Sixth grade ......,-.-........-.-...--.-..-... 3S
Seventh grade ......--.-..,..--.... A