in well doing; and were untiring in their efforts to accomplish that object. of the flowers around, entered through the upraised windows into the room, I felt that it was really an inviting retreat;" and that in such a place I could willingly spend any days. One might almost fancy that he had found the resi idence of Flora the famed Roman goddess and "Queen of all the Flowers," and that of her companion, Zephyrus, no less famed and ad I found during my visits to the schools of this county the past summer, that many of the teachers were making praiseworthy exertions to im-, prove their schools; and with their means, were doing well, and were entitled to as much credit for their exertions, as was the teacher above alluded to. The good resulting from the publica-mired by the ancient Athenians, for his frequent tion of the former sketch, induces me to forward another of the same school, hoping that it may prove an incentive to very many other teachers to "go and do likewise.' The school-house has two rooms, the outer one being used as a depository for hats, cloaks, dinner pails and a washing apparatus. Upon entering this outer room, the most prominent object that met my eye was the latterconsisting of pails, cups, wash-bowl, soap, comb, towels and looking-glass. The scholars were not allowed to take their seats in the school room, at any time during the day, without undergoing, if need be. a cleansing process. Upon entering the school-room I was struck with its neat and interesting appearance. The floor, seats and desks were kept as free from filth, as water, sand, soap and broom, could make them, and the seats and desks were almost entirely free from marks or cuts of any kind. The walls of the room were ornamented with neatly wrought wreaths of evergreens, and almost entirely covered with maps and drawings of various kinds. Mitchell's Outline Maps, Dr. Sewall's drawings of the human stomach, Dr. Collyer's drawings of the human head, showing the location of the mental faculties, several mottoes, and at least fifty specimens of drawings and paintings by the scholars, were suspended around the room, giving it a splendid appearance. Among the latter I recollect the following: "Rock of Gibraltar," "Saratoga Lake," "Moonlight at Sea," "Mt. Vesuvius," together with monuments, castles, geometrical figures, &c., and considering the ages of the scholars and the little time that had been devoted to the subject, the pieces were well executed. I also saw a printed Temperance Pledge with the scholars' names appended, and if 1 mistake not, the teacher informed me, that every scholar was a member. Among the mottoes were the following: “Do to others as you would that others should do to you." "We Cold Water Girls and Boys, Freely renounce the treacherous joys And thus we'll make our parents blest." In addition to the above, the school-room was furnished with black-boards and a clock, and ornamented with flowers of various kinds. Up. on shelves fastened against the windows, upon the front of the desks, and upon a table standing in the centre of the room, were placed numerous earthen and several glass jars, from which were blooming in all their freshness, several kinds of the fragrant geranium, pink, rose, dewplank, cactus, and many others. Besides whieh, boxes were placed before the windows upon the outside of the building, from which were starting up several kinds of plants of larger growth," also in full bloom. As the cool refreshing breeze from the west, perfumed by the fragrance and refreshing visits during the heat of summer. All this was accomplished by teacher and scholars, during their leisure hours-mornings, noons and evenings and while the scholars of many other schools were wallowing in the dust and filth of the streets. these in company with their teacher were perambulating the fields, and ga thering the sweet flowers, with which to decorate their other, and which should be to them, their next best home, where the most of the likes and dislikes of life are formed. Now, sir, which is the most rational mode of recreation? Which will conduce most to the health of the mind and body? I will leave these questions to be answered by others, and return to the subject, The number of scholars was about thirty, and all under twelve years of age except one. All were furnished with books and of the right kind; all with slates and pencils; all with writingbooks; made alike, made very nice, and kept so-all were taught phrenology, orthography, reading, definitions, mental or written arithme tic. geography, history, elements of natural and moral philosophy, physiology, English grammar, oral and written composition, declamation, penmanship, vocal music, linear drawing, painting, elements of astronomy and botany. Among so many fine things, and so great a variety of studies, the enquiry in many minds would very naturally arise-are the more essen. tial branches, spelling, reading, arithmetic, &c., well taught? I can answer in the affirmative. I was careful to notice the manner of teaching those branches, and was much gratified to find them correctly and thoroughly taught. The scholars were interrogated upon their lessons of every kind, and were not suffered to pass any, until well understood. They were kept com. stantly and pleasingly employed, and finally, were