I 
 
THE 
 
 / /Id 
 
 TEACHER AND THE PARENT; 
 
 A TREATISE UPON 
 
 COMMON-SCHOOL EDUCATION 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS AND PARENTS 
 
 BY 
 
 CHARLES NQRTHEND, A.M., 
 
 SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS, DANVER3, MASS.*, LATE, AND FOR MANY 
 YEARS, PRINCIPAL OF THE EPES SCHOOL, SALEM, MASS. 
 
 SECOND EDITION. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 JENKS, HICKLING, & SWAN 
 
 131 WASHINGTON STREET. 
 1853. 
 
IBIOZS 
 .N76 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congi'ess, in the year 1853, 
 
 Bt CHARLES NORTHEND, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 
 
 STEEEOTTPED BT 
 
 HOBART & BOBBINS, 
 
 NEW ENGLAND TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOCNDEET, 
 BOSTON. 
 
TO 
 
 GEORGE PEABODY, ESQ., 
 
 OF LONDON, 
 
 A.S A NOBLE ILLUSTRATION OP THE HIGH AND HONORABLE 
 
 POSITION WHICH IS ATTAINABLE BY A WISE 
 
 IMPROVEMENT OF 
 
 AND WITH THE HOPE THAT MULTITUDES, IN BOTH 
 
 HEMISPHERES, MAY BE STIMULATED TO MANLY EFFORTS 
 
 BY HIS WORTHY EXAMPLE, 
 
 IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 
 BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In the preparation of this volume, it has been the 
 author's aim to furnish for teachers a work which should 
 at once lead them to view their calling in its true light, 
 stimulate them to fidelity, and furnish them with such 
 plain, practical suggestions, as might prove valuable to 
 them in the performance of their important and arduous 
 duties. In the execution of his design, he has been free 
 to make extracts from the writings of others, when he 
 has found their views in accordance with his own. In 
 all such cases he has made the proper acknowledgment ; 
 and it is believed that the quotations he has made will 
 not diminish the value of the work. 
 
 Having had an experience of nearly twenty years as 
 an instructor in public schools, the author feels that he 
 can, in some degree, appreciate the nature of the teach- 
 er's work, the qualifications essential to a wise discharge 
 of appropriate duties, and something of the trials, per- 
 plexities, and pleasures, connected with the same. How 
 1^ 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 far he has succeeded in accomplishing his design, must 
 be for others to decide. 
 
 With the sincere desire that this volume may prove 
 an acceptable addition to works on education, and bo 
 instrumental in advancing the great interest of common 
 school instruction, it is affectionately and respectfully 
 commended to the candid consideration of teachers and 
 parents, with the hope that the truths advanced may 
 have their proper influence, though dressed in a plain 
 and familiar style. 
 
 Dan VERS, Mass., May 1, 1853. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Common Schools, 11 
 
 CHAPTER n. 
 The Teacher, 16 
 
 CHAPTER m. 
 
 Thorough Knowledge, Aptness to Teach, Accuracy, Patience, 
 and Perseverance, 26 
 
 CHAPTER rV. 
 Candor, Truthfuhiess, and Courteousness, 31 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Ingenuity, Individuality, 36 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Kindness, Gentleness, Forbearance, and Cheerfulness, .... 41 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Common Sense, Knowledge of Human Nature, General Inform- 
 ation, Desire to do Good, and Hopefulness, 46 
 
 CHAPTER Vm. 
 / Correct Moral Principles, Exemplary Habits' and Deportment^; 
 
 Diligence, 5 
 
 o 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Neatness and Order ; Self-Control, 58 
 
VIII 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Earnestness, Energy, Enthusiasm, 66 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Judgment and Prudence ; System and Punctuality ; Inde- 
 pendence, 71 
 
 CHAPTER XII. i 
 
 Professional Feeling and Interest ; a Deep and Well-grounded 
 
 Interest in Teaching, 76 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 Means of Improvement, 81 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 Teaching, 93 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 Discipline, 106 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 Means of Interesting Pupils and Parents, 119 
 
 CHAPTER XVn. 
 / Moral Instruction, 130 
 
 CHAPTER XVin. 
 Emulation and Prizes, 147 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 Primary Schools, 154 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 Lessons and Recitations, 163 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 Examinations and Exhibitions, 178 
 
 CHAPTER XXn. 
 Multiplicity of Studies, 182 
 
 CHAPTER XXin. 
 Reading, 186 
 
 I 
 
 J 
 
CONTENTS. IX 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 Spelling, 194 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 Pemnanship, , 204 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 Geography, 211 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 Grammar, 219 
 
 CHAPTER XXVni. 
 Letter-Writing and Composition, 225 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 Arithmetic, 229 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 Book-Keeping : Declamation, 237 
 
 CHAPTER XXXL 
 Singing, 241 
 
 CHAPTER XXXn. 
 Miscellaneous, 245 
 
 PART II. 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 Introductory Remarks, 251 
 
 CHAPTER n. 
 School Houses, 257 
 
 CHAPTER m. 
 Children should not be sent to School too Young, 262 
 
X CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 To Provide Good Teachers, 268 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 School Supervision, 273 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Parents should Encourage the Teacher, 280 
 
 I 
 
 CHAPTER Vn. 
 Specific Duties, 284 
 
 CHAPTER Vni. 
 Candor and Charitableness, 307 
 
 I 
 
 CHAPTER IX.. 
 High and Honorable Motives, 314 
 
 4 
 
COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION, 
 
 < ^M^ » 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 COMMON SCHOOLS. 
 
 The establishment and liberal support of common 
 schools should be objects of special interest to every 
 citizen of our Union. On them, more than on any other 
 causC; under Providence, depend the general diffusion 
 and perpetuity of those great national blessings and 
 privileges which tend to the true exaltation of a people. 
 Free schools are the nurseries of the public mind, — the 
 lights by which republican virtues and honors are most 
 clearly and extensively reflected, — the best safeguards 
 against all the ills of ignorance and vice. Without them 
 no republican government can long exist and flourish; 
 with them, wisely fostered and generally supported, no 
 tyrant's sw^ay can long continue, no bigot's views be 
 widely disseminated. In view of this, how earnestly and 
 assiduously should every good citizen strive to guard and 
 improve a judicious system of public-school instruction ! 
 
 Common schools have been very appropriately styled 
 the " People's Colleges ;" and the character of those who 
 graduate from them must determine what the general 
 condition of our country shall be. It is true that our 
 academies and colleges exert a powerful influence, and 
 
12 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 OBJECT OP COMMON SCHOOLS. — THEIR IMPORTANCE. 
 
 accomplish a glorious work ; but, so long as more than 
 nine-tenths of our whole population never gain access to 
 their advantages, .how important is it that these more 
 accessible institutions, the free schools, be properly cared 
 for ! How important is it that they be so sustained that 
 they will send forth those healthful influences which shall 
 be for the healing and preservation of the nations ! 
 
 Good common schools should furnish to the young that 
 thorough elementary instruction and training which will 
 prej)are them to engage honorably and successfully in 
 any pursuit of life. They should form " well-disciplined 
 minds, refined tastes, and correct habits, and endow the 
 young with a knowledge of sciences, and the principles 
 of things, and clothe them with the power of elegant and 
 forcible expression, which shall be ' for glory and for 
 beauty ' around all the possible occupations of future life, 
 rather than to fit them for any special and private emer- 
 gency of business." 
 
 If every instructor were thoroughly fitted for the 
 duties of his high and honorable calling, and every par- 
 ent were ready to render proper and cheerful assistance 
 in all the operations of the school-room, the power and 
 usefulness of common schools would ecjual the fondest 
 expectations and wishes of the most ardent friends of 
 knowledge and liberty. 
 
 Our common schools have enlisted the interest of 
 the greatest and best of men. Daniel Webster, in 
 speaking of them, said, ''If I had as many sons as old 
 Priam, I would send them all to the public schools." 
 As a proof that the privileges of these schools, wisely 
 improved, will qualify one for passing through life with 
 the highest degree of success, honor and usefulness, I 
 
COMMON SCHOOLS. 13 
 
 THE EFFICIENCY OF COMMON SCHOOLS. 
 
 would respectfully refer to the example of the gentle- 
 man to whom this volume is dedicated, — a name ahke an 
 honor to his. native town and country, and to the country 
 of his adoption. By his persevering efforts, he has risen 
 to a most exalted position of wealth, honor and influ- 
 ence, and by his noble acts of munificence he has be- 
 come the admiration of multitudes on both hemispheres. 
 In a recent letter to the inhabitants of his native town 
 (Danver^, Mass.), he uttered the following noble and 
 philanthropic sentiments : " The early associations of my 
 life are clustered around our ancient town. It was, as 
 many of you know, in a very humble house in the South 
 Parish that I was born ; and from the common schools 
 of that parish, such as they were in 1803 to 1807, I 
 obtained the limited education my parents' means could 
 afford ; but to the principles there inculcated, in childhood 
 and early youth, I owe much' of the foundation for such 
 success as Heaven has been pleased to grant me during a 
 long business life." * * * =^ * "The great increase 
 of population and commerce of the United States, the 
 development of the internal wealth of the country and 
 enterprise of her people, have done much to effect a 
 happy relation between Europe and America ; and I can 
 scarcely see bounds to our possible future, if we preserve 
 harmony among ourselves and good faith to the rest of 
 the world, and if we plant the unrivalled New England 
 institution of the common school liberally among the 
 emigrants who are filling up the great valley of the Mis- 
 sissippi." 
 
 With the above excellent remarks were the following 
 noble sentiment and generous accompaniment, — the sen- 
 timent worthy of being inscribed in letters of gold over 
 2 
 
14 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 NOBLE SENTIMENT AND GENEROUS GIFT. 
 
 the doorway of every school-house in our land, and the 
 accompaniment a most substantial proof of the sincerity 
 of him who gave the sentiment : 
 
 "Education: A debt due from present to future 
 generations. 
 
 "In acknowledgment of the payment of that debt by 
 the generation which preceded me in my native town of 
 Danvers, and to aid in its prompt future discharge, I 
 give to the inhabitants of that town the sum of twenty 
 THOUSAND DOLLARS for the promotion of knowledge and 
 morality among them." 
 
 If the author of this volume shall be instrumental of 
 inspiring teachers with a stronger love for and devotion 
 to their work, or shall say anything that will aid, encour- 
 age or stimulate them in their arduous labors, — if he 
 shall say aught that will tend to awaken parents to a 
 proper understanding and performance of the duties they 
 owe to public schools, — he will feel rewarded in the con- 
 sciousness of having done something towards discharging 
 his part of obligations so beautifully expressed, in the 
 sentiment above, as constitutiug the common debt of all, 
 — something towards imparting to our common-school 
 system vigor and efficiency. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE TEACHER. 
 
 The influence and importance of the office of an in- 
 structor of youth cannot be easily over-estimated, and he 
 who attempts to fill it should well consider the immense 
 responsibilities which rest upon him. He should clearly 
 comprehend the nature and magnitude of the duties he 
 assumes, that he may correctly judge of his own fitness 
 rightly to discharge them. This is the part of true wis- 
 dom, and no one should be so rash and inconsiderate as 
 to undertake the performance of any important work 
 without a well-grounded assurance of ability to prosecute 
 it to a successful and satisfactory issue. Who would 
 attempt the construction of a piece of machinery with- 
 out a proper knowledge of the nature of the work to be 
 performed, and a familiarity with the various processes 
 necessary to its completion 7 A trifling error might ren- 
 der valueless the work of months. Who would be so 
 inconsiderate as to commence the erection of a dwelling- 
 house without a proper knowledge of the principles and 
 rules of architecture and carpentry ? Ignorance would 
 cause a waste of property, and a failure to secure the 
 ends desired. What sane man would assume the com- 
 mand of a ship freighted with valuable merchandise, and 
 more valuable lives, without possessing a proper acquaint- 
 ance with the principles of navigation and seamanship ? 
 
16 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE MAGNITUDE OF THE TEACHEB'S WORK. 
 
 A slight error in calculation might prove the loss of 
 thousands of dollars, and the destruction of human 
 beings whose loss cannot be measured by dollars. "\Yhat 
 wise man would undertake the training of a young and 
 spirited horse, without some knowledge of the task to be 
 performed, and of the nature of the animal whose disci- 
 pline he undertakes? A wrong course might tend to 
 render worse than useless a beast that, rightly trained, 
 would be of great service. 
 
 If, then, care, prudence, judgment and wisdom, are so 
 essential to the successful prosecution of work whose 
 nature is so ephemeral, how can we attach too much 
 weight to high qualifications and skill in him who is 
 to train and educate imperishable minds of the young ? 
 If the work of him who engages in the polishing and 
 adornment of jewels and precious stones is considered 
 important, how much more so is the work of him who is 
 called to the polishing and ennobling of those priceless 
 and deathless jewels which are so confidingly resigned 
 to the influences of teachers ! Lord John Russell, in 
 a speech before the British and Foreign School Soci- 
 ety, thus spoke of the duties of the teacher : '' Every 
 step we take, every year that passes over our heads, only 
 tends to show that, to teach well, to elevate the minds of 
 children, to implant in them religious and moral princi- 
 ples, to send them from school in a fit state to take their 
 part in the community, in whatever portion of the busi- 
 ness of life may be intrusted to them, is one of the 
 most important and difficult tasks which any man can 
 undertake." 
 
 The teacher is a laborer in a work of the utmost con- 
 sequence and interest, so far as relates both to the present 
 
THE TEACHER. 17 
 
 THE SCHOOLMASTER IS ABROAD. 
 
 and future well-being of those mth whom and for whom 
 he devotes his time and talents ; and while a due appre- 
 ciation, correct knowledge, and faithful discharge of 
 appropriate duties, will lead to a most desirable degree of 
 true exaltation, a wrong estimate, a want of clear under- 
 standing, or an unfaithful performance of them, will 
 tend to the injury and depression of both teacher and 
 pupils, to an extent proportionate to the degree of the 
 deficiency. ' When we consider that there are, within our 
 country, hundreds of thousands of youth of a school-going 
 age whose future success, happiness and usefulness, depend 
 in so great a degree upon the nature and extent of their 
 school training and school influences, with what weighty 
 power, for good or ill, does the consideration invest the 
 tens of thousands of teachers to whose care and training 
 they are intrusted ! 
 
 The phrase ''the schoolmaster is abroad" is on the 
 tongue of all; and yet how few know aught of its origin 
 or appreciate its force ! A late writer in the National 
 Era thus speaks : 
 
 " No orator of our times is more successful than Lord 
 Brougham in embalming phrases full of meaning in the 
 popular memory. The well-known talismanic sentiment, 
 ' the schoolmaster is abroad.,^ is an instance. In a 
 speech on the elevation of Wellington, a mere military 
 chieftain, to the premiership, after the death of Canning, 
 Lord Brougham said, ' Field- marshal the Duke of Wel- 
 lington may take the army, he may take the navy, he 
 may take the mitre. I make him a present of them all. 
 Let him come on with his whole force, sword in hand, 
 against the constitution, and the English people will not 
 only beat him back, but laugh at his assaults. In other 
 2* 
 
18 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE teacher's INFLUENCE UNWITTINGLY ACKNOWLEDGED. 
 
 times the country may have heard with dismay that ' the 
 soldier was abroad.' It is not so now. Let the soldier be 
 abroad, if he will ; he can do nothing in this age. There 
 is another personage abroad,— a person less imposing ; 
 in the eyes of some, perhaps, insignificant. The school- 
 "master is abroad ; and I trust to him, armed with his 
 primer, against the soldier in full military array." 
 
 A writer in Blackwood's Magazine^ in the outpouring 
 of his bitterness against liberal institutions, dating from 
 Canada West, unwittingly gives the following testimony 
 in favor of the influence of a class whom he affects to 
 despise. 
 
 " But there is no circumstance, perhaps, that we could 
 mention, that could convey a better idea of the relative 
 regard for England and the United States of the class 
 of people we have been describing (the democratic party 
 in Canada) than the fact, well known to every person who 
 has lived among them, that a Yankee schoolmaster^ 
 without either education or intelligence, — with nothing 
 on earth to recommend him save an inveterate propen- 
 sity to vaporing and meddhng in the affairs, rehgious and 
 political, of every sect and class wherever he goes, — can, 
 and ever has, exercised more influence among them, in 
 a few months, than a whole neighborhood of English 
 gentlemen could in years. And we speak neither from 
 hearsay nor conjecture ; we speak from what we have 
 seen and know, and what is susceptible of proof." 
 
 All who consider the subject must admit that the 
 teacher is called to labor in a field of vast influence. 
 This the teacher should understand, and, though he may 
 at times feel almost crushed by the weight of liis respons- 
 ibilities, and be induced to exclaim, "Who is sufficient. 
 
COMMON SCHOOLS. 19 
 
 THE NATURE OF THE WORK TO BE PERFORJIED. 
 
 for these tilings?" yet let him persevere, trusting in Him 
 from whom cometh all needed assistance, ever aimino: at 
 a nearer approximation to the mark of perfection, ever 
 striving to remove defects and cultivate excellences. 
 We regard him as a wise and judicious husbandman who 
 carefully removes from his grounds all noxious weeds, 
 and who so trains his vines and trees that they will not 
 become fruitless and useless cumberers of the soil they 
 occupy. If worldly wisdom and sagacity prompt to so 
 much attention and watchfulness for those objects 
 which, hke the grass of the field, wither and die, 
 with what intense interest and care should they labor 
 and watch who are called to cultivate fields so closely 
 filled with plants whose existence is commensurate with 
 eternity ! Is it not a work of the greatest importance 
 rightly to watch and till these fields, that they may be 
 kept dressed in ''living green," yet free from all hurtful 
 weeds and untoward influences ; and that these deathless 
 plants may receive such support and training as shall 
 cause them to "blossom and bear fruit" to the honor 
 and glory of the Divine Teacher ? If properly nurtured 
 and trained, what ornaments and blessings will they 
 become to the hill-sides and valleys of our beloved land ! 
 If neglected or mal-trained, what curses will they prove 
 to the gardens in which they grew, to the communities 
 whose atmosphere they taint, and to those who should 
 have led them to the light, but have rather left them to 
 grope in darkness, and imbibe the pestiferous influences 
 of ignorance and wickedness ! As cultivators in these 
 priceless nurseries of God's planting, teachers occupy a 
 foremost rank ; and woe will be pronounced against those 
 who^ by undervaluing their work, or misapplying thek 
 
20 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 WHAT A SCHOOLiMASTER SHOULD BE. 
 
 time and talents, cause or allow deformities and imper- 
 fections to exist and perpetuate themselves. 
 
 The influence of a teacher, for the weal or woe of 
 those confided to his care, is almost inconceivable. 
 From his every act, word, and even look^ they will 
 receive impressions, good or ill, which will remain as 
 long as the susceptibility of the mind to retain impres- 
 sions shall endure. How solemn the thought, and yet how 
 true, that the teacher's influence will extend through all 
 coming time ! With what force should this thought 
 impress the minds of all who take upon themselves the 
 duties and responsibilities of an instructor ! With what 
 care, industry and zeal, should it incite them to strive 
 for the cultivation of those qualities, and the acquisi- 
 tion of that Imowledge, which will enable them to labor 
 wisely and well ! 
 
 Says one \* "It must not be supposed, for a moment, 
 that every person who can pass the strictest examination 
 is fit to manage a school. It takes a peculiar man to be 
 just the right sort of a teacher. He is an article com- 
 pounded of various ingredients, such as you cannot buy 
 at the apothecary's. As to his intellectual quahfica- 
 tions, his mind should be a fountain^ and not a reservoir. 
 His knowledge should gush up of itself^ and not ha,ve to 
 be drawn up as by a windlass. He should be a man 
 oi ingenuity and tact^ of various resources and expedients, 
 and not a helpless creature of custom, plodding on, day 
 after day, in the same old path, like a horse in a bark- 
 mill. He should be fresh in his feelings and sympathies, 
 and not a petrified post of Medusa ; his heart should be 
 
 * J. G. Hoyt. 
 
COMMON SCHOOLS. 21 
 
 INTEGRITY AND CHRISTIAN FAITH. 
 
 young in all its pulsations, though his head may be as 
 bald as Elisha's. Endued with a courage and resolution 
 that know no defeat, he should, like Dickens' Raven, 
 ' never say die.' 
 
 "He should be a man of the world, as well as a man 
 of books ; familiar with human nature, not less than with 
 Mitchell's Geography. He should be a scholar of some 
 breadth^ as well as dejJth; knowing something more than 
 the mere routine of daily study, and not a man whose 
 half-dozen thoughts rattle in his vacant head like 
 shrunken kernels in a bean-pod. His mental store- 
 house should be filled with the fruits of various and ex- 
 tensive reading, so that he need not be compelled to draw 
 his illustrations for the recitation-room from the tales of 
 his grandfather, or from the treasures of last year's 
 almanac. 
 
 '' In addition to his intellectual furnishing, he should be 
 a man of integrity, of moral rectitude, and purity of 
 character, imbued with the spirit of truth and wisdom. 
 And if, beside all this, the light of a Christian faith 
 should irradiate his scientific and literary acquirements, 
 it would serve to give them a brighter lustre, even as ' a 
 lamp set in an alabaster vase brings out in bolder relief 
 and clearer expression the beautiful figures which may 
 be sculptured upon it.' Let the common-school teacher 
 possess quahfications like these, and he can do much — 
 perhaps more than any single individual — for the renova- 
 tion of human society." "A teacher of small children," 
 says the same writer, " should be a sort of locomotive 
 patent-office, full of all manner of inventions. The 
 young love novelty as much as they hate routine. To 
 secure their interest, therefore, one must excite their 
 
22 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A COJIMON EKKOR. ANECDOTE OF DINTER. 
 
 astonishment and admiration every hour of every day in 
 the week with some new thing under the sun." 
 
 The feeling has been quite too common that any one 
 could "keep school;" so that many schools have been 
 kept.^ while but few have been well taught ; they have 
 been kept from true knowledge, and not in garnering up 
 for future usefulness. Hence, mere striplings, or men 
 of maturer age with no fixed views or plans, engage in 
 "keeping school," though they never teach, because 
 themselves untaught. They can neither discipline nor 
 instruct, because they have never themselves been 
 properly disciplined and instructed. 
 
 When Dinter was school-counsellor in Prussia, a mili- 
 tary man of great influence urged him to recommend a 
 disabled soldier, in whom he was interested, as a school- 
 teacher. "I will do so," said Dinter, "if he can sus- 
 tain the requisite examination." "0," said the colonel, 
 " he does not know aught about school-teaching ; but he 
 is a good, moral, steady man, and I hope you will recom- 
 mend him, to oblige me." "0 yes," said Dinter, "to 
 obhge you, if you, in your turn, will do me a favor." 
 "And what favor can I do you?" asked the colonel. 
 " Why, get me appointed drum-major in your regiment," 
 said Dinter. " It is true that I can neither beat a drum 
 nor play a fife ; but I am a good, moral, steady man as 
 ever lived." 
 