taught in such a manner, that their understandings were cultivated as well as their memories. The scholars were under good subjec tion, and appeared to be cheerful and happy, and well might they have been, for in addition to having every thing around them calculated to afford pleasure, their apprehensions were not excited by that "relict of barbarism," the rod. It appeared to afford the scholars pleasure to perform whatever was required of them by the teacher, and how could it have been otherwise. so long as they had ample proof, through the events of every succeeding hour, that the teacher had at heart their best, their truest interests. Were it not that I had already spun out this article to a much greater length than I in tended, I could give you a sketch of the mode of teaching the different branches taught in the school, but as it is, this must suffice. After so much has been said about this school, there are some, no doubt, who would be pleased to learn the name of the teacher. They shall be gratified, even though I risk her displeasure for not first obtaining her consent. The teacher of this school, and which all things considered, is Resolved, That in the opinion of the Teachequal to any in the State, is MISS JENNETTE¡ers' Association of this county, the course purBROWN, of Oppenheim, in this county. She has sued by J. O. Willsea, the present Superintendthe honor of holding a State certificate from Col. ent of common schools in this county, is praiseYoung. and for her zeal and generous devotion worthy and conducive to the interest of common to the interests of the young, well does she merit schools. F. B. SPRAGUE, it. Sept. 1844. Sup. of Schools of Fulton Co. [For the District School Journal.] TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. Resolved, That Mr. J. O. Willsea be requested to act with the town superintendents, to organize town associations, and they are to act as auxiliaries to the county association. Resolved, That the teachers of the county of Orleans, are earnestly requested to come together at Albion, on the first Friday and Saturday of Pursuant to notice, the Teachers' Association ciation, and that Mr. J. O. Willsea and the sevFebruary, 1845, to re-organize a Teachers' Assomet at the Court-House in Albion, and was cal-eral town superintendents be requested to use led to order by J. O. Willsea, County Superin- every effort to procure a general attendance of tendent, who brielly stated the object of the meeting. Mr. N. W. Butts was called to the chair, pro tem, and Mr. Chauncey Brown, appointed Secretary. Mr. Isaac Cox, J. Fuller and H. H. Lewis, were appointed a committee on resolutions. Meeting adjourned until 1 o'clock, P. M. Meet ing was called to order in the afternoon by Judge, Penniman, President of the Association. The committee on resolutions reported the fol lowing for the consideration of the meeting. Whereas, at the present time men of every other profession are associating themselves together for mutual aid and advantage--there. fore Resolved, That it is incumbent upon teachers for their own protection and advancement in the scale of public opinion, and for the benefit of those under their charge, to associate themselves together to hold converse with each other as often as practicable, and in every honorable way within their power, to promote good fellowship and brotherly kindness among themselves, there by presenting opportunities which must produce the most beneficial results. Whereas, order is nature's first law-Therefore teachers. The association then appointed Mr. H. H. Lewis, to prepare an address to the citizens of Orleans county. Resolved, That the proceedings of this association be published in the Orleans Republican, Orleans American, and District School Journal. WM. PENNIMAN, Pres. E. D. BACON, Sec. [For the District School Jourual.] SUFFOLK. A convention of superintendents, teachers and friends of common schools, was held at Riverhead, in the county of Suffolk, on the 2nd and 3d days of October inst. The meeting was quite numerously attended and a considerable degree of interest was manifested, not only by superintendents and teachers, but by others present, in the cause of common school education; the promotion of which in this county, was the object for which the convention had been called. A number of political meetings were being held at the same time in the immediate vicinity of this convention, and the subject of politics being so all engrossing as it is in this county, as well as throughout the country at this time, this tended to detract very much from the interest that would otherwise have been had in the meeting. ThomResolved, That we as teachers, do now dis-as H. Palmer, Esq., was present and delivered countenance corporal punishment entirely; but we believe that other means if properly administered at the proper time, will generally supersede the necessity of such punishment by securing submission on the part of the pupil. Resolved, That in the common school, where most children receive their practical education, a strict course of discipline should be adopt ed and maintained by every teacher. Resolved, That the District School Journal furnishes the best and most economical method of becoming acquainted with the condition of common schools, past and present, as well as the most approved methods of teaching, not only in this, but in foreign countries; and that it should be placed in the hands of every teacher of common schools in this state. a number of lectures, all of which were very well received, but more especially his lecture on moral education, which met with a hearty response from a great majority of those who heard it. The convention was addressed by others also on the general subject of education, as well as by authors and agents of school books, who spoke of the merits of their respective works. The convention was very harmonious and unanimous in all its action, and all were willing to award to the objects of the meeting the assent of their understandings, though all were not inclined to take any efficient action in the premises. There were one or two individuals howev er, from the county of Orange, who were disposed to intrude themselves upon the convention, and to avail themselves of that opportunity to attempt to sow some of those dissensions in this Resolved, That we regard the Normal school county, which they may have been instrumental as one of the best means that has hitherto been in effecting in their own county: but they met devised to qualify teachers for the discharge of with such a reception as will probably prevent their important duties; inasmuch as its tenden- their making the like attempt again in this councy is to introduce a uniform method of teach-ty. A committee of seven was appointed to ing, and to bring into use a uniformity of text books. Resolved, That we recommend to teachers to hold public examination at the close of each term, and that they invite the parents and guardians of the children, and all other persons interested to attend at such examination. consider and report on the subject of text-books. which report is hereto appended. This committe was principally composed of teachers, and it will Geography before half past two, they may devote be perceived that they are rather careful about the surplus of that time eiiber to practical anthmaking any particular selection. The want of sysmetic-drawing, or writing on slates. tem in our common schools was telt to be a ve 4. The scholars learning definitions in spelry great evil, and something of a uniformity in ling books or dictionaries, and those who spell this particular was thought to be very de-out of the book without definitions, will proceed sirable in this county, inasinuch as teachers, to those studies immediately after the recess; are generally changed every few months. A all others in arithmetic will proceed to that committee was appointed to report on this also exercise. This committee merely reported a plan of school | FOR TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS exercises, as taken from a card which is kept suspended in the school-room of one of their number, and practised upon by him. This also is herewith sent Suffolk County, Oct. 21, 1844. Forenoon Exercises. 1st From 9 o'clock to 10 Reading. 2nd 3rd "The report on text-books omitted for the 4th reasons assigned in the last Journal.”—ED. PLAN OF SCHOOL EXERCISES. FOR MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS. Forenoon Exercises. 10 104 101 5th 11 16th 111 104 Mental Arithmetic. 101 Recess. 11 Spelling Classes. "113 Prac. Arithmetic. "12 Rec. in Tables, &c. Afternoon Exercises. 1st From 1 o'clock to 1 Reading. 2nd 3rd 4th 2. The questioning of the class having just finished reading, shall be the signal for the next class to be ready to read, so that at the moment the class which has read is seated, the next class shall be formed. 3. After reading, the scholars who are not stu. dying Arithmetic, will proceed to writing on slates, and those in Arithmetic will prepare for a mental exercise in that study. 4. The male scholars will first take a recess of 7 minutes, during which time the females will be supplied with water. After which the females will take a recess, and the males will be supplied with water. 64 "2 Writing on Paper. "2} Recess. "3 Spelling Classes. "3 Prac. Arithmetic. 4 Spell. and Def, &c. Explanations. 1. The rea ling exercise during the first quarter of an hour is performed by the assistance of monitors. 2. An hour and a quarter is allowed for the writing exercise, but if any of the writers perform their part to the satisfaction of the teacher before the expiration of that time, they may de vote the surplus of that time to practice at arithmetic, drawing or writing on slates. WESTCHESTER COUNTY. Extract from the Annual Report of J. Hobbs, County MANY of the schools of the county, I am hap py to say, are in a very flourishing condition. In them, I found well qualified teachers, faithfully and successfully laboring, though frequently under many disadvantages, in training youth of both sexes in the principles of science and virtue, in a manner not surpassed in any of the higher inst tutions. Such teachers deserve the gratitude and respect of the community, in greater proportions than they generally receive. There are, I am sorry to say, some schools of a very opposite character. In them, I found teachers whose only business seemed to be, to hear their pupils read a certain number of times, Surely no enlightened man, unless he means to become a missionary. In proof of this, I will record one example, which was related to me when visiting schools. "A person wishing to purchase a farm, took up a newspaper, saw an advertisement of a farm for sale; the description suited him. A few days subsequent, he met with a person from the vicinity of the said farm; of him he obtained a description, with which he was well pleased; he then enquired concerning the schools? After hearing their description, he replied, "I would not take the farm as a gift." WYOMING COUNTY. Teacher's Institute, Oct. 17, 1844. F. DWGIHT, Esq.