 It is not enough that a man is ''^ good and steady ^''^ 
 in order to become a teacher. It is essential that his 
 whole life and character be so pure and correct that he 
 shall constitute a pattern worthy of the closest imitation. 
 How desirable that his "daily walk and conversation" 
 form, as it were, a " Uving epistle," not only "known 
 
THE TEACHER. 23 
 
 IMPORTAJJCE OP COERECT EXAMPLES. 
 
 and read" of all children, but imparting unto tliem such 
 instruction as will lead them in ways of virtue and use- 
 ful industry ! How important that a teacher be entirely 
 free from habits the formation of which in the young 
 would be deprecated by every good and virtuous citizen ! 
 Precept, when opposed by example, is often worse than 
 powerless. If a teacher would effectually discountenance 
 profanity, fie must do so "by vford and deed." If he 
 would encourage frankness and love for truth and hon- 
 esty, his every action must be free from guile and duplic- 
 ity. If he would cultivate habits of civility and courtesy, 
 his example must precede and succeed his counsels. If 
 he would incite to that regard for order Avhich has a 
 "place for everything and everything in its place," he 
 must not himself exhibit any deviation from these partic- 
 ulars. If he would secure proper attention to cleanli- 
 ness in dress and personal appearance, he must himself, 
 in these particulars, constitute a "bright example." If 
 he would form a true regard for regularity and punctu- 
 ality, his own practices must be in strict accordance with 
 these qualities. In fine, his entire conduct, his conver- 
 sation, his appearance, must bespeak and confirm the 
 propriety and intrinsic worth of the precepts he would 
 inculcate. Say not, candidate for the teacher's profes- 
 sion, that this is requiring too much. You should well 
 consider the nature and magnitude of the duties to be 
 assumed, and then strive earnestly and constantly for the 
 faithful performance of those duties. Look onward and 
 upward, remembering that "they who sow shall in due 
 time reap, if they faint not." Be not unduly troubled 
 by the perplexities that may beset your path. Trials 
 and difiiculties, rightly regarded, will only tend to 
 
24 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 teacher's reward. — GERIMAN PARABLE. 
 
 quicken and improve you. Do your duty faithfully, 
 ever seeking to promote the best good of your pupils, 
 and a rich and glorious reward will one day be yours, — 
 not a reward of silver and gold, but that richer, higher, 
 nobler reward, which springs from the consciousness of 
 having been an humble instrument of enlightening, ex- 
 panding and elevating the minds of immortal beings, and 
 thus enabhng them to act '' wisely and well " their parts 
 on the stage of life. 
 
 ^ "To require j>erfection in a teacher, would be to 
 demand more than has been attained by any other per- 
 son, — more than can be accomplished in this world, — 
 for, should we attain our present idea of perfection, a 
 higher standard would be revealed to us, and we should 
 be as far as ever from our mark. All that space, too vast ; 
 for us to measure, between our minds and that of the ; 
 Infinite, is given us, in which to improve. We cannot 
 reach the end of our course, we cannot discern the limits 
 to our capacity to improve. Every step in progress, 
 every effort towards perfection, diminishes this interven- 
 ing space. This is thus beautifully illustrated by the 
 following German parable : ^ A child w^as at play upon 
 the open field. A star rose over the hill-top. The child 
 gazed at it with pleased and longing eyes. "How beau- 
 tiful it is ! " he exclaims. "It is just on the hill-top; 
 I will run anjd catch it, and have it for my own." With 
 eager dehght he started in pursuit, and climbed the hill 
 before him, — but, lo, the star was not there! It now 
 seemed to rest on the mountain-top beyond. Nothing 
 disheartened, the child pressed on. His course led him 
 
 * Rev. J. F. Moors. 
 
 ' 
 
THE TEACHER. 25 
 
 THE TEACHER SHOULD HAVE A HIGH STANDARD. 
 
 over fields of roses, and through, hedges of thorns. At 
 length he gained the mountain-top. But the star was 
 not there. It was further than at first. It no longer 
 rested upon the mountain ; it was climbing the distant 
 heavens. The child had become a man. The object of 
 his pursuit had not been gained. It had receded as he 
 had advanced; but his course had been onward and 
 upward.' " 
 
 So with the teacher. He should place his standard 
 high, and, with his eye steadily upon it, he should ever 
 be rising and approximating the "mark of his high call- 
 ing." All his well-directed efforts will tend to crown 
 his labors with success, and secure for him the approval 
 of the "Perfect Teacher," who will strengthen him for 
 still greater and more ennobling efforts. 
 
 I have thus considered the teacher's vocation, and 
 alluded to the indifference with which it is too often 
 regarded, in the hope that a proper estimate may be 
 formed in the minds of those who may adopt it ; and that 
 they may feel, as they should do, that they are called to 
 the performance of highly responsible and important 
 duties. 
 
 I shall now proceed to speak of some of the essentials 
 
 for a good and successful instructor, hoping thereby to 
 
 be instrumental in awakening a stronger feeling and 
 
 deeper interest in the great work of educating the young. 
 
 3 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND APTNESS TO TEACH. 
 
 ^ 
 
 These points are so evident that I hardly need urge 
 their consideration; and I would not do so, were it not that 
 persons are constantly seeking, and many gaining, admis- 
 sion to the teacher's office, who are sadly deficient in 
 their qualifications, — even in the elementary branches. 
 If a teacher would gain and preserve the confidence and 
 respect of his pupils, he must be able, on every occasion, 
 to furnish the clearest evidence that he possesses a full, 
 distinct and discriminating knowledge of every subject on 
 which it may be desirable to impart instruction. He 
 should not only understand the subjects himself, but he 
 should be able to make them clear and intelligible to the 
 minds of his pupils ; abounding in knowledge himself, 
 he must also possess aptness in imparting that knowledge 
 to others. The manifestation of the slightest ignorance, 
 or a degree of hesitation indicative thereof, may at once 
 cause a distrust or want of confidence, which will greatly 
 impair, if not destroy, his usefulness or success. Hence, 
 it is desirable that those who intend to become teachers 
 should store their minds with an amount of available 
 knowledge which will not only be sufficient for conduct- 
 ing the regular text-book lessons of the school-room, but 
 also for meeting and answering satisfactorily all the 
 queries which may arise in the minds of their pupils, and 
 
KNOWLEDGE AND APTNESS TO TEACH. 27 
 
 ACCUKACY AND DISTINCTNESS. — ANECDOTE. 
 
 thus satisfying them that they are receiving supplies from 
 a well-filled fountain. Their knowledge should be ready, 
 clear and unequivocal. The possession of knowledge, 
 without the ability properly to impart the same, is as a 
 '' light under a bushel," whose rays are so circumscribed 
 as to be of no value. The efficient and successful 
 instructor must be as a "light on a hill," imparting 
 cheerful intelligence and clear vision to all around. 
 
 ACCURACY AND DISTINCTNESS. 
 
 If pupils are early trained to execute whatever they 
 undertake in a clear and distinct manner, it will be of 
 great service to them through life ; while a careless and 
 indistinct mode will affect them unfavorably and perma- 
 nently. Hence a teacher should strive to impress upon 
 the minds of his pupils the great importance of doing all 
 their work accurately and plainly. How many people write 
 letters and other documents so miserably and so illegibly 
 that they cannot be deciphered except with the greatest 
 difficulty. Frequently very singular and ludicrous errors 
 result from a want of distinctness in writing. The fol- 
 lowing are examples of such cases : 
 
 An English gentleman once applied to the East India 
 Company for an office for a friend of his in India, and 
 succeeded in obtaining an appointment. The man who 
 received the favor wrote to his friend, and signified his 
 intention to send an equivalent for the kind assistance he 
 had received. The gentleman who received the letter 
 could make nothing of the word but elephant ; and, 
 being pleased with the idea of receiving such a noble 
 animal, he was at the expense of erecting a suitable 
 
28 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. ^|Hi 
 
 ANECDOTE. PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE. 
 
 building for his accommodation. What was his surprise 
 in receiving, instead of an elephant^ a pot of sweetmeats, 
 as the equivalent! Perhaps this man saw as much of 
 the elephant as many who have sought a view in these 
 latter days ; and the sight was, probably, quite as profit- 
 able, and quite as palatable. 
 
 A clergyman in Massachusetts, more than a century 
 ago, addressed a letter to the General Court, on some 
 subject of interest that was then under discussion. The 
 clerk read the letter, in which, as he thought, occurred 
 this remarkable sentence : ''I address you, not as magis- 
 trates, but as hidian devils,''^ The clerk hesitated, and, 
 after more careful examination, repeated, "Yes, he ad- 
 dresses you as Indian devils.^'' The wrath of the hon- 
 orable body was greatly aroused ; they passed a strong 
 vote of censure, and demanded of the reverend gentleman 
 an apologetic explanation ; from which it was discovered 
 that he addressed them not as magistrates, but as indi- 
 viduals. 
 
 PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE. 
 
 From the days of pious Job until the present time, 
 patience has been considered a Christian grace. Every 
 individual, whatever his situation or occupation, finds 
 occasion for its exercise. No one more needs its full and 
 free operation than the instructor; and in no one i» a 
 deficiency more strongly felt, or more disastrous. In the 
 discipline and instruction of his school, he will, some- 
 times, be obliged to contend against the feelings and 
 actions of some parents, as well as pupils ; so that the 
 good lessons and instructions of the school-room will 
 require constant repetition, from the fact that they are, 
 
KNOWLEDGE AND APTNESS TO TEACH. 29 
 
 INFLUENCES OUT OF SCHOOL-ROOM. 
 
 often, worse than obliterated by fire-side or street influ- 
 ences. As, in walking by the sea-side, our footprints are 
 washed away by the dashing wave, so are the salutary 
 impressions made upon the minds of children, in the 
 school-room, frequently effaced by the untoward influ- 
 ences by which they are surrounded while out of school ; 
 and it will require no small amount of patience and 
 perseverance, on the part of the instructor, to renew the 
 , efforts to make them more permanent. 
 
 We have said that the instructor is often obliged to 
 contend against home and street influences. This is true 
 in more particulars than many at first imagine. Let us 
 take an instance. A pupil, in speaking, makes use of 
 a sentence strictly and plainly false in its syntax, and 
 is rectified by the teacher ; yet he will continue to com- 
 mit the same error, though corrected for the fiftieth time. 
 How difficult, and almost impossible, does the teacher 
 find it to get rid of certain mis-pronunciations and un- 
 grammatical expressions ! A child will say, for instance, 
 "git red," "it is him," "them are," "kittle," &c. &c. 
 He will continue to do so, time and again, though cor- 
 rected by the teacher as often as the error is committed. 
 Now, why is this ? Simply because at home and in the 
 streets the child hears the wrong ten times as often as 
 he hears the right. 
 
 So it is in many particulars ; and the teacher's patience 
 is taxed, almost beyond endurance, in being called upon to 
 reiterate the correction. But let him not despair. The 
 direction which has been given for the ninety-ninth time 
 without effect may accomplish its end if repeated the 
 hundredth time. Let the teacher, then, continue cheer- 
 fully in his good efforts, and in due time he will receive 
 3* 
 
30 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 INCITEMENT TO PEKSEVERANCE AND FIDELITY. 
 
 his reward. Let him not look with too much impatience 
 for immediate fruits of his labors. Seed that has been 
 faithfully scattered will, in its proper time, produce 
 fruit, and cheer the heart of the diligent sower ; and so 
 " he who goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, 
 shall, doubtless, come again with rejoicing, bringing his 
 sheaves with him." 
 
 Does the teacher need any further inducement ? "Is 
 it not sufficiently solemn for him to remember that 
 each child he trains is, Providence sparing his life, to be 
 a man; — freighted with imperishable hopes, and a cer- 
 tificate of eternal existence from the great God of the 
 universe liimself ? They are now lingering in the cool 
 and early shade on the edge of the field of life. They 
 wait the teacher's directing care, ere they go forth into 
 the sun and storm and battle of life, and make a solemn 
 and decisive throw in the game of destiny. Teachers are 
 often reminded that those they train may become rich 
 men, and senators, and governors. But, ! how much 
 more thrilling to remember that each child educated is 
 to stand up in the great army of living ones, a man, in 
 God's image, with human sympathies, and attachments, 
 and responsibilities ; — that he is to love and be loved, to 
 be a neighbor to somebody, a citizen, a friend, and, either 
 to honor or dishonor, act some part in the great drama 
 oflife!"^^ 
 
 ♦ W. C. Goldthwait. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 CANDOR AND TRUTHFULNESS. 
 
 There is, in the community, too strong a feeling and 
 taste for something marvellous and astonishing. With 
 many, simple truth has no power, no beauty, no attrac- 
 tion. Hence there is a disposition to magnify and embel- 
 lish every narrative and circumstance, so that matters 
 which, as presented by some, appear perfectly wonderful 
 and astounding, are, when divested of all their embel- 
 lishment, as much changed in their aspect as the bird of 
 paradise would be if stripped of all his gay plumage. 
 
 With some it would seem a thing well-nigh impossible 
 to speak the plain, unvarnished truth. They must 
 always add a certain number of qualifying words and 
 phrases, which are, often, so extravagant as to mystify 
 and misdirect. Hence it happens that miserable quacks 
 and travelling mountebanks are enabled to gain a ready 
 admittance to the pockets of those from whom the mis- 
 sionary collector or the virtuous and honest poor would 
 find it an arduous task to obtain a few farthings. How 
 many, under the influence of exaggeration and unusual 
 excitement, will freely give five or ten dollars for the 
 amusement of a passing hour, who would go mourning 
 many days, if obliged to give as much to the cause of 
 education, or to any other useful and praiseworthy ob- 
 ject ! The teacher should strive, in every proper man- 
 
32 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 _COURTEOUSNESS. — UNDUE FORWARDNESS. 
 
 tier, to form in the minds of the young a just apprecia- 
 tion of, and regard for, truth, honesty, and simplicity. 
 
 COURTEOUSNESS. 
 
 It is to be feared that the spirit of courtesy is less 
 prevalent than it was years ago. In by-gone days, the | 
 traveller, in any part of New England, w^as always saluted 
 by the boys with the doffing of the cap, accompanied by 
 a civil bow, and by the misses with the more modest, 
 though not less significant, courtesy. At the present 
 day such practices are quite rare. Perhaps the rapid 
 growth of our country, and the increase of settlements, 
 have tended to make them impracticable. In our thickly- 
 settled villages and cities, certainly, the young are par- 
 donable for not fostering the habits alluded to ; for a 
 due observance of them, in such places, would render the 
 wearing of caps superfluous, and keep the body in a 
 bending posture much of the time. But it is, doubtless, 
 true, that some other expression of civility may be 
 adopted, w^hich shall be equally indicative of politeness, 
 and, at the same time, unobjectionable in the particulars 
 alluded to. 
 
 That more regard should be manifested by the young 
 to rules of etiquette and courtesy, must be admitted by 
 every observing mind. There is too little reverence for 
 age and authority, too slight a respect to laws of both 
 man and God. The transition from boyhood to imag- 
 ined manhood is altogether too rapid, as by it the son is, 
 often, placed above the parent, and the taught become 
 much wiser, in their oion estimation^ than their teach- 
 ers. Boys, in their undue anxiety to become men, are 
 neither men nor boys, but form a new, peculiar race. 
 
CANDOR AND TRUTHFULNESS. 33 
 
 EFFECT OF POLITENESS. ANECDOTE. 
 
 It should be a prominent object with parents and 
 teachers to correct public sentiment in relation to these 
 particulars, and do all in their power, both by example 
 and precept, to promote right feeling and action on the 
 part of the young. True politeness and courtesy will 
 have a pleasing and happy effect upon the whole life and 
 character. They will form a passport to good society, a 
 security against insult, a surety for good treatment, a 
 guarantee for friendship and respect. A really courteous 
 boy will rarely be guilty of violating any proper rule, or 
 of conducting in an unbecoming manner in any place or 
 at any time. 
 
 Some little habits of incivility are of so frequent occur- 
 rence, that boys are, sometimes, guilty of their indulgence 
 without being aware of it, as in the following instance : 
 " A gentleman once sent his son with a present to his 
 newly-settled minister. On his return, the father, very 
 naturally, asked him how he liked the new pastor. 
 '0,' said the lad, ' he is a beautiful man; he is so 
 pleasant and kind that I cannot help liking him. Why, 
 he invited me in, took me into his study, and told me to 
 look at his books while he wrote you a note. He is 
 really " first rate;" but, father, I believe the poor man 
 is as "blind as a beetle." ' 'Blind! my son; what 
 makes you think he is blind?' ' Why, because, father, 
 when I came away, he asked me if I did not wear a cap ; 
 and, if he had not been blind, he might have known, for 
 it was on my head all the time I was there.' " 
 
 True education requires the full development and free 
 exercise of the better feelings of the heart ; and the proper 
 culture of these will exhibit their fruits in outward actions 
 and expressions. Indeed, we are much inclined to form 
 
34 
 
 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 PLEASING EFFECT OF POLITENESS. 
 
 an estimate of those with whom we meet or associate, 
 from their mode of address, and from external appear- 
 ances. If they are coarse and rude in their manners, 
 rough and undignified in their salutations and remarks, 
 or uncourteous and abrupt in their answers, we are dis- 
 posed to avoid them, and regard them as unkind and 
 uncompanionable. We do not expect to find much that 
 is truly attractive or lovely in them ; and if they possess 
 some worthy qualities, their first appearance is so repul- 
 sive, that we are hardly prepared to receive or witness 
 any evidence of real kindness and goodness. Again, we 
 meet with those whose dignified and manly demeanor, 
 social, cordial, and free manner, combined with genuine 
 politeness and civility, at once attract and charm us. In 
 every act and expression, they furnish such indubitable 
 evidence of good breeding, and so kind and considerate a 
 regard for the feelings of others, that we view them as 
 noble specimens of a noble race. We can hardly imagine 
 that they can, or will, be guilty of any wrong or unmanly 
 act. By their pleasant and obliging deportment they 
 command the respect and esteem of all with whom they 
 associate, and exert a most powerful and happy influence. 
 If, then, politeness and civility will make us more 
 agreeable, and better respected as companions, and, at the 
 same time, add to our influence and happiness, it is cer- 
 tainly very desirable that the young be trained to observe 
 them in all their actions and expressions. In giving and 
 receiving friendly salutations, in asking and answering 
 questions, and in all communications, the proper observ- 
 ance of rules of true politeness will demand no sacrifice. 
 One boy is asked, by a stranger, the correct way to a cer- 
 tain house or street, and abruptly says, " I don't know," 
 
CANDOR AND TRUTHFULNESS. 35 
 
 TWO BOYS CONTRASTED. 
 
 and with an expression of manner equivalent to "I 
 don't care." Another lad, in answer to the same inter- 
 rogatory, says, " I don't know, sir ; but, if you will wait 
 one minute, I will ascertain and tell you;" and off he 
 runs, obtains the desired information, and returning with 
 a smiling face, he imparts the same to the stranger, who 
 will, by the very act and manner of the boy, feel that he 
 is not all a stranger. Who would not, involuntarily, as 
 it were, be disgusted with the first lad, and delighted 
 with the second ? And yet who has not met with just 
 such instances in the streets, and even in stores ? Many 
 a merchant has lost valuable customers through the un- 
 courteous and abrupt answers of clerks or boys in his 
 employ. Inasmuch, then, as the true spirit of politeness 
 will exert a controlling and salutary influence over the 
 young, let the teacher see that he does what he can to 
 promote such a spirit in himself and pupils. Especially, 
 let him endeavor, in all his intercourse with them, to 
 afford an example which will be worthy of imitation. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 CLEARNESS AND INGENUITY. 
 
 All know that many of tlie exercises of the school- 
 room are, in themselves, dull and uninteresting. It 
 should be a prominent object with the instructor so to 
 illustrate and expand each exercise, as to vivify it and 
 make it both clear and interesting. He should not be 
 confined to the stereotyped text of the book, but should 
 endeavor, by his own language, and by apt illustrations, 
 to add to the attractiveness and utility of the passing 
 recitation. Scholars, veuy frequently, repeat words and 
 phrases without any Avell-defined idea of their true import. 
 ' 'A gentleman recently took up an apple, to show a niece, 
 sixteen years of age, who had studied geography for 
 several years, something about the shape and motion of 
 the earth. She looked at him for a few minutes, and said, 
 with much earnestness, ' Why, uncle, you don't really 
 mean to say that the earth turns round, do you ? ' ' Cer- 
 tainly ; did you not learn that several years ago ? ' 
 ' Yes, sir,' said she ; ' I learned it, but I never kyieio 
 it before.' Now, it is obvious that tliis young lady had 
 been laboring several years on the subject of geography, 
 and groping in almost total darkness, because some kind 
 friend did not show her, at the outset, by some familiar 
 illustration, that the earth actually turned round." 
 
 The instructor should not only have a clear understand- 
 
CLEARNESS AND INGENUITY. 37 
 
 THE NOVEL PLANETARIUM. 
 
 ing himself, but he should also be able to impart the same 
 to his pupils. If he has occasion to allude to the rotun- 
 dity of the earth, of its revolution as causing day and 
 night, let him devise some simple method which will 
 illustrate what is intended. With a little skill and 
 interest, the judicious teacher may, and will, use some 
 explanation which will help enlighten and confirm the 
 subject under consideration. 
 
 We have, somewhere, seen an account of an original 
 method adopted by a schoolmaster " out west " to repre- 
 sent a planetarium. He caused the largest and laziest 
 boy in his school to take his stand in the centre, to rep- 
 resent the sun ; and around him, upon the floor, were 
 marked the orbits of the different planets. A small, 
 rec?-headed boy was made to represent Mars, while a 
 bright-eyed girl, a little larger, stood for Venus ; another 
 boy was Mercury, another the Earth, &c. &c. ; and 
 each was placed in the appropriate orbit. When all was 
 properly arranged, the master would give all the planet 
 representatives a start ahead, and at once the whole 
 planetarium was in motion, and imparting to the mem- 
 bers of the school a tolerably good idea of the solar 
 system, — thus combining amusement and exercise with 
 the study of an intricate and difficult science. It is not 
 pretended that this was the very best and clearest illus- 
 tration that could be devised ; but who will not readily 
 ■admit that it was much ''better than nothing"? Let 
 not the teacher, because he cannot give the very best 
 plan, refrain from all plans ; but let him strive so to 
 combine clearness and simplicity in his methods of ex- 
 planation, that everything may be easily comprehended 
 by the minds of the young. Overwrought and elaborate 
 4 
 
38 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 INDIVIDUALITY. TEACHER NO COPYIST. 
 
 illustrations often mystify the very object they were in- 
 tended to elucidate and simplify. 
 
 INDIVIDUALITY. 
 