-DEAR SIR-I write you a word from our Institute; we have now before us 65 to 70 teachers engaged in mutual instruction for improvement in the great science of teaching, and to the credit of our female teachers, although not regarded as winter teachers, many of them are present, adding great interest to our exercises. This is the second week of our meeting; we are deeply engaged and much interested. We have had Mr. Fowle and Mr. Fitz of Boston, with us, from whom we have received many new and valuable suggestions, which will be felt in this region for many years to come. Our teachers were delighted with both of them. Mr. Fowle gave us many valuable hints in relation to teaching grammar, writing, composition, &c., and on the government of schools. Mr. Fitz, with his common school music for children, created a feeling of interest in this respect unlike any before known among us, and from the effect of which we shall not soon be likely to recover. There is something in these meetings of teachers, which is not only inspiring them with new zeal and energy, but is securing a union of effort on their part, more valuable than any thing known to me that has been before tried. They are becoming one united band of sisters and brothers in the great cause of their country's preservation; each possessing by means of mutual communication, the knowledge of all, to a very great extent. In some districts, I found the trustees and inhabitants, taking a very commendable interest in their schools; visiting, encouraging both teacher and pupils; supplying them with books and apparatus; in a word, doing their duty. But in a larger number I found an entirely dif. ferent state of things. A teacher is employed by the trustees, directed to a place called a school-house, and there suffered to work his way, without books, without apparatus, with out a visit,-nay, it would seem, without a thought from his employers, from the beginning of a term to the end of it. In some districts, if they can have a school long enough to answer the requirements of law, and to expend the public money, it is all they do,-all they wish. The law authorizing trustees to tax the inhabitants to pay the tuition of indigent children, and to supply the school with fuel, meets with great opposition; from persons toe from whom we ought to expect better things; from persons who would wish to be considered patriots; nay, from some professing to be christians. I know of one of the last named, who expended from ten to fifteen dollars in litigation, rather than pay a tax of one dollar fifty-four cents, for the repairs of a school-house, which was judiciously expended. In some districts, it is difficult to find suitable men, willing to act as trustees; knowing the opposition they will have to encounter, in the discharge of their official duty. "As the teacher, so the school," is already passed into a proverb; to which I will add ; as the school, so the neigh. borhood; for in my peregrinations through, the County, where I have found a well constructed, Our summer school celebrations passed off rewell furnished school-house, and a good school markably fine. In 9 of the 13 towns in the kept therein, there I found an enlightened, so-county, celebrations have been held, at which ber, moral, and religious community; and vice versa. The Allegany Institute is 16 miles southwest of us, with over 130 teachers, deeply engaged. There is also an Institute in Genesee county, 16 miles northwest of us; I believe doing well. 27 miles still further northwest there is one at Albion, Orleans Co., under Messrs. Wiltsea and Reynolds, engaged with good success in the same cause. at least 4,000 school children in procession have been present. The last was in Covington, on There appears to be a shortsightedness on the the 28th Sept., and much to the praise of the part of those whose only object is lucre. For scholars and teachers, and to the credit of the what intelligent man does not know, that it is inhabitants of the town, the exercises were ably less expensive to support schools, than to sup- conducted and well attended. Some of the banners port almshouses, courts of justice, prisons, &c.? and mottoes were peculiarly beautiful and touch. If the former were properly supported, the lat-ing. The bordering, flowers and mottoes on ter would need none. Who does not know that one banner in district No. 6, were embroidered a farm in an enlightened, well educated commu-with colored worsted by the young ladies of the nity, will bring twice as much in the market, as in one of the opposite character! Who will purchase a residence in the vicinity of a dilapi. dated, miserable school-house and school? school. In the centre encircled in a green wreath was the motto, "CANDIDATES FOR GOOD CITIZENS," in large capital letters; and the una?. mous