 There is, probably, nothing which tends so much to 
 prevent the development of rare excellence in teaching, 
 as the habit of relying too much upon the experience of 
 others, or of exclusive imitation in the modes of teaching 
 and disciplining a school. Young teachers are, partic- 
 ularly, tempted to follow in the steps of those who have 
 devoted many years and much attention to the business 
 of instruction. This is all well enough, if the effort to 
 imitate others is not carried to such excess as to destroy 
 all individuality. Teachers — whether of limited or large 
 experience — should ever be ready and willing to learn. 
 They should possess a teachable spirit, and endeavor to 
 draw instruction from all proper sources. If otherwise, 
 they will grow wise only " in their own conceit." But, 
 while gaining this knowledge, the teacher should be ex- 
 tremely careful that he does not allow himself to become 
 a servile copyist. As he witnesses a mode of imparting 
 instruction, or of disciplining, which appears to him per- 
 fect, he must not think that the same mode will prove 
 equally efficacious or satisfactory in his own hands, or in 
 his own school. Such can be the case only when there 
 is a precise similarity between the teachers, and a close 
 resemblance in the circumstances of the two schools. 
 But, as no two schools and no two teachers exactly resem- 
 ble each other, so the precise operation of an unvarying 
 plan, or system, will not always produce the same or 
 equally gratifying results. 
 
 Every school must have some system, and every 
 
CLEARNESS AND INGENUITY. 39 
 
 SOURCES OF INFORMATION. 
 
 teacher, if he would be truly successful, must be, to some 
 extent, exact and methodical in the execution of his 
 plans. But he should be able to make and execute his 
 own plans, and adapt them to ever- varying wants and 
 circumstances. Unless he can do so, he will never 
 excel ; for a mere imitator never surpasses the person 
 imitated. Yet, while the teacher may extract some 
 information from a variety of sources, he should possess 
 a discriminating and inventive mind, that he may wisely 
 select, improve, and. adjust, in order most happily and 
 effectually to meet existing peculiarities. 
 
 From every teachers' convention or institute ; from 
 every visit to another's school ; from every public or 
 private discussion of school matters and questions ; from 
 almost every individual interested in educational affairs, 
 — from all these, and from many other sources, the judi- 
 cious teacher may, and will, receive many useful hints. 
 But what he may thus acquire he must regard and use 
 only as suggestive hints, which may in part, or in modi- 
 fied form, be incorporated into his own views and plans; 
 for if he regards all that he hears as infallible, and, in 
 consequence thereof, attempts an exact imitation, he may 
 be very sure that disappointment will await him. He 
 may follow so far as a similarity of circumstances will 
 warrant, and perhaps not much further. A certain med- 
 icine, under a certain form of administration, and under 
 certain circumstances on the part of the patient, may 
 prove highly beneficial, while, under another form, and 
 under a different combination of circumstances, it might 
 be not only inefficacious, but positively hurtful. The 
 truly successful and efficient teacher will be ever ahve to 
 obtain such information and aid as will increase his use- 
 
40 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 R. S. HOWARD ON IMITATION. 
 
 fulness ; but, unless he exhibits some traits of individu- 
 ality in the application of his knowledge, he will never 
 attain a high degree of excellence. '' Let no man copy 
 even himself too closely and constantly ; that is, let him 
 vary his plan and mode of teaching a little, from time to. 
 time, if he wishes to have it work well, and continue to 
 interest himself and his scholars. ' Variety is the spice 
 of life ;' and surely a little of it is necessary in the too 
 often monotonous and humdrum business of teaching 
 A horse, it is said, will travel farther in a day, over 
 hill and valley, than over a dead-level plain ; and we all 
 know which would afford the most interesting and attract- 
 ive ride. So, in the school-room, a little variety in the 
 ' modus operandi ' will contribute greatly to the interest 
 of both teacher and pupils. Therefore, be not afraid to 
 deviate a little from the beaten track, and, I repeat it, 
 imitate no man servilely ; for I do not believe there is 
 any one system of government and instruction which is 
 absolutely the best for every individual teacher. I believe 
 that every man's oivn system is the best for him, though 
 in forming his plan, and in carrying it into execution, 
 he may derive important assistance from the experience 
 and suggestions of others." * 
 
 * R. S. Howard. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, AND FORBEARANCE. 
 
 Pupils are prone to look to their teacher as an exam- 
 ple and pattern, and they will feel safe in imitating him. 
 If we except parents, there is no individual whose influ- 
 ence on the minds of the young is so strong as that of 
 the instructor. Acting, as he does, "in loco parentis," 
 he is often regarded with an affection akin to that felt for 
 the parents themselves ; and, it would sometimes appear, 
 that the kind and amiable teacher exerted a more perfect 
 control over his pu])il3 than is exercised by the parents 
 themselves. Be this as it may, it is the teacher's duty to 
 let his every word and act give evidence that he possesses 
 a kind spirit, and feels a tender and sincere regard for 
 the wants and feelings of others. He should improve 
 every fit occasion for inculcating the laws of kindness 
 and enforcing the importance of doing good to all, as 
 opportunity may offer. But, that his precepts may not 
 fall powerless upon them, he should, in every proper 
 manner and on every suitable occasion, seek to do them 
 good, and act the part of a true and devoted friend. 
 There is much truth in the saying, "Like begets like." 
 A kind, pleasant, obliging instructor will, as a general 
 thing, find kind, pleasant, and obhging pupils; while a 
 morose,^ stern, and scolding teacher will always find 
 impatient, fretful, and troublesome pupils. 
 4* 
 
42 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 KIND WORDS. — SPEAK GENTLY. 
 
 "Kind words do not cost mucli ; they never blister 
 the tongue nor lips, and we never heard of any mental 
 trouble arising from this quarter. Though they do not 
 cost much, they help one's own good-nature. Soft words 
 soften our own souls. Angry words are fuel to the 
 flame of wrath, and make it burn fiercely. Kind words 
 make other people good-natured. Cold words freeze 
 people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words 
 make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrath- 
 ful. There is such a rush of all other words in our days, 
 that it seems desirable to give kind words a chance among 
 them. There are vain words, and idle words, and hasty 
 words, and spiteful words, and empty words, and profane 
 words, and warlike words. Kind words also produce 
 their own image on men's souls, and a beautiful image it 
 is. They quiet and comfort the hearer. They shame 
 him out of his sour, morose, unkind feelings. We have 
 not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance as 
 they ought to be used." * Then, teacher, 
 
 " Speak gently to the little cliild, 
 
 So guileless and so free, 
 Who, with a trustful, loving heart, 
 
 Puts confidence in thee. 
 Speak not the cold and careless thoughts 
 
 Which time has taught thee well. 
 Nor breathe one word whose bitter tone 
 
 Distrust might seem to tell. 
 
 '* If on that brow there rests a cloud. 
 However light it be, 
 Speak loving words, and let him feel 
 He has a friend in thee ; 
 
 * Pascal. 
 
KINDNESS, GENTLENESS AND FORBEARANCE. 43 
 
 A SOFT ANSWER. ANECDOTE OF A QUAKER. 
 
 , 5_ ^ 
 
 And do not send him from thy side. 
 
 Till on his face shall rest 
 The joyous look and beaming smile 
 
 That mark a happy breast. 
 
 *' teach him — this should be your aim — 
 
 To cheer the aching heart, 
 To strive where thickest darkness reigns 
 
 Some radiance to impart ; 
 To spread a peaceful, quiet calm. 
 
 Where dwells the noise of strife ; 
 Thus doing good, and blessing all. 
 
 To spend the whole of life. 
 
 " To love, with pure affection deep. 
 
 All creatures, great and small ; 
 
 And still a stronger love to bear 
 
 - For Him who made them all. 
 
 Remember, 't is no common task 
 
 That thus to thee is given. 
 To rear a spirit fit to be 
 The 'habitant of heaven." 
 
 Nothing is more true than that '' a «?oft answer turneth 
 away wrath;" and gentleness of spirit and expression 
 has a most happy influence. The following case is quite 
 illustrative of this position : A merchant in London had 
 a dispute with a Quaker respecting the settlement of an 
 account. The merchant was determined to bring the 
 question into court, a procedure which the Quaker ear- 
 nestly deprecated, using every argument in his power to 
 convince the merchant of his error ; but the latter 
 remained inflexible. Desirous of making the last efibrt, 
 the Quaker called at the house of the merchant, one 
 morning, and asked the servant if his master was at 
 home. The merchant, hearing the inquiry and knowing 
 the voice, called aloud from the top of the stairs, " Tell 
 
44 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 ANECDOTE. CHEERFULNESS. 
 
 that rascal I am 7iot at home ! " The Quaker, looking 
 up towards him, calmly said, " "Well, friend, God put 
 thee in a better mind." The merchant was affected by 
 the meekness of the reply, and, after more deliberately 
 investifijatino: the matter, he became convinced that he 
 was wrong and the Quaker right. He requested to see 
 him, and, after acknowledging his error, he said, "I 
 have one question to ask you : How were you able with 
 such patience, on various occasions, to bear my abuse 1 " 
 "Friend," replied the Quaker, ''I will tell thee." I 
 was naturally as hot and as violent as thou art. I knew 
 that to indulge this temper was sinful, and I also found 
 that it was imprudent. I observed that men in a pas- 
 sion always speak very loud, and hence I thought, if I 
 could control my voice, I could restrain my passion. I 
 have, therefore, made it a rule never to suffer my voice to 
 rise above a certain key ; and, by a careful observance of 
 this rule, I have, with the blessing of God, entirely mas- 
 tered and subdued my naturally impetuous temper." 
 The Quaker reasoned philosophically, — and others may 
 profit, as the merchant did, from his example. 
 
 CnEEEFDLNESS. 
 
 If the teacher regards faithfully the precepts already 
 named, he will feel cheerful ; and it is highly desirable, on 
 his o^Yn account, as well as for his school, that he should 
 thus feel. " Cheerfulness and kindness, like the sun, 
 warm and animate ; and there is that in the heart of 
 every child that never fails to respond to it. When a little 
 fellow enters school in the morning, with his eyes spark- 
 ling with animation, and his face smiling with pleasure, 
 the teacher should repay with an approving smile, and 
 
KINDNESS, GENTLENESS AND FORBExlRANCE. 45 
 
 THE EFFECT OF A CHEERFUL COUNTENANCE. 
 
 then he will be happy for the day. But if, on the con- 
 trary, he is met with a frown, a warm little heart, gush- 
 ing with tenderness, is chilled and frozen." How much 
 do the cheerful and cordial tones, gentle movements, and 
 friendly greetings and aids, of a father or mother, a 
 brother or sister, do towards making home happy ! So, 
 too, how much may an instructor do to make the school- 
 room attractive, by wearing a cheerful countenance, by 
 using gentle tones, and by manifesting kindly feelings 
 and sympathies ! How quickly and surely will the 
 pupils of a school learn to read in their teacher's counte- 
 nance, as he enters the school-room, what will be the 
 nature and condition of movements through the day ! 
 In the words of Goldsmith, 
 
 ** Well do the boding tremblers learn to trace 
 The day's disasters in his morning face." 
 
 Is it not true that teachers are, often, too stern and precise 
 in their movements 7 Some one has said of a teacher, 
 that he wore a countenance which seemed to say, like the 
 Old Farmer's Almanac, "Look out for a storm about 
 this time," and with more certainty that the prognosti- 
 cated storm would come than attends the prediction of 
 the almanac. Now, if teachers would have happy and 
 pleasant schools, they must be cheerful, ready to smile 
 at any time themselves, and not unwilling to provoke 
 laughter in their pupils. "Gentleness and cheerfulness 
 form a sort of sweet atmosphere, which enters into a 
 child's soul like the sunbeam into a rose-bud, — slowly, 
 but surely, expanding it into beauty and vigor." 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 COMMON SENSE AND KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN 
 
 NATURE. 
 
 One may have at his command all the information 
 contained within the covers of all the books ever pub- 
 lished, and yet he will be, comparatively, a useless man, 
 unless he exercises good sense and discrimination in the 
 use of his knowledge, and, at the same time, possesses that 
 understanding of human nature that will enable him to 
 use and apply his information at the right time, as well 
 as in the best way. In other words, he should know 
 how, and when, and where, he can most wisely, accepta- 
 bly, and efficiently, impart the desired instruction or influ- 
 ence. The teacher must take things as he finds them, 
 and strive to improve them ; and not, as is too often the 
 case, by looking at things as he would desire to 
 have them, so far separate himself from the i^eal as to 
 annul his influence and power in attempting to bring 
 about the desired state of afiairs. But let the instructor 
 look at affairs as they are, all discouraging and objection- 
 able though they be, — let him, by examining into the 
 true state of matters as they exist, ascertain what diffi- 
 culties, and obstacles, and prejudices must be surmounted 
 or removed, before his efforts to draw upward can have a 
 full and direct bearing. After a little preparatory exam- 
 ination and labor at the foundation, he may ascend, and 
 draw his pupils after him. Who has not seen men stand- 
 
COMMON SENSE. 47 
 
 COMMON SENSE AND INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER. 
 
 ing at a distance, and vainly striving "with all their 
 might " to move some object to which they had attached a 
 cord ? After much toiling and fretting at a remote point, 
 a near approach to the object brought to view some trifling 
 obstacle, whose removal was easily effected, and then the 
 work, previously so impossible of accomplishment, was 
 readily performed. So it is, frequently, with some 
 teachers ; they stand so far from the work to be exe- 
 cuted that they do not observe the real nature and 
 extent of the difficulties that cluster around it, at its 
 very foundation. In taking charge of a school, the 
 instructor should gain all possible information in relation 
 to the parents for whom he is to labor, and with whom he 
 should have a most friendly and cooperative spirit. He 
 should learn what he can of their habits, their feelings, 
 their prejudices, and their opinions ; and then, with an 
 enlarged and common-sense view of matters as he finds 
 them, he should labor wisely and perse veringly to rectify 
 errors and effect a right feeling and action ; and, without 
 manifesting aught of an impatient spirit, let him "learn 
 to labor and to wait." 
 
 This common-sense view of things, and this knowledge 
 of human nature, are no less desirable and important in 
 the treatment and management of pupils than in refer- 
 ence to parents and guardians. The teacher should care- 
 fully study the characters, dispositions, habits, and influ- 
 ences of different pupils, that he may the better discipline 
 and instruct them ; otherwise, he may sometimes widely 
 err. No two pupils are precisely alike, and hence no 
 precise and undeviating course of discipline should be 
 adopted, but a constant effort should be to have an 
 adaptedness to individual circumstances and wants. 
 
48 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 PERSONAL TRAITS. — GENERAL INFORMATION. 
 
 Hence, the instructor "must avail "himself of every 
 means to find out all the faults and excellences, the. 
 strong and weak points, of his pupils' character, — their 
 temptations, their predilections, their difficult and easy 
 processes. In short, he must study them symptomatically, 
 as a faithful and discriminating physician does his pa- 
 tients, to know what they are, what they may become, 
 and what ought to be done for them." * 
 
 GENERAL INFORMATION. 
 
 The remark is frequently made, that teachers are too 
 seclusive in their habits, too exclusive in their views, and 
 too sensitive in their feelings, and not sufficiently ac- 
 quainted with the world and its operations as existing 
 around them. ''Mr. A.," it is said, "would make a 
 most excellent and efficient teacher, if he would only min- 
 gle more with the people, and acquire more accurate 
 knowledge of matters and things in general." And it 
 must be confessed that, in many cases, there is too much 
 of truth in the observation. To do well in the world, 
 and exert the greatest amount of influence, the instructor 
 should possess a familiar knowledge of general affairs. 
 He should know something of the business community, 
 with its various devices, tricks, and deceptions, that he 
 may impart to his pupils a suitable degree of cautious 
 prudence, to prepare them properly to encounter the 
 temptations and treacherous arts with which they will 
 surely meet when they take their stand on life's busy 
 stage. He should also possess an acquaintance with the 
 manners and customs of society, and the rules of etiquette 
 
 * Joseph Hale. 
 
GENERAL INFORMATION. 49 
 
 THE EXHAUSTING NATURE OP THE TEACHER'S WORK. 
 
 and propriety, that his own deportment and conversa- 
 tion, improved thereby, may have a happy effect on the 
 minds of his pupils, and aid them in becoming useful and 
 agreeable members of the community. He should be 
 familiar with the various -civil, religious, literary, and 
 benevolent movements of the world, that he may the bet- 
 ter discharge his duties, and secure the higher respect of 
 those with whom and for whom he labors. 
 
 "But," say some, "while we admit the truth and 
 feel the importance of what you say, we at the same time 
 feel that the present situation of the instructor debars 
 him from the attainment of the information and privileges 
 alluded to." This is, too often, the case. So large a 
 part of the teacher's time and energies is engrossed by 
 the peculiar cares and exercises of the school-room, and 
 the nature of his duties is such, that he is unfitted for 
 spending the few leisure hours he may have, profitably, 
 by participating in the common concerns or amusements 
 of the day. He may, every morning, resolve upon cer- 
 tain plans of operation for the hours of evening ; but the 
 care and air of the school-room are sure so to prostrate 
 and exhaust him as to incapacitate him from engaging 
 heartily in anything but rest. 
 
 "And, moreover," say some, "the vast majority of 
 teachers cannot afford to participate, respectably, in the 
 social, literary, benevolent, or civil operations of the day. 
 If they are young men, just entering the profession, they 
 will find the scanty remuneration they receive hardly 
 adequate to supply their absolute and immediate wants ; 
 and if one has a family dependent upon his efforts and 
 resources, still more difficult will it be for him to devote 
 any time or means to affairs not immediately con- 
 5 
 
50 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A DESIRE TO DO GOOD, A LEADING MOTIVE. 
 
 nected with the peculiar duties of his profession." But 
 I will only add that teachers must labor patiently in 
 every "good way and work," — labor, it may be, under 
 disheartening circumstances, but in the hope of a " better 
 time coming" — a time which their well-directed efforts 
 may hasten on, — a time wliich will honor and reward 
 them, and bless the community. 
 
 ' *' Let us, then, be up and doing, 
 "With a heart for any fate ; 
 Still achieving, still pursuing. 
 Learn to labor and to ■wait." 
 
 A DESIRE TO DO GOOD, AND HOPEFULNESS. 
 
 That instructor who would be truly useful, and do 
 something to elevate his chosen profession, must not labor 
 solely for the passing time, nor for present popularity 
 and favor. They who devote much of their attention, 
 and bestow many of their thoughts, upon a preparation 
 for some exhibition or ephemeral show, may gain a tetn- 
 porary elevation ; but if this is more prominent in their 
 minds than a desire, strongly felt, and sincerely and 
 clearly manifested, to do good^ by striving to prepare 
 their pupils ''to act well their parts in life," the eleva- 
 tion thus gained will only constitute a height from which 
 fall will be inevitable and disastrous. 
 
 If teachers would gain a true and permanent eleva- 
 tion, they must, with unwearied zeal and diligence, exert 
 themselves so to instruct and discipline those committed 
 to their charge that they will become exemplary and use- 
 ful citizens when they assume their stand on the busy 
 stage of life. 
 
 Let the teacher well consider the high and responsible 
 
A DESIRE TO DO GOOD. 51 
 
 THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED. 
 
 nature of the duties incumbent on him. The youth, 
 intrusted to his care and training, are the daily and hourly 
 recipients of impressions which will contribute to increase 
 their future weal or woe. Then, should he not, by the 
 prompt and faithful discharge of every duty, strive to 
 make only such impressions as will prove salutary 7 Let 
 him not think too lightly of the children. The boys, who 
 are now so thoughtlessly playing around him, amusing 
 themselves in the pursuit of evanescent pleasures by 
 engaging, in the exuberance of their spirit, in childhood's 
 merry sports, may, in a few brief years, wield a mighty 
 influence in the councils of our nation. May they, then, 
 "in the days of their youth," receive from parents, and 
 those who stand in " loco parentis," such instruction and 
 such impressions as will best fit them for the honorable 
 and useful discharge of every duty that they may be 
 called to perform ! May they be so trained, and so 
 influenced, that, whether ''the golden bowl be broken 
 and the silver cord be loosed" when "life's open- 
 ing buds are sweet," or not until the period when the 
 " grasshopper shall become a burden,"- they may leave 
 proof that life's measure has been wisely filled, and its 
 duties well performed ! Then may teachers and pupils 
 anticipate a glorious reward in that " bright world " to 
 which they hope to go ; the former deriving never-ceasing 
 pleasure from reflecting upon past fidelity towards those 
 intrusted to their care, and . the latter from a happy con- 
 sciousness of having improved their time, and profited by 
 all the privileges they had enjoyed, and the instructions 
 they had received. The touching sentiment, so beauti- 
 fully expressed by the poor Scotch girl, in one of Scott's 
 works, should be deeply impressed upon the heart of 
 
52 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 PLEASING EEFLECTIONS ON GOOD DEEDS. 
 
 every teacher : " "\Yheii the hour of trouble comes to the 
 mind or to the body, or when the hour of death comes, 
 that comes to high and low, — then it isna what we hae 
 dune for oursells, but what we hae dune for others, that we 
 think on maist pleasantly." Let not, then, the teacher 
 be unmindful of the nature and value of his work, but, 
 appreciating the thought so beautifully expressed by 
 Bishop Doane in the following lines, let him " be up and 
 doing," with the consciousness that, at some future time, 
 reflection upon his ''labors of love" will afibrd him the 
 truest pleasure. 
 
 " Chisel in hand stood a sculptor-boy. 
 
 With his marble block before him. 
 And his face lit up with a smile of joy, 
 
 As an angel-dream passed o'er him. 
 He carved the dream on that shapeless stone, 
 
 With many a sharp incision ; 
 With heaven's own light the sculpture shone, — 
 
 He had caught the angel-vision. 
 
 *' Sculptors of life are we, as we stand 
 
 With our soul uncarved before us, 
 Waiting the hour when, at God's command, 
 
 Our life-dream passes o'er us. 
 If we carve it then on the yielding stone. 
 
 With many a sharp incision. 
 Its heavenly beauty shall be our own — 
 
 Our lives that angel-vision." 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 CORRECT MORAL PRINCIPLES. 
 
 It is not meant by this that the doctrines and views 
 of some particular sect should be countenanced or advo- 
 cated. As our public schools are composed of pupils 
 from all classes in society, and from families of every 
 variety and shade of religious belief, it must appear obvi- 
 ous, to every reflecting and reasonable mind, that instruc- 
 tion, calculated to favor the peculiar tenets of a particular 
 sect, should not be imparted in the school-room. But 
 this can form no apology for all neglect of rehgious 
 instruction. There are certain views and principles in 
 relation to which there is an agreement on the part of 
 the vast majority from all religious societies and orders. 
 These are held in common, and may be freely discussed 
 and urgently enforced without any objection on the score 
 of sectarianism. Among these may be named the duty 
 of love to our Creator, an affectionate and obedient regard 
 to the wishes of parents, respect for the aged, and pity 
 for the erring and unfortunate ; the duties and relations 
 that should be observed between brothers and sisters; 
 the kindly nature of the intercourse which should exist 
 between members of a school; obedience to those in 
 authority ; and that broad and well-defined sense of right 
 and wrong, which so fully and clearly shines out from 
 the divine rule which teaches us "to do unto others as we 
 5^ 
 
54 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE BIBLE : ITS PROPER USE. 
 
 would have others do unto us. The strong and faithful en- 
 forcement of this last would, itself, constitute the ground- 
 work and the superstructure of all the material which it 
 might be desirable to bring into the religious element of 
 the school-room. And, I ask, if any reasonable and 
 reflecting parent will or can object to the free perusal of 
 the Holy Scriptures in school, or to judicious and earnest 
 instruction on all the points to which allusion has been 
 made ? And, if fidelity and sincerity are manifested in 
 reference to these, will not all be done that can be 
 desired by any sect, under the existing state of affairs ? 
 It is to be hoped that the day is far distant when an over- 
 sensitive regard for sectarian views, and a feeling of jeal- 
 ousy towards others, will lead to a total abandonment of 
 all religious and moral instruction in our schools. 
 
 I have alluded to the perusal of the Bible in school. 
 I am not, however, prepared to assent to the views of 
 those who advocate the use of the sacred volume as a 
 drill-book in reading. In many particulars, it is true 
 that it excels all other books, in affording excellent exam- 
 ples in the various styles of expression and reading. 
 "The Scriptures contain, independently of a divine ori- 
 gin, more true sublimity, more exquisite beauty, purer 
 morality, more important history, and finer strains both 
 of poetry and eloquence, than could be collected, within 
 the same compass, from all other books that were ever 
 composed, in any age or in any idiom." ^ 
 
 It is not because the Bible is not full of excellent say- 
 ings, and consoling and instructive truths, beautifully 
 expressed, that I would object to it as a reading-book, 
 
 * Sir William Jones. 
 
CORRECT MORAL PRINCIPLES. 55 
 
 EXEMPLARY HABITS AND DEPORTMENT. 
 
 but on the ground that its peculiar origin, and sacred- 
 ness, and beauty, should keep it from being marred by 
 the careless blunders of inexperienced readers. The 
 Bible should be used in every school, and on every day, 
 as a devotional exercise ; but it should be read only by 
 the teacher, and by such pupils as are able to read with a 
 good degree of fluency and correctness. — and never, in 
 public, by those who cannot read without " spelhng out" 
 and miscalling many of the words. The unsullied bright- 
 ness of these " apples of gold in pictures of silver" should 
 never be dimmed by a contact too rude and heedless. 
 
 EXEMPLARY HABITS AND DEP0RT5IEXT. 
 
 The young are prone to imitation ; and it would some- 
 times seem that they more readily contract those habits 
 which are not peculiarly attractive and lovely than they 
 do those of a more excellent and commendable nature. 
 If instructors, in all their intercourse and actions, exhibit 
 a strict and rigid adherence to those moral principles 
 which should ever influence the good and upright, they 
 will do much to inculcate a love for the same in the 
 minds of their pupils. If they will, by example and 
 precept, manifest a proper abhorrence of every form of 
 sin and error ; if they Avill discountenance wrong and 
 oppression ; if they will ever manifest a nice appreciation 
 of the rights of others, and duly observe the same; if 
 they will, at all times, and under all circumstances, ex- 
 hibit a kind, forbearing, and courteous manner,— they can- 
 not fail of exerting a salutary influence upon those com- 
 mitted to their charge and training. The force of exam- 
 ple is all-powerful and pervading, and all are, more or 
 
5Q COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 INSTANCE OF BAD EXAMPLE. 
 
 less, affected by influences with which they are constantly 
 brought into contact. 
 
 A distinguished educator, a few years ago, travelled in 
 the western part of our country, for the purpose of visit- 
 ing various schools. He called at one, in which the 
 teacher was seated with his hat upon his head, and a pipe 
 in his mouth, attending to a recitation; and, as the 
 smoke rolled from his mouth, it evidently afforded him 
 more gratification than aught else within the walls of the 
 school-room. Who will not admit that this man was 
 imparting, in the most effectual way, lessons in favor of 
 smoking and incivility ? Of what avail would it be for 
 an instructor to speak of the evil and folly of smoking, 
 for instance, if he should himself continue to indulge in 
 the habit ? His practice would cry out, in thunder-tones, 
 in opposition to his preaching. How can a teacher, with 
 any hope of good effect, declaim against the prevalence 
 of any wrong or injurious habit, so long as he shall, 
 whether publicly or more privately, indulge in the same ? 
 It is only from the combmed and harmonious force and 
 operation of precept and example, that one can reasona- 
 bly hope for favorable results. 
 
 The force of habit is exceedingly strong. Some one 
 has very Avisely said that good or bad habits formed in 
 youth generally accompany us through life. If this is 
 true (and who can doubt it ?), with what care and ear- 
 nestness should all who have anything to do with the 
 young — and especially teachers — labor for the forma- 
 tion of correct and agreeable habits. 
 
 DILIGENCE. 
 
 It is important that an instructor should be diligent, 
 both because he may thereby accomplish much, and 
 
 • 
 
DILIGENCE. 57 
 
 napoleon's plan. DR. ARNOLD. 
 
 because lie will, in being so, furnish a good example to bis 
 pupils. Let bim, tben, every day and constantly mani- 
 fest a spirit of diligence in tbe prompt and earnest dis- 
 cbarge of all bis duties, and be will tbus incite in tbose 
 under bim an industrious and active spirit. It is not 
 easy to over-estimate tbe amount of work tbat may be 
 accomplished by persevering diligence. Constant em- 
 ployment in a useful way will do mucb to keep scholars 
 in a good state of discipline. "Napoleon used to say, 
 ' If a dog has a bone to gnaw, be will not bite ;' so, when 
 be was emperor, he kept tbe populace of Paris quiet by 
 giving them something to do, and by keeping them dili- 
 gently employed upon great public works. Dr. Arnold 
 adopted a similar course in tbe management of bis school. 
 He would not let his boys be idle, lest they should be 
 discontented, and disposed to mischief He was ever 
 devising new plans, to create in bis pupils, from time to 
 time, fresh interest and diligence in their studies. Every 
 experienced teacher knows there was much wisdom in 
 this course." * 
 
 * J. Bates, Jr. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 NEATNESS AND ORDER. 
 
 The instructor should be a man whose whole appear- 
 ance and actions are characterized by a special regard to 
 neatness and order. The young are wonderfully, though 
 it may be unconsciously, influenced by the appearance 
 and movements of those under whose care they pass 
 much of their time. If an instructor is guilty of a want 
 of cleanliness and neatness in his personal appearance or 
 dress, — if he is, in any degree or in any respect, slovenly 
 in his habits, or regardless of the rules of propriety and 
 order, — his pupils will be very ready to imitate his ex- 
 ample, and become the devoted followers of an unworthy 
 leader. On the other hand, if a teacher is neat, and 
 becomingly careful, in relation to his dress, and personal 
 appearance and habits, prudent in liis movements, and 
 chaste and dignified in his deportment and conversation, 
 he will exert a most salutary and powerful influence over 
 the minds, the habits, and the speech, of the young beings 
 intrusted to his training. In these, and in all other 
 particulars, pupils will be very prone to imitate the 
 example of him who is placed over them. It is well that 
 such is the case ; and it is desirable that the instructor 
 should, constantly and strongly, feel that he teaches 
 by example, no less than by precept. Indeed, he should 
 feel that all his teachings, and all his precepts, will prove 
 
 I 
 
NEATNESS AND ORDER. 59 
 
 teacher's example. ILLUSTRATIVE STORY. 
 
 like "water spilled on the ground," unless accompa- 
 nied and confirmed by a good example. No teacher can 
 reasonably expect his pupils to excel, or exhibit any 
 marked improvement, in those particulars in which he is, 
 in any manner, deficient. 
 
 The silent, though powerful and expanding, influence 
 of example, is so evident, that no one should be employed 
 to train the young who is careless in his habits, or regard- 
 less of his personal appearance. " What the teacher is, 
 in these respects, the pupils will generally be ; and unless 
 they see better patterns at home, the standard of the 
 teacher will be theirs also. If they see the teacher 
 addicted to any habit, they will think it manly to imi- 
 tate him. If he smokes, they will be likely to do the 
 same. If he spits upon the floor, they will imitate his 
 example. If his boots are seldom cleaned, theirs will be 
 quite as seldom." The following story will strongly 
 illustrate our position. It was taken from the Chris- 
 i'lan Register, and the incidents took place in a village 
 where the teacher was particular in his personal appear- 
 ance, and required his pupils to regard theirs. "When 
 he took charge of the school, he noticed that the pupils, 
 in muddy weather, were accustomed to enter the school- 
 room, and stamp the mud upon the floor ; or carry it to 
 their seats, and soil the floor for a large space around 
 them. No sweeping could clean such a floor ; and, of 
 course, none had been attempted oftener than once a week. 
 Determined to make^ an attempt at reform, the teacher 
 obtained a piece of iron hoop, and, nailing one end to the 
 door, he fastened the other to a walnut stake that he 
 drove into the ground. Every child was required to 
 «crape his shoes before he entered the room ; and the 
 
60 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE RUG. — FLOOR WASHED. 
 
 consequence was, that the true floor became visible 
 through the crust that covered it. The next step was, 
 to get a rug for the entry; and a neat, farmer's wife 
 very readily gave him an old rug, that she could spare. 
 It did not take him long to induce the habit of scraping 
 and wiping the shoes ; and a lad or a miss, who did not do 
 this, was soon noticed by the rest, and made to feel that 
 he or she had not done all that was required. Soon after 
 the rug was introduced, the teacher ventured to have the 
 whole floor of the school-room washed, — not scoured, for 
 he had to do it himself, one Saturday afternoon, — and 
 washing was all he was competent to do. Yf hen the schol- 
 ars came, on Monday morning, it was evident they were 
 taken by surprise. They had never seen the like before ; 
 the very knots in the floor were visible ; and they gave 
 several extra rubs and scrapes before they ventured to 
 set foot on the beauties so strangely exposed. This is 
 ahyays the case ; and we have known a man who exer- 
 cised the muscles of his under jaw by chewing tobacco, 
 and who would have spirted the saliva, without compunc- 
 tion, upon the floor of a school-room, running round a 
 carpeted room like a crazy man, to find a place of deposit 
 for his filth. So true is it, that neatness begets neat- 
 ness, and a nice school-room is better treated by the 
 untidy than a neglected one. The teacher thus intro- 
 duced one thing after another, taking care not to go too 
 fast ; and, although he had no penalty for a breach of 
 the rules of neatness, he introduced a public sentiment 
 which restrained the pupils more efiectually than the 
 rod ; and, as his own example was always made to second 
 his rules, the children found no hardship or injustice in 
 them. Amongst the scholars, was one little fellow, about 
 
NEATNESS AND OEDER. 61 
 
 THE DOOR-SCRAPER. — THE SHEEP-SKIN. 
 
 eight years old, named Freddy Gerrisli, whose parents 
 were poor, and cared but little for appearances, if the 
 children had bread enough to eat from day to day. 
 Freddy was the oldest of five children ; and, when not 
 at school, he was generally minding his brothers and 
 sisters, — as the Irish term what we call tending, or tak- 
 ing care of them. One day, on his way home from 
 school, he found an iron hoop, and, before night, he had 
 a scraper at the only door of the house. It so hap- 
 pened, that, when his father came home, his boots were 
 covered with bog-mud, and, almost for the first time in 
 his life, he looked around for something to clean them. 
 The scraper that Freddy had placed there was just the 
 thing; and the little fellow was praised for his ingenuity. 
 Soon after, a sheep was killed by a dog in a field near 
 Mr. Gerrish's house, and, no one caring for it, Freddy 
 oifered to bury it, if he might have the skin, which had 
 but little wool on it. He borrowed a jack-knife of a 
 larger boy, and soon stripped off the skin from the body, 
 and then, cutting as large a square out of it as he could, 
 he went home, and proposed to his mother to nail it down 
 in the entry. Tliis was done, to please Freddy ; and the 
 baby was allowed to sit on it until father came home. 
 The effect of Freddy's attempt to reform was soon felt ; 
 and his mother was no longer heard to say, as she often 
 had done, ' It is of no use to sweep ! ' ' Wife,' said Mr. 
 Gerrish, one evening, ' your floor is whiter than the 
 wall ; I must get some lime, and white- wash it, for Fred- 
 dy's scraper seems to have a tail to it.' The room was 
 shining white before another day was passed ; and, as the 
 cooking-utensils began to look ill, standing round the 
 stove, Mr. Gerrish, who was a good farmer, changed 
 6 
 
62 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THK NEW SHELVES. FLOOR PAINTED. 
 
 work with a carpenter, and had a set of shelves made, 
 Avith a cupboard under them. One day, after she had 
 scoured the floor, Mrs. Gerrish said to herself, ' I wonder 
 whether I cannot paint this floor well enough for poor 
 people ; for, though a white floor looks well, it is easier 
 to clean a painted one.' Freddy was despatched to the 
 coach-maker's, to ask what some suitable paint would 
 cost. ' How big is your room 7 ' said the man, who 
 had often noticed that Freddy was never among the boys 
 that were doino; mischief ' Four times as lono; as I can 
 reach, one way, and five times, the other,' said Freddy. 
 The man applied the rule to Freddy's arms, and said, 
 'It will cost you half-a-doUar.' 'Who is to do the 
 painting ? ' said the man. ' Mother, sir, is going to try, 
 because she can't afford to pay for the paint and painting 
 too; and she wants to do it before father comes home.' 
 'You love her, don't you 7' said the coach-maker. 'I 
 guess I do,' said Freddy; 'and she loves me, too, be- 
 cause I made a scraper at the door like Master Hall's, at 
 the school. She says, if it had not been for the scraper, 
 she never would have thought of the paint : and we are 
 going to stay in the bed-room, or out o' doors, till the 
 paint is dry.' 'I see through it,' said the man: 'go 
 home, and tell your mother I will come presently, and 
 paint the floor for nothmg.' The boy was starting off", 
 when the coach-maker recollected that half the charm 
 was to consist in the wife's doing the work, and surpris- 
 ing her husband with a floor painted with her own hand ; 
 and he called the boy back, and asked him if his mother 
 had any money. 'A little,' said he ; ' she bought some 
 yarn and knit tliree pairs of stockings while the baby was 
 asleep, and sold them.' ' Here is the paint,' said the 
 
p 
 
 NEATNESS AND ORDER. 63 
 
 THE BIBLE : HOW FREDDY PAID FOR IT. 
 
 man ; ' I give it to you, my little fellow, because you 
 love your mother.' The little fellow's eyes glared with 
 astonishment at the idea of possessing so much paint, 
 and being paid for so easy a task as loving his mother ; 
 and, as the big tears began to roll down his cheeks, he 
 said, 'Mother will be able to buy the Bible, now.' 
 ' What Bible ? ' said the coach-maker, who had become 
 interested in the boy. ' The Bible for me to read every 
 night and morning, as the master does.' ' I have some 
 Bibles to give away,' said the man ; 'and, if you will not 
 spill the paint, you may take one under your arm.' ' I 
 declare ! ' said Freddy, ' I don't know what mother will 
 say to all this. How will she pay you, sir 7 ' ' Would 
 you like to do a little work for me, my little fellow ? ' 
 ' I guess I should,' said Freddy; ' if I was big enough, 
 I would work for you ever so long.' ' I want just such a 
 scraper at my door as you made your fither ; and, if you 
 will make me one, I will take it in full pay for the paint 
 and the Bible.' ' I can't make one good enough for 
 you,' said Freddy, bashfully. ' That is my look-out,' 
 said the man ; ' so, carry home the paint, and come when 
 you can and make the scraper.' Freddy went home ; 
 and, when his mother saw him, with a book under one 
 arm, and both hands holding on the paint-pot, she ex- 
 claimed, ' Why, Freddy, what have you done ? I only 
 told you to ask the price of the paint.' ' I know it,' said 
 Freddy ; ' but the man made a trade with me ; and he is 
 to give me all these, if I will make him a scraper for his 
 door ; and I am going to do it.' To make a long story 
 short, the scraper at the school-door was the making of 
 Mr. Gerrish and his family. The entire change of habits 
 introduced into their humble dwelling not only led to 
 
 I 
 
64 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 WHAT FKEDDY DID WHEN A MAN. 
 
 neatness and order, but to thrift and comfort. The 
 scraper was made for the coach-maker, who continued to 
 do a hundred other friendly acts for them. Freddy 
 obtained an excellent education, and is an intelligent and 
 wealthy farmer ; and, when he built his new house, he 
 carefully placed the old scraper by the side of the door, 
 as if it were a talisman. Master Hall taught from dis- 
 trict to district ; and, being of a slender constitution, his 
 health early failed, and he was quietly laid in the church- 
 yard of a country town, unconscious that the seed he had 
 sown had ever produced any fruit like that we have 
 described. Freddy could never discover his resting- 
 place ; but he erected a cenotaph to his memory, near 
 the school-house, which he also rebuilt, and, once a year, 
 he collects the children of the village around it, and tells 
 them the story of the scraper at the old school-door." 
 
 SELF-CONTROL. 
 
 Occasions will sometimes arise in which it will require 
 the exercise of no inconsiderable degree of self-govern- 
 ment, on the part of the teacher, to refrain from the use 
 of harsh expressions and acts. A pupil may be guilty 
 of gross misconduct, or of the most provoking impudence, 
 and strongly excite the indignant feelings of a teacher. 
 Let such an one be dealt with in a decided, though calm 
 manner, and let the deserved punishment be inflicted 
 more in sorrow than in anger, and it will be doubly 
 effective. A parent may come, "full of rage," to com- 
 plain of some real or imaginary wrong done his child, — 
 or, more, he may come to inflict, or threaten the infliction, 
 of personal chastisement. I say such cases may hap- 
 pen; and) in ]arge schools, they will sometimes happen. 
 
SELF-CONTROL. G5 
 
 SELF-CONTROL IN THE TEACHER. 
 
 A boy will sometimes go home with a statement of his 
 grievances so much exaggerated and distorted as to 
 induce an over-indulgent and credulous father (who is 
 prone to consider his children as infallible) without delay 
 to seek the teacher, for "vengeance' sake." Now, 
 as he approaches the instructor, ' * boiling over ' ' with 
 wrath, and "full of fight," it will tend to arouse kin- 
 dred feelings in the mind of the teacher. But ho 
 should keep calm, and not cause anger to be increased 
 by opposing anger. Let him not forget that "a soft 
 answer turneth away wrath," and that "he who ruleth 
 his spirit is more mighty than he Avho taketli a city." 
 Let him speak calmly and kindly, giving such corrections 
 and explanations, as the case may demand, and, in nine 
 cases out of ten, the angry man will be subdued, and 
 return home "sane and in his right mind," a better 
 friend to the teacher, and a more judicious father to his 
 chikh'cn. Let the teacher strive to meet all such cases 
 as these with a spirit of kindness and self-control, and he 
 will seldom fail of doing good. 
 
 The teacher should also endeavor to form, in his pupils, 
 that spirit of calm self-possession which will enable them, 
 at all times and in all situations, to conduct themselves 
 
 with true discretion and manliness. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 EARNESTNESS, ENERGY, AND ENTHUSIASM. 
 
 Every intelligent being is under the strongest obliga- 
 tions to be an active, faithful, and earnest being. The 
 very object of his existence demands that he should be 
 so. Placed in a world in wliich sin, ignorance, and 
 wretchedness abound, he is, on every hand, urged "to do 
 with his might whatever his hands find to do; " and noth- 
 ing short of an earnest devotion of heart and hand to 
 every good work can give one any reasonable and well- 
 grounded assurance that he is acting life's great part 
 " wisely and well." And yet it is sad to see how small 
 the number of those who engage in life's great work 
 with anything like earnestness ! How sad the thought, 
 that, with so many, the chief desire is ''a little more 
 slumber, a little more folding of the hands to sleep " ! 
 
 If one would be truly successful or useful in any voca- 
 tion, he must be an enthusiastic and wide-awake man. 
 But in no position is this so true as in relation to the 
 business of teaching, and in no situation will a deficiency 
 in this respect be more disastrously felt. A teacher is 
 surrounded by young immortals, who are the constant 
 recipients of impressions from his words, deeds, and looks. 
 Their pliable minds may be easily beautified and enno- 
 bled, or, more easily, and almost irremediably, marred 
 and debased. The teacher cannot move before these 
 tender and susceptible minds without exerting some influ- 
 
I 
 
 EARNESTNESS, ENERGY, AND ENTHUSIASM. 67 
 
 ENEKQY. PROF. HADDOCK. 
 
 ence ; and, if he is a good man, with a soul inspired for 
 his high calling, he cannot fail of accomplishing a great 
 and glorious work. 
 
 "Energy is omnipotent. The clouds which surround 
 the houseless boy of to-day are dispersed, and he is 
 invited to a palace. It is the work of energy. The 
 cliild who is now a beggar in a few years to come may 
 stand forth the admiration of angels. Who has not seen 
 the life-giving power of energy 7 It makes the wilder- 
 ness to blossom as the rose, whitens the ocean, navigates 
 our rivers, levels mountains, paves with iron a highway 
 from state to state, and sends thought, with the speed of 
 lightning, from one extremity of the land to another. 
 Without energy, what is man? — a fool, a clod." 
 
 Prof Haddock thus speaks : " What the teacher is in 
 his general character, his principles of hfe, his personal 
 habits, his individual objects, his tastes and amusements, 
 his whole bearing and demeanor, has as much to do in 
 forming the spirit and shaping the destiny of his pupils 
 as his more direct instructions. There is a certain air 
 about a man, or, rather, a certain spirit in him, which 
 determines, to a great degree, the influence of his whole 
 life. It is not exactly what he knows, or what he says, 
 or what he does, but a peculiar style of character in all 
 these respects, — that which makes him one and the same 
 man, everywhere, and upon all occasions. If of the 
 right sort, — bright, earnest, open, kindly, full of cheer- 
 ful hopes, and ennobled by reverence for truth and love 
 of goodness, — this general character is itself a school, a 
 model for young ambition, a fountain of good thoughts, a 
 silent, insinuating, living stream, nourishing the roots 
 and opening the buds of spring. In this character we 
 
68 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 ENTHUSIASM : SOCRATES DREAM. 
 
 find the elements of tliat enthusiasm, without which 
 great things are never done by anybody, in any sphere 
 of life — enthusiasni (God in us) — a heavenly, divine 
 spirit, moving us to attempt good ends by manly efforts, 
 and, with an eye fixed on high objects, to labor earnestly 
 and long, with a sturdy heart and cheerful face. 
 