expression there was that all ine candığ dates should be elected. On the other the motto was, "Knowledge, like virtue, is imperisha. ble." These perhaps may not be said to be the best, but only a specimen of the banners on that most interesting occasion. Of the exercises, it would be difficult to speak by way of discrimination, when all were so good. I will only further say that I have increased confidence in these institutes and celebrations. I believe the institutes worthy the attention of those officiating in the first department of our common schools, and also the legislature. Truly yours, A. 8. STEVENS, Co. Supt. TEACHERS' INSTITUTE. At a meeting of the members of the Teachers' Institute, held at Perry Centre, on Friday, the 18th of October, 1844, the following Constitution was reported by a committee appointed for that purpose and unanimously adopted: ART. I. This society shall be called the Wyoming County Teachers' Association;" its object shall be to arouse public attention on the subject of education, the improvement of teachers in their professions by an interchange of views, and the general advancement of science. ART. 2. The officers of this association shall consist of a president, thirteen vice presidents, a secretary and treasurer, who shall perform the usual duties pertaining to their respective offices, and shall continue in office one year and antil a new appointment shall be made. ART. 3. The parliamentary rules of other deliberative bodies shall be the common law of this association. ART. 4. Any teacher of the county may become a member of this association by subserib. ing to its constitution; and the deputy superin. tendent of the county, and the several town superintendents, shall be ex.officio members of this association. ART. 5. This constitution may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting of the association. The association was fully organized by a ehoice of the following officers for the ensuing year: President J. S. DENMAN, Attica. Vice-Presidents-H. C. Bishop, Attica; John B. Day, Bennington; A. L. Cook, Castile; J. L. Enos, China; Joseph Durfee, Covington; N. A. Calkins, Gainesville; C. Ewell, Mid. dlebury; Daniel Richards, Orangeville; Charles B. Reed, Sheldon; Daniel A. Knapp, Warsaw; L. H. Lighthall, Wethersfield; C. A. Huntington, Perry; and P. H. Warren, Java. Secretary C. J. Judd, Warsaw. Treasurer-M. A. Pierce, Perry. The following resolutions were then moved and adopted; Resolved, That Miles A. Hinman, of Sheldon. and Ezra Bishop, of Attica, be hereby constituted honorary members of this association. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be sent, with a request for publication, to the several newspapers of this county, and also to the District School Journal, Albany, Resolved, That this association adjourn to meet at the Court House, in the village of Warsaw, on the first Saturday in December next, at 9 o'clock, A. M. DISTRICT SCHOOL JOURNAL. ALBANY, DECEMBER, 1844. NORMAL SCHOOL. At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Normal School on the 23d inst., it was Resoloed, That the STATE NORMAL SCHOOL be opened for the reception of Pupils on Wednesday, the 18th of December, at halfpast 10 o'clock A. M., at which time the Executive committee will be in attendance. F. DWIGHT, Secretary of the Committee. The County Superintendents arerequested to give such notice to the pupils selected by the Board of Supervisors, as will secure their punctual attendance. EXAMINATION OF TEACHERS. We have, during the past year, adopted, with some slight modifications, the Philadelphia method of examining teachers, and having fully tested its great excellence, we venture to recom. mend its trial to the school Superintendents. An examination should be deliberate, thorough and impartial. "You hurried me,"-"I could have answered every question you asked him,"—"I was frightened and could not think"-are the expressionsof dissatisfaction often heard from the disappointed candidates, and in these, not unfre quently, parents and children join in eensuring the injustice of the examiner. Certainly, a method of examination, so obvi ously just as to defy these and similar censures, must commend itself to every mind, and such is the method to which we ask attention. Let a series of questions be previously prepared by the Superintendent, and when the candidates for certificates are assembled, let each write on paper answers to the proposed questions. The questions should relate to all the common school branches, and if prepared with care, will sift the minds of the candidates. We give a few of the questions used in Phila delphia by the Board of Examiners, merely as examples. They are numbered, that the teachers may number their corresponding answers. THEORY OF TEACHING. 1. What points are especially to be attended to in the reading lessons of children sufficiently advanced to be in a Grammar School? Should such lessons be as signed and studied beforehand? How should the exercise he conducted? 2. Should Spelling continue to be one of the regular exercises of children sufficiently advanced to be in a given daily to the exercise, and how should it be con Grammar School? If so, how much time should be ducted? 3. How would you teach Writing? What is the connexion between drawing and writing? |