 "It is said of Socrates, the greatest master of ancient 
 Greece, that he saw, in a dream, a beautiful white swan 
 flying towards him from the altar of Venus, and lighting 
 in his lap. In a little time, the bird spread its wings 
 again, and, rising into the air, went up, up, till it disap- 
 peared in the clear sky. The next day, while relating 
 the dream to his pupils, Aristo came, leading to him his 
 son Plato. Socrates fixed his eyes upon the lad, sur- 
 veyed his broad, high forehead, and looked into his deep, 
 clear eye, and exclaimed, ' Behold the swan of my 
 school ! ' He trained the boy, with parental pride and 
 parental hopes; and the swan of his school became the 
 noblest mind in the hterature of his country, and has, 
 perhaps, impressed its influence more sensibly upon the 
 Christian ages than any other uninspired intellect. 
 When men are found capable of this enthusiastic interest 
 in the education of the young, their price is above 
 rubies." 
 
 A dull, monotonous, stereotyped teacher, will have a 
 dull, monotonous, and stereotyped school ; while an ear- 
 nest, zealous, and enthusiastic teacher will so inspire and 
 animate his pupils that they will manifest a deep and 
 lively interest in every exercise before them. It is with 
 much truth said, "As is the teacher, so will be the 
 school." Teacher and pupils will, to a great degree, act 
 and feel alike ; and the kind, active, and zealous instructor 
 
p 
 
 EARNESTNESS, ENERGY, AND ENTHUSIASM. 69 
 
 EXTRACT FROM MR. BATES ' LECTURE. 
 
 may gain an almost unlimited influence over the minds 
 and feelings of his pupils, and lead them cheerfully 
 onward and upward in the paths of wisdom and virtue ; 
 while, on the other hand, a dull and lifeless teacher will 
 drag his pupils down to depths of apathy and listlessness, 
 from which it will be no easy task to draw them forth 
 again. 
 
 If a teacher feels a deep, lively, and abiding interest 
 in the duties of his profession, he will succeed in awak- 
 ening a corresponding interest on the part of his pupils 
 \ and their parents ; and, when teacher, parents, and pupils, 
 are all actuated by a spii'it of earnestness, energy, and 
 true enthusiasm, in relation to school duties, we may 
 expect progress and improvement of the most gratifying 
 nature. 
 
 If the teacher rightly appreciates the nature and mag- 
 nitude of his work, he 20 ill possess a spirit of true ear- 
 nestness and enthusiasm. Let the teacher carefully 
 weigh his duties, that he may rightly prepare to perform 
 them. In the words of another,^ " Let him daily enter, 
 with fresh preparation, with interest, with energy, with 
 the spirit of love, and a sound mind, upon his labors. 
 Let him, at all times, feel that principle of love, and that 
 sincere devotion to his profession, which are to be re- 
 garded as the sign and measure of high souls, and which, 
 wisely directed, will accomplish much. His calling is 
 honorable, and his labors will be felt and appreciated if 
 he is faithful. Let him not be satisfied with his past 
 success nor with his present attainments. Let his motto 
 ever be onward and upward. Let him also be impressed 
 
 * Joshua Bates, Jr. 
 
70 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 AN EXTRACT. 
 
 with the vast importance of Lis office. He deals with 
 mind. He is called to educate immortal beings. He is 
 stamping upon their souls impressions that will endure 
 ' when the sun shall be- blotted out, and the moon and 
 stars shall withdraw their shining. ' Should there be given 
 to each teacher a broad tablet of polished silver, upon 
 wliich he were required to inscribe some sentiment, to be 
 read by thousands on earth and by angels in heaven, he 
 would tremble in view of the important duty ; he would 
 desire that the sentiment might be truthful and wise, and 
 such as would be approved above. Now, there are placed 
 in the hands of every teacher many tablets, — not, indeed, 
 of silver and gold, but tablets that shall endure when sil- 
 ver and gold shall have perished, — the immortal tablets 
 of youthful minds. Upon these teachers are inscribing 
 principles and sentiments, which thousands of their fel- 
 low-men will read with grief or joy, which all the angels 
 of light will one day look upon with tears, or behold with 
 exultations of joy." 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 JUDGMENT AND PRUDENCE. 
 
 The instances in which it will be necessary for an 
 instructor to exercise sound judgment and prudence will 
 frequently occur. He will sometimes be placed in situ- 
 ations in which he must act with great promptness and 
 decision. He will have no time to consult others, and 
 weigh opinions. He must judge quickly, and execute 
 without delay. Now, in such cases, it must be evident 
 that a teacher will sometimes fail of deciding upon the 
 best course, or of acting in the most judiciotis manner. 
 This must, of necessity, be so. But, while he cannot be 
 expected always to adopt the wisest plan, it may be 
 expected that he will not utterly fail, by pursuing a 
 course entirely destitute of prudence. If the discipline 
 of a pupil requires his attention, he should so manage 
 that his purpose may not be frustrated by any impru- 
 dent act or word of his. Let him so view all circum- 
 stances, that he may, as nearly as possible, say and do 
 the right thing in the right way, and at the right time. 
 So, in regard to lessons, much judgment and discretion 
 will be called for in deciding upon the capacity of schol- 
 ars, and the proper adaptation of lessons to the same. 
 With the exercise of good judgment and wise prudence, 
 a teacher of ordinary qualifications may accomplish 
 much; without them, one of superior attainments, in 
 other particulars, may utterly fail of success. In many 
 
72 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 SYSTEM AND PUNCTUALITY. 
 
 situations, and under many circumstances, it will be 
 necessary for teachers to be as "wise as serpents and 
 harmless as doves." 
 
 SYSTEMATIC AND PUNCTUAL. 
 
 Every teacher, who would reasonably hope for good 
 results, must have method and system in the arrange- 
 ment and execution of all the exercises of the school- 
 room. Wisdom in planning, and skill in performing, are 
 the two great and essential elements of success in any 
 undertaking, and emphatically so in the school-room. 
 One of the first things for a teacher to do, on taking 
 charge of a school, is, to ascertain what studies can be 
 most profitably pursued, the amount of time that can be 
 given to each exercise, and the best time in the day for 
 attention to particular lessons. After classifying his 
 school, he should decide upon the precise time at which 
 each lesson shall be recited, so that scholars may always 
 know when to be prepared. This will have a good effect 
 upon the habits of the pupils, and be indispensable to the 
 good order and progress of the school. 
 
 In commencino; and closino; school, in the time for 
 recess, in the hearing of recitations, and in all the exercises 
 of the school, there should be a special reference to punc- 
 tuality and promptness. If the teacher errs but a trifle 
 in these particulars, the pupils will be sure to deviate 
 more. The best good of pupils, at school, and all through 
 subsequent life, will be greatly promoted by the forma- 
 tion of firm habits of promptness and regularity. Without 
 them, no man ever succeeded in rising to an exalted posi- 
 tion of influence and usefulness ; with them, thoroughly 
 fixed and observed, it will be difficult to assign limits to 
 progress and achievements. Teach the young to 
 
INDEPENDENCE. 73 
 
 ANECDOTE OP THE QUAKER. 
 
 ** Act, — act in the living present, 
 Heart within, and God o'erhead ! " 
 
 Teach them scrupulously and exactly to regard every 
 engagement, and never to give the slightest countenance 
 to that miserable, time-wasting custom, of saying, " It is 
 eight until it is nine." 
 
 On a certain occasion, it was necessary that ten men 
 should meet at a particular hour, for consultation on 
 some important business. Nine of the number were 
 punctual to a minute. The tenth came fifteen minutes 
 after the time, and apologized for having lost so many 
 minutes. " Friend," said a Quaker, who was one of the 
 number, '"thee can do as thee pleases with thine own 
 time, but thee has no right to waste the time of others. 
 In losing fifteen minutes of thy time, for which thou art 
 accountable to God, thou hast caused the same loss of the 
 time of nine men, to which thou hadst no possible claim." 
 
 INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 By independence, I would not be understood to mean 
 that degree of rashness which prompts one to be entirely 
 regardless of the feelings and opinions of others, nor that 
 capriciousness which leads one to find fault with every- 
 thing that does not precisely accord with his preconceived 
 notions or present wishes, — nor yet that spirit which 
 induces one to say smart and sharp things. Rash and 
 censorious men may have many very excellent qualities 
 and practical views; but they often defeat their own 
 objects by the imprudence of their acts, or harshness of 
 theii- expressions. Seeing things in a particular light 
 themselves, they are too ready to condemn all who differ 
 from them in any degree, — hardly admitting that yari- 
 7 
 
74 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE ILLITERATE CLERGYMAN. 
 
 ant views can be entertained with the slightest sincerity or 
 honesty of purpose. Such men frequently cause trifling 
 differences to increase, and alienate the best of friends. 
 Some men are in the habit of forming their opinions not 
 so much to accord with the exact truth, as to agree with 
 what they really desire to have true ; and hence they are 
 apt to regard that as heaven-born truth which chimes in 
 with their pecuhar views, though it may be heaven-wide 
 of real truth or justice. 
 
 There is another class of men who seem to congratu- 
 late themselves that they succeed without those aids 
 which are so common and essential. They boast of their 
 independence of all human agencies, and, under pretence 
 of ascribing their imagined success to a higher power, 
 really feel that they are above all power. A learned 
 clergyman was once thus accosted by an uneducated 
 preacher: "You, sir, have been to college, and to the 
 theological school, I believe." "Yes, sir; I have been 
 favored with their privileges." " I am thankful," said 
 the illiterate one, "that the Lord has opened my mouth 
 to speak without any learning." "A similar event," 
 said the other, "took place in Balaam's time; but such 
 things are of rare occurrence at the present day." It is 
 not for such independence that I would plead ; and such, 
 it is to be hoped, teachers will never feel. 
 
 But by independence I mean a firm and courteous 
 adherence to^ and maintenance o/, certain inalienable 
 rights and privileges, — a manly decision, as the result 
 of candid and deliberate examination. We live and labor 
 in an age of change, — perhaps I may say a very notional 
 age. On matters pertaining to education there is, cer- 
 tainly, no lack of variety of opinion. Almost every man 
 
INDEPENDENCE. 75 
 
 THE MOST IGNORANT S0]METIME3 MOST OPPRESSIVE. 
 
 thinks he knows all about teaching, though no two think 
 exactly alike. Those who kiioio the least are often most 
 ready to bind grievous burdens upon teachers, and yet 
 have no disposition to lend a particle of aid in bearing 
 the same. Under such a state of affairs, it is extremely 
 desirable that the teacher be truly intelligent, wisely 
 independent, and courteously decided ; ever open to con- 
 viction, and yet willing to have others entertain an hon- 
 est difference of opinion. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 A PROFESSIONAL FEELING AND INTEREST. 
 
 It has often been said that teachers were too sechisive 
 and exclusive in their feelings and efforts. There has 
 been some truth in this. Thej have been too prone to 
 confine their interest and labors as teachers to the school- 
 room, almost regardless of the nature of the views and 
 influences that existed in the community around them. 
 They have been too ready to cast upon members of other 
 professions work that seemed peculiarly to belong to 
 themselves. Hence it is, that, until quite recently, the 
 leading men in public educational movements have been 
 those not engaged in teaching, — good men and zealous 
 men, who have felt constrained to act, because they saw 
 no suitable action on the part of those who should feel 
 most interested, and be most active. 
 
 But the true interest and highest success of any pro- 
 fession will be best promoted by an active and leading 
 interest on the part of its own members. " The true 
 teacher will hold himself ready for every word and work 
 which tends to bring his profession into esteem, and to 
 place it in its proper light before the world. He will 
 magnify his ofiice and honor it, and so make it honorable. 
 He will regard with indifference nothing which relates to 
 his chosen profession. He will make it a point to keep 
 himself informed in relation to its state and improve- 
 
PROFESSIONAL FEELING AND INTEREST. 77 
 
 TEACHERS SHOULD LABOR FOR THEIR PROFESSION. 
 
 ments, both at home and abroad ; and, -when solicited to 
 contribute to the support of a publication devoted to the 
 interests of his profession, he will not refuse, with cold 
 indifference, his aid and influence. Nor will he disdain 
 to meet his brethren in the teachers' convention, as if he 
 were perfect, and needed no more light and no more zeal. 
 He will feel that teachers owe it to their profession to 
 assemble themselves together often, both for their own 
 individual improvement and for the good of their profes- 
 sion."* 
 
 But, while it is urged that teachers should feel an 
 esjyrit de co?'ps, it is also recommended that they should 
 feel ready, with cheerful earnestness, to cooperate with 
 others, in every suitable manner, and on every proper 
 occasion. When teachers will come up to the faithful 
 performance of all their public, as well as private, duties, 
 
 — when they will become truly living and acting men, 
 
 — the cause of popular education will be less encumbered 
 
 with useless theories, and advance with a more healthy 
 
 and efficient tone than it has hitherto done. Let no one 
 
 stand aloof, and feel that he can do nothing, or that his 
 
 efforts will be of no avail ; for every one can do something. 
 
 They who have one talent, no less than those who possess 
 
 ten, have duties to perform, and they cannot disregard 
 
 or slight them with impunity. May all teachers adopt 
 
 the beautiful language and sentiment of the poet, and 
 
 say, 
 
 " Let us, then, be up and doing. 
 With a heart for any fate ; 
 Still achieving, still pursuing. 
 Learn to labor and to wait ! '* 
 
 * J. D. Philbrick. 
 
 7* 
 
78 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 DIKECT AND PERSONAL INTEREST. 
 
 A DEEP AND WELL-GROUNDED INTEREST IN HIS WORK. 
 
 An instructor may possess, in a good degree, all the 
 qualifications we have named, and yet, if, in addition to 
 them, he does not feel a lively interest in his vocation, 
 and a love for the young, with a strong desu-e to do them 
 good, he cannot be, in the highest sense, an acceptable, 
 efiicient, and useful teacher. These last named are 
 indispensable in order that those previously named may 
 exhibit true vitality and power. One may possess the 
 highest conceivable qualifications for the discharge of the 
 duties of any situation, and yet accomplish but little, 
 if he does not feel a deep interest in his work, in all par- 
 ticulars. The clergyman may preach eloquently, but, 
 unless he also realizes, in liis inmost soul, the full 
 power and truth of the gospel preached, and strongly 
 desires to promote the best good of those under his 
 charge, his labors will be comparatively powerless. The 
 lawyer may have a thorough, clear, and exact knowledge 
 of all the principles of law, and yet fail of success, unless 
 he can enter heartily into the feelings and circumstances 
 of his clients, and be able to impress a jury with the con- 
 viction that he is laboring heartily for truth and justice's 
 sake, rather than for mere fees' sake. 
 
 So, too, an instructor may have an accurate and 
 well-defined knowledge of the various branches to be 
 taught, and yet fail to interest those committed to his 
 care and training. In the words of another, " No cynic, 
 no hermit, no Diogenes, no cold, speculating philosopher, 
 is fit for a teacher. He should have sweetness of dispo- 
 sition, afiability of deportment, politeness of manners, 
 dignity of person, agreeable colloquial powers, a ready 
 and wise adaptation of himself to existing circumstances, 
 
DEEP INTEREST. 79 
 
 INCITEMENT TO FIDELITY. 
 
 and a sincere love for his calling, and a strong desire to 
 do good." Teacher, have you the qualifications named, 
 and do you feel the importance of your work ? If so, 
 
 " Droop not, though shame, sin and anguish, are round thee ! 
 Bravely fling off the chain that hath bound thee ! 
 Look to yon pure heaven smiling beyond thee ! 
 
 Rest not content in thy darkness — a clod ! 
 Work, for some good, be it ever so slowly ; 
 Cherish some flower, be it ever so lowly ; 
 Labor ! all labor is noble and holy ; 
 
 Let thy great deed be thy prayer to thy God." 
 
 Strive e?trnestly and constantly so to live, and so to teach, 
 that you may, in life's maturer years, point, with a con- 
 scious satisfaction, to a multitude of useful and happy 
 men and women, as "your jewels." Then will He, who 
 approved and blessed your humble and sincere efforts, 
 smile upon your declining years, and, by affording a 
 hope of a glorious immortality, shed joy-giving rays 
 about your pathway to the tomb. 
 
 When Daniel Webster last addressed a vast assemblage 
 of citizens in Faneuil Hall, he uttered the following noble 
 sentiments : " We seek to educate the people. We seek 
 to improve men's moral and religious condition. In 
 short, we seek to work upon mind, as well as on mat- 
 ter. And, in working on mind, it enlarges the human 
 intellect and the human heart. We know, when we work 
 upon materials immortal and imperishable, that they will 
 bear the impress which we place upon them through end- 
 less ages to come. If we work upon marble, it will 
 perish ; if we work upon brass, time will efface it. If 
 we rear temples, they will crumble to the dust. But, if 
 
 WE WORK ON men's IMMORTAL MINDS, IF WE IMBUE 
 
80 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 Webster's views. 
 
 them with high principles, with the just fear op 
 God and of their fellow-men, we engrave on 
 those tablets something which no time can ef- 
 face, but which will brighten and brighten to 
 all eternity." 
 
 Well may teachers apply the above to their peculiar 
 work ; and, while they may feel almost overwhelmed by 
 the vastness of their labors, may they derive encourage- 
 ment from the important and lasting results of true devo- 
 tion and fidelity ! As they are engaged in a glorious 
 cause, so will they, if faithful and wise unto the end, 
 receive a most glorious reward for all their efforts. 
 
 I 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 MEANS OF SELF-IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 No man should feel that he lives for himself alone ; 
 but it should be the desire and determination of every 
 one so to live that the world may be the better through 
 his instrumentality. For the use we make of the talents 
 we possess, whether one. two, or ten, we must give a 
 strict and accurate account. And, while it is true that 
 the obligations of individuals are great at all times, it is 
 equally true that they are augmented by every new rela- 
 tion that may be assumed. When a person makes choice 
 of a profession, and enters upon the discharge of its 
 appropriate duties, he at once enlarges his sphere of 
 action, and increases his responsibilities. He now owes 
 no less to the community, but more to a profession of 
 which he has become a member. When one engages in 
 the business of teaching, he takes upon himself obli- 
 gations of a most important character, — obhgations 
 which, rightly met, will exalt him in the scale of useful- 
 ness, and, in the end, secure to him Heaven's blessing. 
 It is, then, the duty of every teacher, to do what he can 
 to increase his means of usefulness. He should con- 
 stantly aim at a more faithful, intelligent, and efficient 
 discharge of the duties devolving upon him ; ever seeking 
 to increase his qualifications, and add to his stores of 
 knowledge. The duties to be performed are alike ardu- 
 ous and important in their nature, and the. results of a 
 
82 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE TEACHER SHOULD REGARD HIS HEALTH. 
 
 wise performance of them will be highly beneficial, wide- 
 spreading, and far-reaching. With as much brevity as 
 may be, I will speak of some of the more prominent 
 means of self-improvement. 
 
 1. The 'preservation of a sound physical constitu- 
 tion. 
 
 It is quite desirable that an instructor should possess 
 a sound mind, and it is also essential that he should have 
 it in a sound body, that both the jewel and the casket 
 may deserve and command admiration, and exert a bene- 
 ficial influence. How, then, shall a teacher best secure 
 a "mens sana in corpore sano " 7 I answer, he must 
 strictly refrain from all excesses in the indulgence of his 
 appetites and passions, and faithfully regard the rules of 
 temperance in all things. In his habits of eating, sleep- 
 ing, &c., he should rigidly observe the rules of prudence 
 and regularity. For any deviation or excessive indul- 
 gence, he will most assuredly suffer himself, and cause 
 his school to suffer. Whatever he is, or whatever he 
 feels, will, in a good degree, be felt by his pupils. The 
 bond of sympathy will exist between teacher and taught, 
 and, whenever a teacher manifests a depression of spirits, 
 or a morbid sensitiveness, resulting from some excessive 
 indulgence, his feelings will affect them. Hence it is, 
 that we sometimes witness in a school a general state of 
 restlessness and ennui. 
 
 The teacher should observe the greatest precision in 
 his habits of exercise, and have a due regard to quality 
 and quantity. In reference to this he cannot be too 
 particular. The kind of exercise must depend upon cir- 
 cumstances. Different constitutions require different 
 kinds, — nor will the same kind answer equally well for 
 
 Ji 
 
MEANS OF SELF-IMPROVEMENT. 83 
 
 EDUCATIONAL WORKS SHOULD BE READ. 
 
 the same person, at all times. The teacher must study 
 his feelings in relation to this. In all cases, it should 
 be such as will cause a desirable degree of action throudi- 
 out the entire system. It should not be so long in con- 
 tinuance, nor so violent in degree, as to produce undue 
 weariness. It should be taken regularly and judiciously. 
 It will not suffice to take in one day a quantity sufficient 
 for a week ; but each day demands and should receive its 
 due portion. It is of the utmost importance that exercise 
 be taken in a spirit of cheerfulness ; for he Avho takes it 
 as a mere duty, and regards it as a kind of drudgery, 
 will receive but little benefit from it. Let it, therefore, 
 be the aim of the teacher to take proper exercise with 
 cheerfulness, to be temperate and systematic in all his 
 habits, and he will improve his health, invigorate his 
 constitution, animate his spirits, and increase his energies. 
 Without these, all other efforts for self-improvement will 
 prove partially or wholly futile. 
 
 2. Reading and studying works and periodicals on 
 education. 
 
 From the experience^ and even from the theories^ of 
 others, one may learn many things ; but he should be 
 very careful that he does not become a mere servile imi- 
 tator. It is not certain that the successful experience of 
 one will prove equally satisfactory in all cases : and much 
 less would it be safe to place perfect reliance upon the 
 mere theories of others. The teacher, therefore, should 
 read, that he may understand ; and so understand that ho 
 may rightly discriminate, and adopt, or reject, as peculiar 
 circumstances may demand. He should aim to enlighten 
 his mind, and enlarge his views, by perusing the works 
 of others ; but he should use his acquired knowledge in 
 
84 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 BENEFITS OF KEADING AND COMPOSING. 
 
 an independent manner, striving to adapt it, as far as 
 may be, to his own peculiar circumstances or wants. He 
 may draw some valuable thoughts, or hints, from almost 
 any work on instruction, though its general tone and 
 character may not be such as he would approve. Conse- 
 quently, he should read, reflect, think, compare, discrim- 
 inate. He must not read much at a time, but so read 
 that he may thoroughly comprehend the writer's views ; 
 remembering that one is not so much benefited by the 
 number of pages and volumes he may peruse, as by the 
 mode of reading, and the quality of that which is read. 
 It is sometimes the case that a single page of an author, 
 carefully perused and pondered, will prove more profita- 
 ble than an entire volume of some other author read in a 
 careless, or thoughtless manner. 
 
 3. The teacher should frequently commit his 
 thoughts to jyaper. 
 
 The habit of writing out one's views and thouo:hts is 
 a very important one. To know much, or many things, 
 without possessing the ability to express or communicate 
 the same in a clear and intelligible manner, is worth but 
 little. I would, therefore, recommend that the teacher 
 should make it a practice often to write out his views on 
 some subject, or write an account of what he may have 
 read, with his own criticisms in relation to the same. 
 In addition to this, it will be well for him, occasionally, 
 to write articles for some work on education. This will 
 do him good ; and his articles, if well written, will do 
 good to others, — thus causing a two-fold benefit. The 
 utterance of a valuable thought or suggestion may 
 prove serviceable to a very limited number, while the 
 publication of the same may be productive of a much 
 
MEANS OF SELF-IMPROVEMENT. 85 
 
 FEIENDLT CRITICISM RECOMMENDED. 
 
 more extensive good, and for a much longer period. 
 Let the teacher endeavor to write often, and to express 
 his thoughts so clearly that those for whom he writes 
 may readily and fully comprehend him. 
 
 4. If possible, let the teacher often meet and con- 
 verse with some friend or friends^ by whom he may 
 be criticized. 
 
 Teachers, not unfrequently, acquire a habit of using 
 words and expressions which are not what they should 
 be. If these words and expressions were pointed out in a 
 pleasant way, by some friendly voice, the effect would be 
 highly favorable. It is very desirable that we should, if 
 possible, be made to see and hear ourselves as others see 
 and hear us ; and this we may do, in a good degree, by 
 the help of some confiding and trusted friend. More 
 than this, — a free interchange of opinions and feelings 
 between those who are mutually interested in each other, 
 and in like vocations, cannot fail of producing pleasing 
 and profitable results. The teacher, then, should en- 
 deavor always to have a few friends to whom he will feel 
 free to speak in relation to any improprieties, or inaccu- 
 racies of manner, habit, pronunciation, or expression, — 
 being equally ready to receive promptings or hints of a 
 similar nature in return. Candid and free criticisms, 
 given or received in a spirit of friendly candor, will be of 
 great service to all concerned. " Faithful are the wounds 
 of a friend." 
 
 5. Teachers'' Associations and Institutes. 
 
 It is quite desirable that those who are engaged in the 
 
 same vocation should often meet together for purposes of 
 
 mutual improvement. Hence the formation of various 
 
 educational associations has tended greatly to improve 
 
 8 
 
86 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 teachers' associations and institutes. 
 
 and elevate the professional character and standing of 
 the teacher. But a mere listless attendance upon such 
 meetings can do but little good. It should be a leading 
 object and desire, of those who attend, to impart some 
 valuable thoughts and suggestions to others, while they 
 are themselves the recipients of useful hints and ideas 
 from others. No one, who possesses the heart and spirit 
 of a true teacher, can attend any teachers' meeting, or 
 teachers' institute, without gaining many valuable thoughts 
 and views. The experience of others may enlighten, 
 confirm, encourage, or stimulate him ; and the theories 
 of others may prove variously beneficial. Moreover, the 
 opportunities which such meetings afford for the cultiva- 
 tion of the friendly and social feelings, and for the pro- 
 motion of a true professional spirit, are of no inconsider- 
 able importance. It is alike pleasant and profitable, for 
 those of a common pursuit and a common interest, often 
 to meet and "hold sweet counsel together." They will 
 return to their appropriate positions of labor with fresh 
 courage, new impulses, clearer views, and more definite 
 aims and designs. "As iron sharpeneth iron, so a man 
 sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." 
 
 But, while at such meetings we may listen with interest 
 to the various experiences which may be related,' we must 
 listen with cautious prudence, for experiences often help 
 also to prove widely different results. One man may speak 
 of certain difficulties which he has encountered and over- 
 come by certain processes, while another has done the same 
 by very different means. One will tell how completely 
 and admirably he has subdued and controlled turbulence 
 by continued kindness; and another may cite similar 
 cases in his own experience, and affirm that, after 
 
MEANS OF SELF- IMPROVEMENT. 87 
 
 PLANS OF OTHERS ADOPTED WITH CAUTION. 
 
 kindness had proved entirely ineffectual, the adminis- 
 tration of severe punishment had effected the most de- 
 sirable and pleasing results. Now, which shall the 
 young and inexperienced teacher regard as the course 
 to pursue 7 In reply, I would say, follow neither, 
 exclusively. With some pupils, and under some circum- 
 stances, one course may be preferable, while a change of 
 circumstances would render it far otherwise. Therefore, 
 I would not only urge that one should listen with inte- 
 rest to all that may be said, but, also, that he should 
 adopt with discrimination and caution- and that he should 
 never attempt to apply to practice what he may hear, 
 only so far as a similarity in circumstances will warrant 
 such application. In drawing from the experience and 
 wisdom of others, he must not divest himself of all 
 individuality, and become a mere passive recipient, or a 
 willing tool. His own views and plans may be mod- 
 ified by the views and plans of those who are older, but 
 he must never adopt, as a whole, the modes of such, 
 unless he is convinced that there is a very exact resem- 
 blance, not only on the part of himself and his prototype, 
 but, also, of the two schools under consideration. 
 
 But I would urge, as another means of professional 
 advancement, that teachers in the same town or city 
 cultivate each other's acquaintance, and hold occasional 
 meetings for the discussion of subjects of a common inte- 
 rest. Such meetings will do much towards promoting 
 that sympathy and kindly feehng, which should exist 
 between members of the same profession, and will also 
 afford opportunities for imparting and receiving instruc- 
 tion. If any class of men should be united, as in a com- 
 mon brotherhood, surely teachers should be so. Let 
 
88 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 TEACHERS SHOULD VISIT SCHOOLS OF OTHERS. 
 
 each one, then, feel that by every valuable hint he may 
 impart to others, as well as by every aid he may receive 
 from Others, he will be doing something to raise him- 
 self and his profession in the scale of usefulness and 
 honor. Let all labor, singly and unitedly, to remove 
 obstacles, dispel prejudices, enlighten the community, 
 and cause the profession to take and sustain an elevation 
 to which its true importance entitles it ; and then the 
 extent of its influence will be unbounded, the amount of 
 its usefulness unsurpassed, and, perhaps, unequalled. A 
 share of the work belongs to each ; the blessings^ result- 
 ing therefrom, to the world. 
 
 6. Visiting the schools of others^ and ivitnessing 
 their modes of teaching and disciplining. 
 
 The benefits derived by a teacher, from occasional 
 visits to the schools of others, are neither few nor trivial. 
 No two teachers are precisely alike in their modes of 
 discipline or methods of instruction ; nor is it desirable 
 that they should be so. While in all some excellences 
 may be found, we can hardly expect to find in any 
 o;?e, that rare combination of them which will entitle 
 him to the epithet of perfect. To visit the schools of 
 others with profit, one should possess a candid and teach- 
 able spirit. He must not feel that he has already 
 attained the mark of perfection, but that, with all the aids 
 at his command, he can only hope for a nearer approx- 
 imation to it. Conscious, though he may be, that he pos- 
 sesses many qualities of importance to an instructor, he 
 must, at the same time, readily admit that others may 
 have the same, and, perhaps, some that he does not 
 possess. However skilful and successful a teacher may 
 be, it will rarely happen that he can find a school in 
 
MEANS OF SELF-IMPROVEMENT. 89 
 
 BENEFIT OP VISITING SCHOOLS. 
 
 which he can spend a half-day without profit. If he 
 shall see nothing worthy of close imitation, he may wit- 
 ness exercises which will abound in suggestive hints. 
 He may, even, as a spectator, observe errors in a new and 
 peculiar light, which have existed in his own school, as 
 it were unnoticed, for a long period ; so true is it that 
 the same thing may make a difierent impression when 
 surrounded by a diflferent combination of circumstances, 
 or viewed from a new position. Faults may exist, and 
 do exist, in most schools, which have been formed so 
 gradually and imperceptibly that their existence is hardly 
 known. A visit to another school, in which the same 
 fault may prevail, and in no greater degree, will present an 
 aspect entirely new, and lead the visitor to a more watch- 
 ful supervision over his own flock. But, in order that 
 these visits may result in good, they should be made and 
 received in the spirit of perfect kindness and frankness. 
 If a brother teacher calls at my school in order to benefit 
 himself, he will wish to have me pursue my own course, 
 and allow him to be present merely as a spectator, that, 
 if possible, he may profit from any merits I may possess, 
 or be made more self-watchful and careful by witnessing 
 my errors. If he is a benevolent man, and wishes to do 
 good as well as to receive good, he will, in a kindly way, 
 allude to any defects he may notice, and make any sug- 
 gestions which he may think for my good. In this way, 
 each may confer and receive benefit. 
 
 7. By ga'mi7ig a knowledge of the various Import- 
 ant improvements and changes in the community. 
 
 The truly successful and acceptable teacher should 
 possess much and varied knowledge. His views on all 
 subjects of interest should be so matured and so distinct 
 8^- 
 
90 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. 
 
 that he may readily impart information to others. He 
 should, therefore, constantly strive to acquire a thorough 
 and definite understanding of the general operations in 
 relation to the several departments of society. He should 
 study to gain information concerning the civil, religious, 
 and literary condition of the various countries of the 
 world. The many improvements in the arts and sciences, 
 the progress of manufactures, the state of agriculture, 
 the interests and condition of the commercial world, 
 should be so familiar to him that he may easily and 
 clearly impart information of them to others. In fine, 
 the teacher, who would look for a high degree of success, 
 must improve himself by storing his mind with a variety 
 of knowledge on all subjects of a general interest. The 
 acquisition of this knowledge will prove highly beneficial 
 to him, while its possession will add much to his useful- 
 ness and influence. 
 
 I have thus, very briefly, alluded to some of the ways 
 in which a teacher may enlighten himself, and become 
 qualified for extensive usefulness as an instructor of the 
 young. The work before him is an arduous and highly 
 responsible one, but in the faithful and judicious per- 
 formance of it he will find many pleasant rewards. Let 
 it, then, be his earnest desire and constant aim to im- 
 prove himself, that he may be the instrument of improve- 
 ment to others. Let him labor diligently, — labor heart- 
 ily. — labor wisely, — labor hopefully, — and his efiorts 
 will be owned and blessed by the Great Teacher, to whom 
 he should unceasingly look for the aid and guidance so 
 much needed, and v/hich He alone can grant. 
 
 A beautiful and impressive custom is said to prevail 
 among the Swiss herdsmen in the Alpine districts ''As 
 
MEANS OF SELF-IMPROVEMENT. 91 
 
 BEAUTIFUL SWISS CUSTOM. 
 
 soon as the sun has disappeared in the valleys, and his 
 last rays are just glimmering on the summits of the 
 mountains, the herdsman who dwells upon the loftiest 
 peak takes his horn and trumpets forth, ' Riift durch 
 Diess Sprachrohr ! '' — 'Praise God, the Lord!' All 
 the herdsmen in the neighborhood, on hearing this, come 
 out of their huts, take their horns, and repeat the words. 
 This often continues for a quarter of an hour, and the 
 name of God and praise to his name are echoed and 
 reechoed among the mountains and through the valleys. 
 A profound and solemn silence follows ; every individual 
 offers his secret prayers on bended knees and with uncov- 
 ered head. By this time it is quite dark. ' Good- 
 night ! ' trumpets forth the herdsman of the loftiest sum- 
 mit ; — ' Good-night ! ' is repeated on all the mountains, 
 from horns of the herdsmen and cliffs of the rocks, — 
 after which, each one lays himself down to sleep." 
 
 And may we not hope for the time when teachers, 
 possessed of a high degree of preparation, will, by their 
 fidelity and Avell-directed labors, cause the name of God 
 to be praised in the virtue, morality and intelligence, 
 which will be generally diffused by their instrumental- 
 ity ? Then may they hope for a sweet retirement to that 
 repose and reward which await the faithful and devoted 
 steward. 
 
 In an address to a convention of teachers, many years 
 ago, Pros. Wayland thus spoke of the teacher's profes- 
 sion : " What thouo-h it do not confer wealth? it confers 
 a higher boon — the privilege of being useful. What 
 though it lead not to the falsely-named heights of politi- 
 cal eminence 7 it leads to what is far better, — the sources 
 of real power, — for it renders intellectual ability neces- 
 
92 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM PRES. WAYLAND. 
 
 sary to success. I do verily believe that nothing so 
 cultivates the powers of a man's own mind as thorough, 
 generous, liberal, and indefatigable teaching. But the 
 profession of the teacher has rewards, — rich rewards, 
 peculiar to itself What can be more delightful, to a 
 philanthropic mind, than to behold intellectual power 
 increased a hundred-fold by our exertions, ■ talent devel- 
 oped by our assiduity, passions eradicated by our counsel, 
 and a multitude of men pouring abroad over society the 
 lustre of a virtuous example, and becoming meet to be 
 inheritors with the saints in light, — and all in conse- 
 quence of the direction which we, as teachers, have given 
 to them in youth 7 What profession has or can have 
 higher rewards?" 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 TEACHING. 
 
 An instructor may possess every desired literary and 
 personal qualificationj and yet fail of producing favorable 
 results, unless he wisely comprehends the nature of 
 teaching. It is often the case that the teacher performs 
 too much of the work that should be performed by his 
 pupils. It is sometimes much easier for him to do it 
 than it is to cause them to do it. But this does not 
 answer the design of education — it is not teachiiisr. It 
 is for the best good of the pupils that they be induced to 
 depend, mainly, upon their own efforts and resources; 
 and it should be a prominent object of the instructor to 
 train and discipline them to habits of self-reliance and 
 patient thought. In other words, he should strive 
 to teach them to learn. He must render some aid; 
 but the greater danger is in the excess, and not in the 
 deficiency. It is usually the case that one extreme fol- 
 lows another. This is true in all departments. It is 
 frccjuently so in educational matters. In past years, 
 teachers have sometimes left their pupils too much to the 
 words and rules of the text-book. They have explained 
 but little, and have not often deviated from the words of 
 the book. This w^as considered an error; and in the 
 attempt to produce a change, some over-reached the proper 
 bounds, and went much too far. Oral teaching, with 
 such, became the only true method of instruction, and 
 
94 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE TRUE OBJECT OP TEACHING. 
 
 text-books were regarded as superfluous articles, if not as 
 positive evils. The teacher was to utter words of knowl- 
 edge, and the pupils were to receive them ; and those 
 who could not teach without books were no longer quali- 
 fied for their situations. But we have reason to rejoice 
 that, while this exclusive feeling for oral instruction has 
 gained but little ground in the community, teachers have 
 been induced to give more attention to the general sub- 
 ject. Of course, we do not object to a degree of oral 
 instruction. Every good and successful teacher will 
 make use of it, but he will use it cautiously. The con- 
 stant and excessive practice of simplifying and diluting 
 every exercise that comes before a class, or encumbering 
 it with wordy explanations, only tends to make puny and 
 inefficient scholars. The true business of the educator 
 is to " draw out " and expand the mental faculties of his 
 pupils, and thus superinduce vigor of thought and origi- 
 inality of action ; not to think and act for them, but to 
 cause them to think and act for themselves. But wc 
 might almost infer that many regard the mind of a child 
 as a sort of passive recipient, into which knowledge 
 may be poured, both ad liblHwi et ad infinitwn. Un- 
 fortunately, however, such knowledge is inclined to run 
 out, and the oft-repeated filling of the receptacle only 
 makes it the more certain that the operation will recjuiro 
 repetition. 
 
 If I mistake not, the correct course is, to induce 
 pupils to study their lessons until they shall not only 
 commit the substance to memory, but, in a good degree, 
 comprehend the principles contained therein, and their 
 general application. The teacher's skill should be exer- 
 cised in expanding and extending the subject, in order to 
 
I 
 
 TEACHING. 95 
 
 PUPIL SHOULD RELY UPON HIMSELF. 
 
 test the understanding of the pupils, and, at the same 
 time, more clearly to elucidate and confirm the same. 
 This may very properly be done by oral instruction. It 
 should, however, be imparted in such a manner as to 
 elicit the views of the pupils, and awaken thought and 
 mental action. Otherwise, a lesson may be explained to 
 a class, and, at the time, made apparently plain, and yet, 
 if the several members have not, in a great measure, dis- 
 covered the facts and principles by their own patient 
 application, they will soon forget what has been rendered 
 so simple by extraneous aid. There is nothing which 
 demands so jnuch skill, judgment, and prudence, in the 
 teacher, as the proper mode and extent of rendering 
 assistance to his pupils. He must not only know how 
 and when to give, but, also, how and when not to 
 give, and still inspire a cheerful spirit of perseverance on 
 the part of the young aspirant after knowledge. In 
 reality, the mind should be so cultivated that it may pro- 
 duce^ as well as • receive ; for, however much it may 
 receive, it can accomplish but little real good in the com- 
 munity, unless it possesses the power of producing. One 
 has very truly said, "It is not that which is done for a 
 pupil that is most valuable to him and others, but that 
 Avhich he is led to do for himself.''^ 
 
 The longer pupils can be induced to study and think, 
 in the investigation of a truth or principle, the more val- 
 uable will it be to them when attained, and their minds 
 will be the better prepared to grasp and comprehend 
 otlier and future difficulties. 
 
 The true nature and design of education are thus beau- 
 tifully and forcibly expressed by the lamented Channing, 
 and they should never be lost sight of by the teacher : 
 
96 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 DR. CHANNING's views. 
 
 " To educate a man, is to unfold his faculties — to give 
 him the free and full use of his powers, and especially of 
 his best powers. It is, first, to train the intellect, to giv(5 
 him a love of truth, and to instruct him in the processes 
 by which it may be acquired. It is to train him to 
 soundness of judgment, to teach him to weigh evidence, 
 and to guard him ao;ainst the common sources of error. 
 It is to give him a thirst for knowledge, wdiich will keep 
 his faculties in action throughout life. It is to aid him 
 in the study of the outward world, to initiate him into 
 the physical sciences, so that he will understand the prin- 
 ciples of his trade or profession, and will be able to com- 
 prehend the phenomena that are continually passing 
 before his eyes. It is to make him acquainted with his 
 own nature, to give him that most important means of 
 improvement, self-comprehension. 
 
 " In the next place, to educate a man is to train the 
 conscience, to give him a quick, keen discernment of the 
 right, to teach him duty in its great principles and 
 minute applications, to establish in him immovable prin- 
 ciples of action. It is to show his true position in the 
 world, his true relation to God and his fellow-beings, and 
 immutable obligations laid on him by these. It is to 
 inspire him with the idea of perfection, to give him a 
 high moral aim, and to show how this may be maintained 
 in the commonest toils, and how everything may be 
 made to contribute to its accomplishment. 
 
 ''Further, to educate a man, in this country, is to 
 train him to be a good citizen, to establish him in the 
 principles of political science, to make him acquainted 
 with our history, government, and laws; to teach him 
 our great interests as a nation, and the pohcy by which 
 
TEACHING. 97 
 
 PUPIL SHOULD AIM TO DO WELL. 
 
 they are to be advanced ; and to impress him deeply 
 with his responsibilities in this great trust — his obliga- 
 tions to disinterested patriotism as the citizen of a free 
 state. 
 
 '^ Again; to educate a man is to cultivate his imagin- 
 ation and taste, to awaken his sensibihty to the beautiful 
 in nature and art, to give him the capacity of enjoying 
 the writings of men of genius, and to prepare him for the 
 innocent and refined pleasures of literature. 
 
 " I will only add, that to educate a man is to cultivate 
 his power of expression, so that he can bring out his 
 thoughts with clearness and strength, and exert a moral 
 influence over his fellow-creatures. This is essential to 
 true enjoyment and improvement of social life." 
 
 Again ; the teacher should strive to incite in his pupils 
 a desire to do ^cell^ rather than much, remembering that 
 a little^ well done^ is far preferable to much that is but 
 half done. He should urge them to thoroughness in all 
 that they do ; and, to this end, the exercise of the passing 
 hour, whether it be a spelling lesson or a mathematical 
 problem, should be made the exercise, and receive per- 
 fect and undivided attention, and be carefully attended to 
 and clearly understood. He should labor to make his 
 pupils feel that the chief merit consists in the manner and 
 perfection of their performances ; that, while many can 
 do, but few do well, and that fewer still excel. He should 
 cause them to realize that, in subsequent life, no em- 
 ployment or profession can honor, elevate, and reward 
 them, unless first, by their own ability and well-applied 
 talents and efforts, they have contributed to adorn and 
 elevate the business or profession of their choice ; — in 
 other words, he should instruct them, in whatever pur- 
 9 
 
98 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 ANECDOTE OF BILLY GRAY. 
 
 suit they may engage, to perforin its duties well and 
 thoroughly, and, if their calling is a laudable one, suc- 
 cess and honor must and will attend them. There once 
 lived in Boston a noted and very wealthy merchant, 
 familiarly known as Billy Gray. When he was some- 
 what advanced in years, he was one day superintending 
 a piece of carpenter's work, and had occasion to censure 
 a workman for not doing his work well. The carpenter 
 had known Billy Gray in youth, and, rather sensitive at 
 the reproof thus administered, he said, " Billy Gray, 
 what do you presume to scold me for ? You are a rich 
 man, 't is true ; but did n't I know you when you were 
 nothing but a drummer?" "Well," said Mr. Gray, 
 '• did n't I drum well^ — eh ? did n't I drum ivell ? " 
 
 Another particular, from which the business of teach- 
 ing has suffered, and now suffers, is, the tendency to 
 require too many studies. This evil, also, follows one of 
 an opposite nature. In former days, it was not custom- 
 ary to pursue many branches. In our common schools, 
 reading, writing, and arithmetic, constituted the catalogue 
 of studies. These, truly, were some of the more essen- 
 tial, but by no means all that were important. The sub- 
 ject of studies was considered and discussed, and more 
 branches were, very properly, introduced into our schools. 
 But, the attention once aroused, the true medium was 
 soon passed, and the evil of variety has followed that of 
 deficiency. This, certainly, calls for consideration ; for 
 nothing so much conduces to mental confusion and super- 
 ficialism as attention to numerous branches at the same 
 time. The mind, to be sure, needs some variety, some 
 change. Too long confinement to one subject will fatigue 
 it, and, if I may use the expression, monotonize it : but 
 
TEACHING. 99 
 
 ANECDOTE OF THE ESQUIMAUX. 
 
 too great a variety will distract and weaken it. It 
 should, therefore, be a prominent object with the teacher 
 to ascertain the number and the kind of studies which 
 his classes can pursue to advantage, and, having satisfied 
 himself, he should not be swayed by the wishes of such 
 pupils as are constantly seeking for some new thing, 
 — for some higher study. He should never allow vari- 
 ety to take the place of thorougliness, but ever strive to 
 induce his pupils to feel that the only sure way to gain 
 promotion in their studies is to merit it by first obtain- 
 ing a clear and full understanding of the more simple, 
 but not less important branches. 
 
 " Children who have the habit of listening to words 
 without understanding them, yawn and writhe with man- 
 ifest symptoms of disgust whenever they are compelled 
 to hear sounds which convey no idea to their minds. All 
 supernumerary words should be avoided, in cultivating 
 the power of attention. A few years ago, a gentleman 
 brought two Esquimaux to London. He wished to 
 amuse, and, at the same time, astonish them, with the 
 magnificence of the metropolis. For this purpose, hav- 
 ing equipped them like English gentlemen, he took them 
 out, one morning, to walk through the streets of London. 
 They walked for several hours in silence ; they expressed 
 neither pleasure nor admiration at anything they saw. 
 When their walk was ended, they appeared uncommonly 
 melancholy and stupefied ; as soon as they got home, they 
 sat down, with their elbows upon their knees, and hid 
 their faces betAveen their hands. The only words they 
 could be brought to utter were, '' Too much smoke — too 
 much noise — too much houses — too much men — too 
 much everything." 
 
100 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 MANY STUDIES OBJECTIONABLE. 
 
 So it often is with the young, in some schools ; so 
 many things are pressed upon their notice at once that 
 they obtain no well-grounded and definite knowledge of 
 anything, and they may well say, "Too much — too 
 much — too much." If any one asks why I so expand 
 upon and enforce my views on this point, I can only 
 adopt the principle used by a clergyman, to whom com- 
 plaint was made because he repeated a certain sermon, 
 and who replied, "When you live up to that sermon, I 
 will stop preaching it." Wlien teachers will so far 
 regard the nature of the child's mind and faculties as to 
 pay regard to the views that have already been advanced, 
 their further repetition will be no longer necessary ; but, 
 until then, there must be "fine upon line, here a little 
 and there a little." 
 
 The following very sensible observations on " Teach- 
 ing and Learning " are from the pen of the Rev. Wm. 
 Bates. They were written for the Massachusetts 
 Teacher^ and are taken from that excellent journal, as 
 being peculiarly appropriate in this connection : 
 
 " The terms Teaching and Learning are reciprocal, but 
 not convertible. They both denote the same relation ; 
 but each implies a distinct, related object, and indicates 
 the peculiar action of this object or person in its appro- 
 priate relation. To teach is one thing, to learn is 
 another, — and, though related to the former act, is 
 entirely distinct from it, and performed by a different 
 agent. It is true, the verb to learn is often vulgarly 
 used interchangeably with the correlative term to teach^ 
 and this usage has sometimes been sanctioned by high 
 literary authority. But it is time that this anomaly 
 should be excluded as well from our colloquial as from 
 
TEACHma. 101 
 
 TEACHING AND LEARNING. 
 
 our written language. To teach is to communicate 
 knowledge — to give instruction ; to learn is to acquire 
 knowledge — to be instructed. The teacher gives ; the 
 learner receives. The teacher imparts; the learner 
 acquires. The teacher (truly without diminishing his 
 acquired stock, which actually increases, in his own 
 mind, while it is thus diffused into the minds of others) 
 communicates what he has previously learned ; and the 
 learner makes what is thus communicated to him his own. 
 The teacher, therefore, in the appropriate functions of 
 his office, performs an act, depending on his own will, 
 over which no other mind has control ; while the learner, 
 by the exercise of mental powers equally his own, makes 
 an acquisition, corresponding with the strength of those 
 powers, and the energy with which they are exercised. 
 
 " Nor is this analysis of the relation between teacher 
 and learner, or this proposed definite and precise use of 
 the term learn ^ embarrassed by the fact that men arc 
 sometimes said to be self-taught. For, in cases in which 
 this epithet is used with propriety, the lea-rners make to 
 themselves teachers. The very instruments and means 
 by which they acquire knowledge are their teachers. 
 They hear the voice of nature ; they listen to the instruc- 
 tions of revelation. They learn by observation and expe- 
 rience. The word and the works of God are their teach- 
 ers; and, as truly as in any case, they sustain the 
 subjective relation of pupils, recipients, — inquisitive, 
 active recipients ; putting forth their powers to reach the 
 comino: knowledge, and to mould and fashion it to their 
 own capacities and habits of association, and thus making 
 it their own, and preparing it for future use. 
 
 " These critical remarks, however, are here introduced, 
 9* 
 
102 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 WRONG IMPRESSION OF LEARNING. 
 
 not so much for the sake of grammatical accuracy, as for 
 the purpose of establishing a general principle for the 
 guidance of practical teachers, and the benefit and high- 
 est improvement of their pupils. For, so far as the term 
 to^learn is used to denote the act of him who communi- 
 cates knowledge, it implies a state of passivity in him to 
 whom the communication is made ; and thus, as the 
 necessity of active exertion, on his part, seems to be 
 superseded, all voluntary effort is discouraged, and he 
 becomes indolent and inactive, of course. Indeed, the 
 consequences of such an impression, as it is naturally 
 made by the careless use of this term (though that im- 
 pression be but a floating opinion), must be everywhere, 
 and on all minds, pernicious and unfavorable, if not fatal, 
 to high attainments in literature and science. Such an 
 impression on the public mind must lead to the adoption 
 of injudicious expedients to promote the cause of general 
 education, — expedients which may be of temporary, appa- 
 rent utility, but such as must ultimately depress the 
 standard of learning, enervate the mental powers of the 
 rising generation, make smatterers and sciolists, and pro- 
 duce a race of superficial thinkers, instead of ripe schol- 
 ars, of vigorous intellects and liigh attainments. Such 
 an impression, or rather sentiment, however indistinct, 
 must produce, in the mind of the pupil, indolence and 
 stupid inaction ; in that of the teacher, discouragement 
 and a spirit of formality ; in that of the parent, and 
 even the friend and patron of learning, a disposition to 
 complain and find fault with the most laborious and 
 faithful teachers. 
 
 " Let it never be forgotten, then, that the act of learn- 
 ing belongs to the pupil, and not to the teacher. Indeed, 
 
TEACHING. 103 
 
 WHAT IT IS TO LEAJIN. 
 
 activity of mind is as requisite in the one as it is in the 
 other, in order to secure the hap^Dj results of education, 
 and especially of intellectual education. The pupil, as 
 we said, must learn for himself This is his own appro- 
 priate work, — a work which must be performed by him- 
 self; it cannot be done for him, by another. In order to 
 acquire knowledge, he must put forth personal effort. 
 He must seek, if he would find ; he must strive, if he 
 would ascend the hill and enter the temple of science. 
 In other words, his mind must be in a recipient state, — 
 wakeful, active, putting forth its powers and pushing for- 
 ward its susceptibilities, — before he can participate in 
 the benefits of the best instruction. Without this pre- 
 paration in the pupil, and consequent reciprocal action 
 with the teacher, all the labors of the latter will be lost. 
 The knowledge imparted by the teacher will find no 
 reception, certainly no permanent lodgment, in the slug- 
 gish mind of the pupil. Instruction, to constitute edu- 
 cation, must be received, as well as given ; and so received 
 as to exercise and discipline the faculties of the mind 
 which it enters, — so received as to be permanently held, 
 — so received and held as to become incorporated with 
 the mental powers themselves, and ready for appropriate 
 use. It must, indeed, become the absolute property of 
 the mind receiving it, and be retained by that mind, not 
 as a thing of arbitrary association and memory merely, 
 but it must so interpenetrate this recipient mind, diffuse 
 itself through it, and become assimilated to it, as substan- 
 tially to constitute a part of the mind itself. 
 
 '' This doctrine of mental activity in the learner, as 
 here stated, if true, is obviously a highly important and 
 practical doctrine, — important to teacher and pupil, to 
 
104 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A FEW HINTS TO TEACHERS. 
 
 parents, and the friends and patrons of education. Many 
 j)ractical lessons may be found in it, and many valuable 
 inferences drawn from it, adapted to the circumstances 
 of the age and the condition of our schools. The space I 
 allotted to this article, however, will not allow a full 
 statement and particular illustration of them in this con- ■ 
 nection. It will, therefore, be closed with a few hints, 
 thrown out without much order, and designed principally 
 for the consideration of professional teachers : 
 
 "1. The teacher should devise means and adopt expe- 
 dients to excite the curiosity and rouse the energies of 
 his pupils. 
 
 "2. He should then endeavor to fix their attention, 
 and concentrate their awakened energies, on the prescribed 
 subject of inquiry and instruction. 
 
 " 3. He should connect with his instructions, as far as 
 possible, what is interesting and attractive ; so that the 
 associations formed in the minds of his pupils will leave 
 them in love with the subject of investigation, and, in 
 proper time, bring them back to the pursuit with readi- 
 ness and alacrity. 
 
 '' 4. He should ca-refully prescribe for each scholar in 
 his school a proper number of branches, to be pursued in 
 a given time ; so as not to distract attention by variety, 
 nor weary and exhaust it by dull uniformity. 
 
 " 5. He should exclude from his illustrations, as far 
 as practicable, everything calculated to divert the minds 
 of his pupils from the principal subject of investigation. 
 
 "6. He should be careful that awakened curiosity be 
 not gratified too soon, by unnecessary and superabundant 
 aid, leaving no motive and no opportunity for efibrt on 
 the part of his pupils ; nor, on the other hand, be suifered 
 
TEACHING. 105 
 
 WHAT THE TEACHER SHOULD DO. 
 
 to evaporate, and end in despair, for the want of timely 
 and necessary aid, to enable them to overcome appalling 
 difficulties. With this view, he shduld intermingle with 
 text-book instruction a due proportion of familiar lectur- 
 ing ; enough of the one with the other to guard against 
 the pernicious effects of excess in either. 
 
 "7. He should prepare, select, or adapt his text-books, 
 with a due regard to the capacities of his pupils, and 
 with reference to the development and exercise of their 
 various powers of mind, as well as to the immediate acqui- 
 sition of knowledge. If text-books are too plain and 
 simple, they will either enervate or disgust ; if too con- 
 cise, abstruse, and deficient in illustration, they will vex 
 and discourage ; and in both cases produce mental inac- 
 tion. The pupil must be made to work ; but he must 
 work voluntarily, cheerfully, with hope. Aided too 
 much, his energies remain dormant ; too little, they are 
 soon exhausted, and he sinks into a state of despair ; and 
 thus both excess and deficiency produce the same per- 
 nicious result. 
 
 "8. The teacher, in all his plans of government and 
 instruction, should keep in view the principal business 
 assigned him. This, in our view, and as far as intellect- 
 vial education is involved, is, to rouse the curiosity of 
 his pupils, and keep it awake ; to furnish, in a sufficient 
 quantity, wholesome food for their minds, and suitable 
 materials for the active, vigorous employment of all their 
 mental powers." 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 The subject of discipline is one of the utmost 
 interest and importance. An instructor may possess 
 every literary qualification, and work industriously and 
 constantly, and yet fail of success, if he has not the 
 requisite ability and skill for wisely governing his pupils. 
 One has very truthfully said, "If there is any place on 
 the surface of the earth where order is the first, and last, 
 and highest law, that place is the school-room. Without 
 it, there can be no such thing as progress." * In many 
 instances, the money paid for the support of schools is 
 worse than thrown away, in the employment of teachers 
 who are incompetent to exercise a judicious control over 
 their pupils. How much of that spirit of insubordina- 
 tion and recklessness which so abounds in the community 
 may be traced to the unwise and inefficient discipline of 
 the school-room ! If in families and schools the young 
 succeed in having their own way, and indulging their 
 own wishes, regardless of others, they will claim tKe 
 same privilege when they become members of society. 
 The feeling of waywardness and selfishness will grow 
 with their growth and strengthen with their strength. 
 Is not this true to a great extent ? Is a man restive 
 under the control of wholesome laws, and constantly 
 
 * J. G. Hoyt. 
 
DISCIPLINE. 107 
 
 CORRECT DISCIPLINE PROMOTES HAPPINESS. 
 
 ■ decrying those in authority, and complaining of all reg- 
 ulations, however salutary and wise they may be ? It 
 may, almost positively, be inferred that he was never, in 
 his youth, brought within the influence of that judicious 
 home and school discipline which will lead one to honor 
 the laws, and respect those in authority. It is, unques- 
 tionably, the fact, that a true spirit of obedience and 
 subordination, formed by parents and teachers, will not 
 only tend to promote the happiness of the young while 
 " in the days of their youth," but will also tend to pre- 
 pare them for higher spheres of usefulness and happi- 
 ness, when manhood's cares, and duties, and responsibil- 
 ities, shall be assumed. 
 
 If such is the case (and who can doubt it?), how ex- 
 ceedingly important is the subject under consideration ! 
 With what earnestness and intensity of interest should 
 the view I ^ have taken induce every instructor to ask 
 himself how he can best discipline the young and tender 
 minds submitted to his care and training ! It will be 
 my object to furnish a few hints on this point. ^ 
 
 1. The teacher must himself feel the truth and force 
 of what has been said in relation to discipline. Without 
 this feeling, he cannot even hope to succeed. It is of 
 the very first importance that one should comprehend the 
 nature and magnitude of any work, before he can rightly 
 and wisely undertake its performance. The teacher has, 
 as it were, a large family to govern and instruct, com- 
 posed of many smaller families, differing in disposition, 
 talents, and attainments, — subjected, perhaps, to as many 
 different kinds of discipline at home as the homes are 
 numerous from w^hich they come. These he must class- 
 ify, govern, and instruct, having regard to the greatest 
 
108 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 TOO JIANY RULES NOT WELL. 
 
 general good of all concerned. The idle and indifferent 
 lie must arouse and urge onward ; the diffident and dis- 
 trustful he must encourage by persevering kindness and 
 gentleness; the more forward perhaps need a cheeky 
 many need oft-repeated direction and correction^ — all 
 need that spirit of inspiration and earnestness which can 
 be imparted only by him who possesses the soul of a true 
 teacher. To do all I have enumerated is disciplinary 
 work ; and he who does it loell will have a school in a 
 desirable state of discipline. 
 
 2. The teacher should have but few regulations ; and 
 the propriety and justice of these should be so obvious 
 that the youngest cannot plead ignorance of them. 
 
 That instructor who attempts to make a specific rule 
 or law for every particular offence or deviation, will find 
 difficulties at every step. If, instead of the practice so 
 common with many, of making a long list of rules, with 
 threatened penalties annexed, an instructor should ad- 
 dress his pupils in substance as follows, the effect would 
 be far more favorable : ' ' My young friends, I have been 
 appointed to act as your instructor. I come to you as a 
 friend, and with a strong desire to do you good. We are 
 to spend many hours daily in this room ; and it is very 
 important that we should do all we can, individually, to 
 make this a pleasant place. You can do much to make 
 my labors pleasant and successful, much to promote my 
 happiness. I trust I may be able to do something for 
 you ; and I pledge my best efforts in your behalf I will 
 endeavor not to require you to perform any useless task, 
 or submit to any unjust regulation. I shall, at this 
 time, give you but a single rule ; and, if you rightly 
 regard that, no other will be necessary. I merely ask 
 
DISCIPLINE. 109 
 
 ATTEMPT TO PROMOTE RIGHT PEELING. 
 
 that you xoill do no wrong thing : and I think we shall 
 agree as to what may constitute wrong. The school-room 
 is a place for studying, and gaining knowledge. It 
 should be a quiet and ^^leasant place. Whatever may 
 tend to make it otherwise should be avoided. All whis- 
 pering, laughing, playing, and rudeness of any kind, 
 should be carefully refrained from. They are all wrono^ 
 in the school-room, unless allowed at certain times, and 
 under certain restrictions. Yo7i know they are wrong, 
 and I think you would not wish to attend a school in 
 which they were allowed without restraint. Therefore, 
 I shall take it for granted that you will carefully guard 
 against indulging in them, while members of this school. 
 As we spend so much time in this room, it seems quite 
 desirable that it should be kept in a neat and cleanly 
 state. That this may be so, I trust every one will strive 
 to form habits of neatness. If each of you will be 
 careful as to your own personal habits, all will be right, 
 and our room will have a pleasant and cheerful aspect. 
 That such may be the case, may I not ask, and expect, 
 that each and all will refrain from spitting upon the floor, 
 from throwing articles upon the floor, and from doing 
 anything that shall tend to give the room, or any part of 
 it, an untidy or disorderly appearance ? Be constant and 
 punctual in your attendance, kind to each other, indus- 
 trious while in school, and obedient and orderly in all 
 places and at all times, and you will make improvement, 
 and promote my happiness by the very means that will 
 increase your own. It will be my highest endeavor to 
 aid you, — my unceasing aim to increase your rational 
 enjoyment. It shall be my object to require the per- 
 formance of no unreasonable act or task ; and all I ask, 
 10 
 
110 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 FIRMNESS, KINDNESS, AND DETERMINATION. 
 
 and all tliat I desire from you, is a ready and cheerful 
 compliance with my requirements, — all of which will be 
 done by regarding the simple rule which I have given 
 you." Rejpaarks similar to these would have a salutary 
 effect, and produce pleasant first impressions. But they 
 will not accomplish the whole work. It would not be 
 strange if some should undertake to test the teacher's 
 resolution, and ascertain how far they can go and escape 
 punishment. Such ones must be taken in hand at once, 
 and be made, in some way, to feel that order Tnust 
 be had. The teacher must manifest a spirit of perfect 
 self-control, kindness, and determination. ''In main- 
 taining discipline, it is not necessary for him to be rough 
 and severe. He need not be armed and equipped with 
 bludgeons and blunderbusses. He adds no weight to his 
 authority by harsh threats, full of 'sound and fury,' 
 signifying nothing. But he must be prompt in decision, 
 jinn in purpose, and mdform in action. His laws 
 should be fevj^ but as immutable as the laws of nature ; 
 and the penalty of wilful transgression should be as cer- 
 tain as the decrees of fate. As the poet has well said, 
 « 
 
 * Be obeyed when thou commandest, but command not often ; 
 Let thy carriage be the gentleness of love, not the stern front of 
 tyranny.' " 
 
 There are certain toiies of the voice, which, by their 
 character of mild firmness and gentle determination, have 
 a most powerful control. There are certain looks which 
 awe into obedience more readily and completely than the 
 most severe language of reproof and threatening. If the 
 instructor would govern well, he should not be too noisy 
 or boisterous himself. "• The more noise he makes in his 
 
r 
 
 DISCIPLINE. ll;l 
 
 PERFECT ORDER. THE STUDENT IN MEDICINE. 
 
 efforts to obtain order, the more he may — in fact, must 
 — make. Some never punish till they have exhausted 
 their strength, and wearied their lungs, in useless en- 
 deavors to get or preserve order. This may, agd prob- 
 ably often does, proceed from good-nature on the part of 
 the teacher, and an unwillingness to punish. Still, such 
 a course is ill-judged, and ought to be avoided. The 
 teacher should be very sjoaring of his voice. Order, 
 obtained at the expense of a great noise, is usually of 
 short duration. Perfect order is easiest obtained and 
 easiest preserved. To do the thing half-and-half is by 
 far the most dilfficult and least satisfactory course." 
 
 But how' shall good discipline be secured ? I answer, 
 various means and appliances must be resorted to. Indi- 
 vidual character must be studied ; peculiar circumstances 
 must be investigated and thoroughly understood; and, 
 where punishment is necessary, its nature and extent 
 should be modified by existing circumstances. The 
 same discipline will no more prove of equal efficacy, in 
 different cases, than a similarity of treatment in other 
 affairs will produce a uniformity in results. " Of two 
 plants, apparently alike, and nurtured with equal care, 
 one may flourish, the other wither and die, — and for 
 reasons which we cannot explain. The same difficulty 
 increases, as we rise into animal life. A young student 
 in medicine, having an English patient, laboring under a 
 fever, allowed him chicken-broth, and he got well. He 
 made a memorandum in his case-book, — ' Chicken-broth 
 cures a fever.' He soon after had a French patient, 
 similarly sick ; the same prescription was ordered, and 
 the Frenchman died. He then entered in his case-book, 
 — ' Though chicken-broth cures an Englishman of a 
 
112 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 DISCIPLINE BASED ON AUTHORITY. 
 
 fever, it kills a Frencliman.' The young disciple of 
 Galen did not take into view all the circumstances in the 
 case." * 
 
 School discipline, and, indeed, discipline everywhere, 
 • in order to be thorough and efficient, must be based on 
 authority. This implies a right to enforce, and the 
 foioer to do so, even by the use of severe means, if' nec- 
 essary. The discipline of the school-room must be sus- 
 tained, in some cases, by the infliction of punishment. 
 This may be of various kinds. To some, a mere look, 
 or word of reproof, may be more severe and more effica- 
 cious than the severest personal chastisement to others. 
 But, while we freely admit the undesirableness of corpo- 
 ral punishment, and feel that it need not often be resorted 
 to, we still contend that the right to inflict it does, and 
 should of necessity, rest with the teacher, — and the 
 mere consciousness of this, on the part of the pupils, will 
 have a controlling and salutary influence. The same 
 idea is expressed very forcibly in relation to another sub- 
 ject, thus: "The government of the United States em- 
 ploys its hundreds of workmen, at Springfield and at 
 Harper's Ferry, in the manufacture of muskets. The 
 inspector examines every one, as it is finished, with great 
 care. He adjusts the flint, and tries it again and again, 
 until its emitted shower of sparks is of proper brilliancy, 
 — and, when satisfied that all is right, he packs it away 
 with its thousands of companions, to sleep, probably, in 
 their boxes, in quiet obscurity, forever. A hundred 
 thousand of these deadly instruments form a volcano of 
 slumbering power, which never has been awakened, and 
 
 * Joseph Hale. 
 
DISCIPLINE. 113 
 
 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 which we hope never will. The government never makes 
 use of them. One of its agents, a custom-house officer, 
 Awaits upon you for the payment of a bond. He brings 
 no musket. He keeps no troops. He comes with the 
 gentleness and civility of a social visit. But you know 
 that, if compliance with the just demands of your govern- 
 ment is refused, and the resistance is sustained, force 
 after force would be brought to bear upon you, until the 
 whole hundred thousand muskets should speak with their 
 united and tremendous energy. The government of these 
 United States is thus a mighty engine, working with 
 immense momentum ; but the parts which bear upon the 
 citizen conceal their power by the elegance of the work- 
 manship, and by the slowness, and apparent gentleness, of 
 their motion. If you yield to it, it glides smoothly and 
 pleasantly by. If you resist it, it crushes you to 
 atoms." * 
 
 And thus, we contend, it must be with the instructor. 
 Constituted as human nature is, he must be vested with 
 authority and power. These, like the muskets at the 
 arsenals, may remain unobserved until emergency shall 
 call for their appearance. And if parents and teachers 
 will exercise a little more caution and judgment, and say 
 ojili/ lohat they mean^ and mean just what they say, 
 and manifest a firm, decided, unyielding, though kind 
 determination, to have every requirement strictly regarded 
 and promptly and implicitly answered, it will rarely be 
 necessary to exercise the power and authority to an un- 
 pleasant extent. 
 
 Oft-repeated and continued scolding or whipping, in a 
 
 ♦ Jacob Abbott. 
 10* 
 
114 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THK HARDENING PROCESS ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 family or school, will only tend to make bad cliildren 
 worse, and good ones indifferent. 
 
 A blacksmitli brought up his son, to whom he was 
 very severe, to his own trade. One day, the old Vulcan 
 was attempting to harden a cold-chisel, which he had 
 made of foreign steel, but could not succeed. At last, the 
 youth, who was standing near, willing to impart knowl- 
 edge which he had obtained by bitter experience, ex- 
 claimed, with an expression full of faith, ' ' Horse- whip it, 
 Either ; if that won't harden it, nothing will ! " 
 
 On the subject of corporal punishment, — a subject 
 which has often excited public attention, — I would not 
 be misunderstood. I would not entirely object to its 
 application, but would discountenance its too frequent, 
 and often improper, use. I fully believe that there are 
 cases, in which the best good of a school, as well as of 
 an offender, calls for the infliction of severe chastisement. 
 Though this may be grievous for the time, it will, if 
 rightly applied, produce good fruits. But the rod should 
 never be hastily or passionately used. There are parents, 
 and there are teachers, who, for every slight offence or 
 deviation of a child, grasp the rod, and, with passionate 
 violence, use it. This is, unquestionably, wrong; but 
 the correction of this extreme should not lead us to an 
 opposite one, which, under existing circumstances of 
 society, would be equally pernicious. 
 
 The rod should not be applied on every occasion, nor 
 for every transgression ; but the infrequency of its use 
 should contribute, in no small degree, to its efficacy. The 
 teacher should always resort to it with calmness and self- 
 control ; and the whole case should be so considered and 
 explained, with all attendant circumstances, that the 
 
I 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 115 
 
 CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. 
 
 whole school, and the offender himself, shall see and feel 
 that the teacher is about to perform an unpleasant and 
 painful duty^ — a duty from which he will never shrink, 
 when called upon by circumstances to act. After the 
 nature and particulars of the case have been suitably 
 commented upon, the deserved punishment should be 
 inflicted with such degree of severity as will subdue 
 the guilty one, and strongly impress upon him, and 
 through him, the fact that " the way of the transgressor 
 is hard." 
 
 This course, followed by a kindness on the part of the 
 teacher which shall indicate that naught has been done 
 in malice, will usually have a salutary effect. 
 
 Good order, and submission to wholesome regulations, 
 must be insisted on, in every well-managed family and 
 school. These should be (and, ordinarily, they may be) 
 secured by mild and kind means, if possible ; but they 
 should not, in any instance, be sacrificed to a frequently- 
 conceived, though we think erroneous impression, that the 
 use of the rod is too brutal. If boys so far depart from 
 a proper course as to allow brutal 'passions to gain the 
 mastery over reason and judgment, and under their con- 
 trol set at naught all just requirements and salutary 
 regulations, they should be met and conquered by such 
 arguments as the existing and ruling principles may seem 
 to demand. 
 
 To obtain stillness and order in the school-room, it is 
 not necessary that the teacher should be noisy himself, 
 or use loud tones of voice. If scholars are uneasy, rest- 
 less, or noisy, let the teacher suspend all exercises, and 
 wait until all is quiet ; and, if this demands a loss of 
 time, let the school-hours be lengthened, to make up the 
 
116 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 STILLNESS. MOTHER OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 loss. This waiting process will do wonders, sometimes, 
 in promoting order. ^Ir. Parish, the experienced and 
 efficient principal of the Springfield High School, thus 
 speaks of a similar course: "The simple process of sus- 
 pending all exercises, and obtaining perfect stillness for 
 a single 'minute^ so that a clock or watch may be heard 
 to tick, frequently operates like a charm. Most scholars 
 have little idea of a still school-room, till they learn it 
 by some such experiment ; nor of the noise they make, 
 except by contrast." 
 
 Again ; the teacher must be even and unifoi'm in his 
 disciplinary efforts. "If strict in discipline to-day, and 
 lax to-morrow ; if he punishes an offence at one time 
 which he disregards at another ; or if he suffers an irreg- 
 ularity to pass unnoticed now and censures it to-morrow, 
 how can his scholars have confidence in his judgment ? 
 They will be very quick to observe any irregularity in 
 the teacher's mode of instructing, or in his general sys- 
 tem of government. Let no one suffer himself to be 
 deceived, by thinking that irregularity will pass without 
 exerting an unhappy influence." * ||i 
 
 It is said, that when the mother of Washington was"'' 
 asked how she formed the character of her son, she 
 replied, that she had endeavored early and earnestly to 
 teach him three things, — obedience^ diligence^ and truth. \ 
 If these were essential to the formation of the character 
 of the great and good Washington, shall they not be 
 deemed of the utmost importance in training the young ! 
 of the present day ? Without obedience, it will be in 
 vain to attempt to teach. 
 
 " How careful men of influence, and especially teach- 
 
 * S. K. Hall. 
 
DISCIPLINE. 117 
 
 EXTRACT FROM JOSEPH HALE's LECTURE. 
 
 ers, should be to guard against encouraging that excess- 
 ive love of freedom which can brook no restraint ! They 
 who know not how to be governed are, surely, incapable 
 of that self-government which is the very essence of free- 
 dom. If children are brought up with the notion that 
 they are never to be restrained by force, how wrong- 
 soever their acts may be, they are in great danger of 
 becoming the victims of lawless and ungovernable pas- 
 sions. Let a respect for law and order, then, be early 
 inculcated in them. Let teachers keep steadily on in the 
 path of duty, — teaching really what they pretend to 
 teach, and governing really- where they ought to govern, 
 listening to the dictates of conscience, and guided more 
 by the fixed principles of a true spiritual philosophy 
 than by the changeful notions of fluctating experimental- 
 ism." * 
 
 Without further enlarging upon this subject, I will 
 give a few simple and plain rules for the teacher's guid- 
 ance ; and, if they arc properly regarded and observed, 
 there will seldom be occasion for resorting to any severe 
 mode of punishment. I know not the authorship of 
 the rules ; but give them as found, with the exception 
 of a few unimportant alterations : 
 
 RULES FOR THE TEACHER. 
 
 1. From your earliest connection with your pupils, 
 inculcate the necessity oi jirompt and exact obedience. 
 
 2. Unite firmness with gentleness ; and let your pupils 
 always understand that you mean exactly what you say. 
 
 3. Never promise anything, unless you are quite sure 
 you can give what you promise. 
 
 * Joseph Hale. 
 
118 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 RULES FOR THE TEACHER. 
 
 4. Never tell a pupil to do anything, unless you are 
 sure he knows how it is to be done ; — or show him how 
 to do it, and then see that he does it. 
 
 5. Always punish a pupil for toilful disobcdiejice ; 
 but never punish unduly, or in anger ; and in no case 
 should a blow be given on the head. 
 
 6. Never let your pupils see that they can vex you, oV 
 make you lose your self-command. 
 
 7. If pupils are under the influence of an angry or 
 petulant spirit, wait till they are calm, and then reason 
 with them on the impropriety of their conduct. 
 
 8. Never yield anything to a pupil because he looks 
 angry, or attempts to move you by threats and tears. 
 Deal mercifully, but justly too. 
 
 9. A little present punishment, when the occasion 
 arises, is more efiectual than the threatening of a greater 
 punishment, should the fault be renewed. 
 
 10. Never allow pupils to do, at one time, what you 
 have forbidden, under the like circumstances, at another. 
 
 11. Teach the young that the only sure and easy way 
 to appear good is to be good. 
 
 12. Never allow tale-bearing. 
 
 13. If a pupil abuses your confidence, make him. for a 
 time, feel the want of it. 
 
 14. Never allude to former errors, when real sorrow 
 has been evinced for having committed them. 
 
 15. Encourage, in every suitable way, a spirit of dili- 
 gence, obedience, perseverance, kindness, forbearance, 
 honesty, truthfulness, purity, and courteousness. 
 
 16. Never speak in a scolding and fretful manner, but 
 use tones of gentleness. Some teachers defeat their 
 objects by using harsh and boisterous tones. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 MEANS OF INTERESTING PUPILS AND 
 PARENTS. 
 
 The business of education is of a tri-party nature, and 
 its truly healthful and wise advancement can only be 
 secured by the heartfelt and sincere interest and judicious 
 efforts of all concerned. Teachers, parents, and pupils, 
 are the joint-partners in the work ; and, while something 
 may be done by each party individually, nothing, short 
 of the harmonious and cheerful cooperation of all, can 
 secure the richest and fullest blessings which the object 
 under consideration is calculated to impart. 
 
 The teacher should earnestly ask what he can do to 
 awaken a proper degree of interest on the part of the 
 pupils and parents, with w^hom and for whom he is called 
 to labor. It will be my endeavor in this chapter to 
 make a few suggestions in reference to this point : 
 
 I. By possessing and exercising the qualifications 
 previously nained^ and Jiaving a lieart truly alive to 
 the duties and responsihilities of his vocation. 
 
 Unless teachers possess the requisite moral and literary 
 qualifications, together with a well-disciplined faculty of 
 imparting instruction to others, it will be in vain to 
 attempt to awaken and continue an active and salutary 
 interest on the part of pupils and parents. If they who 
 assume the duties of the teacher's ofiice are in any degree 
 incompetent in their qualifications or indifferent in their 
 
120 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 INTEREST IN LESSONS. 
 
 feelings, tliat incompetency or that indifference will 
 surely be felt by all with whom they may come in con- 
 tact. The instructor is, or should be, the fountain from 
 whose resources the pupils may obtain their supplies ; 
 and, if those supplies are insufficient in quantity, or 
 impure in quality, the recipients will, most certainly, 
 suffer therefrom. 
 
 The teacher should have a just appreciation of the 
 nature of the work he is called to perform. As he meets 
 his pupils, from day to day, he should not only strive to 
 supply their minds from his own well-stored mind, but 
 he should, at all times, furnish them the benefit of a good 
 example. Kind, gentle, affectionate, firm, — he must, in 
 all particulars, and on all occasions, give the clearest 
 evidence that he is a man, — a man possessed of manly 
 feelings, and influenced by manly motives, — a man 
 with a heart ahve to their interests, and ever ready to 
 administer to their wants and promote their true hap- 
 piness. And how shall he do this 7 
 
 1. By manifesting an intelligent and active inte- 
 rest in all their sttidies. 
 
 Many of the exercises of the school-room are, in them- 
 selves, of a monotonous and uninteresting character ; and 
 after all that has been said in relation to making them 
 easy and attractive, it is, nevertheless, true, that a good 
 and thorough education cannot be acquired without much 
 patient and laborious application and effort, on the part 
 of pupils. The teacher may do, and should do, much to 
 aid and cheer them on, and thus render their tasks more 
 interesting ; but he cannot perform their work for them. 
 One of the most common, and one of the most erroneous, 
 notions of the present day, is, that every lesson must be 
 
HOW TO INTEREST PUPILS. 121 
 
 THE OBJECT TO BE KEPT IX VIEW. 
 
 made perfectly simple, easy, and pleasant, for the learner. 
 The truth is, that it is impossible to make all lessons and 
 school-exercises easy and simple ; and he who attempts 
 to do so will have a school of simpletons. In obtaining 
 an education, there must be hard study, and close, self- 
 denying application. The scholar should be made to 
 feel this in the outset ; and he may feel it and still 
 strive with pleasure, — for the "pursuit of knowledge 
 under difficulties " is not without the highest pleasure, 
 especially when the noble results of its attainment are 
 kept properly and distinctly before the mind. The main 
 thing is, to inspire one with a feeling that a certain object 
 is truly desirable and valuable ; and then it matters not 
 what difficulties are in the way, — they will be readily 
 encountered, quickly overcome ; and the pleasure attend- 
 ing the attainment of the object will be greatly enhanced 
 by the very obstacles surmounted in securing it. It is 
 so with the young, no less than with those of maturer 
 years. 
 
 A few years ago, intelligence came that rich and exten- 
 sive mines of the riches which perish with the using 
 had been discovered upon our far-off western borders ; 
 and when it once became certain that the precious metal 
 abounded in those distant regions, neither the endear- 
 ments of home, perils by land and perils by sea, nor 
 hardships to be encountered and privations to be endured 
 of the severest nature, could deter vast multitudes from 
 thronging our Pacific shores. And, so long as it shall 
 be probable that the fine gold abounds there, there will 
 be no lack of willing pilgrims to the spot, though it may 
 be necessary for them, at almost every step, to pass the 
 bones or the graves of those who have perished by the 
 11 
 
122 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 MAKE THE SCHOOL-BOOM PLEASANT. 
 
 way. And men are wanted for teachers who will, by 
 holding before the minds of the young fair prospects of a 
 rich harvest of more durable and satisfying riches than 
 any earthly El Dorado can give, incite them to those 
 habits of diligence, application, and perseverance, which 
 will secure to them prizes of inestimable worth. The 
 teacher should endeavor constantly and earnestly to 
 impress the minds of his pupils with a just sense of the 
 greatness of the work to be accomplished, and of the 
 intrinsic value of the object to be obtained. He should 
 aim to inspire them with confidence in their own abilities, 
 and encourage them to persevere cheerfully in the pur- 
 suit of knowledge, and lead them to feel that the greatest 
 happiness will come from surmounting the most formid- 
 able difiiculties. By presenting to their minds, as clearly 
 9S may be, the goal to be reached, and the value of the 
 prize to be won, he may do much to incite them on with 
 vigor and zeal in the race before them. But, aside from 
 this, he may do much to make the dullest exercises invit- 
 ing, and throw a cheerful interest around recitations of 
 themselves monotonous and void of interest. By judicious 
 explanations and well-selected anecdotes, he may do much 
 to animate and enliven the heart of the otherwise dispir- 
 ited pupil, and lead him to press on with a hopeful, 
 buoyant, and happy spirit. 
 
 2. By Tnaking the school-room cheerful and at- 
 tractive. 
 
 It is for the teacher, mainly, to determine what kind 
 of atmosphere shall pervade the school-room. It will, 
 indeed, be precisely what he shall decide to make it. If 
 he enters the school with a gloomy or morose counte- 
 nance, and, while in it, indulges in feelings of petulance, 
 
HOW TO INTEREST PUPILS. 123 
 
 CORRECT MORAL TONE. 
 
 or manifests a discontented, captious or capricious spirit, 
 his pupils will surely be restless, fretful, and trouble- 
 some. But, on the other hand, if he wears a cheerful 
 countenance, and exhibits a patient, mild, and happy 
 frame of mind, with a corresponding kindness in his 
 tone, expression, and movements, he will do much to 
 make the school-room pleasant, and the pupils contented 
 and happy. I would, therefore, urge upon the teacher 
 the importance of cultivating and exhibiting all those 
 kindly feelings and traits of the heart which prove a rich 
 adornment to the whole life and character, rendering 
 their possessor a more agreeable companion, and a more 
 useful citizen. He should always strive so to present 
 himself before them, in every act, word, and expression, 
 as to prove a worthy pattern for imitation, ever remem- 
 bering, that "as is the teacher, so will be the pupils." 
 
 3. By promoting a healthy moral tone among his 
 pupils, the teacher will create an interest in school 
 duties. 
 
 To live wisely and well, and possess a happy and 
 cheerful disposition, one should have some just apprecia- 
 tion of life's great end, with a strong desire rightly to 
 perform all its duties, and submissively to bear its tri- 
 als. Hence, the teacher should make it a prominent 
 point, to impress upon his pupils the vastness of the 
 object for which they live. He should bring before their 
 minds, as distinctly and forcibly as may be, the nature 
 of their relations to each other, to the community, and to 
 their Creator, and hold up to their view the duties and 
 responsibilities resting upon every citizen. He should do 
 what he can to cause them to feel that true goodness and 
 true happiness are inseparable ; and that the more they 
 
124 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 INTEREST IN AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 strive to perform faithfullj every duty, as pupils, — the 
 more they do to promote the good of their companions, 
 parents, and all with whom they may, in any way, be 
 associated, — the greater will be their own true happiness 
 and usefulness. He should, by precept and by example, 
 lead them to love and regard truth and honesty, and 
 cherish and cultivate every moral and kindly feeling of 
 the heart, and to exercise that pleasant and courteous 
 deportment which will make them more agreeable and 
 useful in every relation of life. Indeed, that teacher who 
 succeeds in establishing a sound moral tone among his 
 pupils, will find no difficulty in securing the best and 
 strongest cooperation of parents and pupils. 
 
 4. By 'manifesting a judicious interest in the inno- 
 cent recreations of his pupils^ and hy exhibiting a 
 true sympathy with them in all their trials^ the 
 teacher may etdist their feelings in favor of school 
 duties. 
 
 The mind is ever active ; and, in the period of youth, 
 when life's cares, anxieties, and duties are few, it most 
 readily engages in the amusements of childhood. With 
 a peculiar buoyancy of spirit do the young participate in 
 youth's sports ; and it becomes those who have the over- 
 sight of them, whether as parents or teachers, to do what 
 they can to modify and control what it would be equally 
 impolitic and impossible to prevent. Let them aim to 
 cultivate in chikben a taste for those recreations which 
 are not only innocent in themselves, but harmless in their 
 tendency. It is too often the case that adults express no 
 interest in boyhood's sports, and speak of them as purely 
 mischievous and annoying. If, however, a teacher would 
 gain the affections and secure the interest of his pupils, 
 
HOW TO INTEREST PARENTS. 125 
 
 THE SPORTS OF PUPILS. 
 
 he should not, with repulsive and forbidding looks, pass 
 bj their amusements. He should not forget that he was 
 once young, and engaged with earnest delight in the 
 same merry games which now so fully engross the passing 
 hour of his pupils' release from the duties of the school- 
 room. Rather should he gaze with a smiling countenance 
 and an approving expression, and thus give evidence that 
 he takes pleasure in all their rational enjoyments. He 
 may do. and should do, what he can to check an inordi- 
 nate desire for amusements, and also discountenance 
 those which are, in any degree, immoral or hurtful in 
 their tendencies. In relation to these, as in reference to 
 their school duties, let him give assurance that he is 
 their true friend, — ever ^\'illing and ready to aid them in 
 their toils, smile upon them in their happy and joyous 
 hours, and sympathize with them in all their trials and 
 difficulties. He will thus gain an influence over them 
 by which he may easily interest them in the exercises of 
 the school-room, and by wliich, also, his own labors for 
 them will prove much more efficacious, salutary, and 
 pleasant. 
 
 I have thus far spoken of the teacher in relation to 
 awakening an interest, on the part of his pupils, and now 
 propose to designate one or two particulars in which he 
 may awaken parental interest, and secure parental coop- 
 eration. In passing, however, it may be observed, that 
 whatever tends to interest the children will, most surely, 
 have a favorable influence upon the parents; and we 
 may, indeed, say it is impossible to obtain a right feeling 
 on the part of pupils, without securing a corresponding 
 feeling on the part of the parents. It is equally true, 
 that whatever may incite the parents to judicious feeling 
 11* 
 
126 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 MEANS OF INTERESTING PARENTS. 
 
 and right action, will surely cause a better state of feeling I 
 with the pupils. Hence, whatever may be suggested as j 
 promotive of the interest of either party, will be, in a j 
 certain sense, beneficial to all concerned. Every true, | 
 faithful, and devoted instructor will, on taking charge of j 
 a school, ask himself, '' What can I do to promote a righ^ ! 
 feeling, and secure the needed cooperation on the part of 
 the parents of my pupils ? " I answer : | 
 
 1. Tnvite them to meet you^ on some evenings in \ 
 the school-room^ for the purpose of considering some ' 
 of the mutual duties groioing out of your relation to 
 them,. 
 
 It is very desirable that the teacher should embrace an 
 early opportunity to make known to those among whom ■ 
 he is called to labor his views, feelings, and plans. By 
 so doing, most of the difficulties and wrong feeling which 
 often exist in school-districts will be prevented. Indeed, 
 nearly every trouble could be avoided, or amicably set- 
 tled, if the parties concerned knew each other's wishes, 
 motives, and views. The most ready and convenient 
 way for the teacher to gain access to the parents is that A | 
 just designated. A little effort will secure a general 
 gathering of the parents, and afford an opportunity for 
 many valuable suggestions. It will enable the teacher to 
 speak familiarly and plainly of his sphere of labors, the 
 nature of his duties, and his need of parental aid and f 
 sympathy. He may call their attention, as clearly and 
 earnestly as may be, to the importance of regular and A j 
 seasonable attendance ; and, if possible, lead them to see 
 and feel, that no pupil can excel in scholarship, or make 
 much progress, who is often absent from his class. He may 
 do something, if devoted to his vocation, to convince his 
 
HOW TO INTEREST PARENTS. 127 
 
 VISITING PARENTS AT THEIR HOMES. 
 
 patrons that lie desires to labor icith them, as well as for 
 them, in the great work of training their children for 
 usefulness, respectability, and happiness, — a work whose 
 most successful prosecution calls for union of purpose and 
 action on the part of parents and teachers ; and, as ' ' a 
 house divided against itself cannot stand," so will discord 
 between parents and teachers prove the ruin of a school. 
 He should solicit their earnest and constant cooperation 
 in all his efforts, not only to form studious and orderly 
 habits at school, but also in all his attempts to promote 
 obedience, kindliness of feeling, and true goodness. An 
 hour judiciously occupied, in the free and plain consider- 
 ation of school- room duties, and of the various particulars 
 in which parents may render the teacher most essential 
 aid, cannot fail of producing results truly gratifying and 
 beneficial. By such a course, most parents will be in- 
 duced to reflect, and act with new interest and efficiency. 
 
 2. Bi/ visiting jjarents^ at their homes^ you inay 
 do Tiiuch to jyromote their interest in behalf of your 
 efforts. 
 
 That teacher who would discipline and instruct his 
 pupils most successfully and efficiently, should know 
 much of individual character, condition, and peculiarities. 
 As no two pupils are constituted precisely ahke, or simi- 
 larly situated in reference to their home relations and 
 home influences, so no uniform mode of discipline and 
 incitement will produce uniform and similar results with 
 different pupils. Hence the importance of a clear knowl- 
 edge of individual temperament, and of the peculiar home 
 and other influences that bear upon each pupil ; and in 
 no way can the teacher so well acquire tliis knowledge 
 as by calling upon the parents. A few minutes' conver- 
 
128 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 PARENTS SHOULD VISIT THE SCHOOL. 
 
 I 
 
 sation and observation at the fireside will afford him an 
 amount of information which will prove highly service- 
 able, and, at the same time, awaken an interest in both 
 parents and pupils. But, that the results of such visits 
 may prove most salutary to all parties, the teacher should 
 communicate freely and frankly in reference to the de- 
 portment and progress of the children at school. If they 
 are regular and constant in their attendance, diligent and 
 orderly in their habits, and correct in their recitations, it 
 should be so stated, both for their credit and encourage- 
 ment. But, if they are irregular and unseasonable in 
 their attendance, careless and disobedient in their habits, 
 and idle or uninterested in their studies, it should be 
 made known, without reserve. The truth, spoken hon- 
 estly and kindly, Avill do good ; and, when pupils find 
 that frequent interviews take place between their parents 
 and teacher, which are improved in the discussion of 
 their conduct, habits, and progress, they will, in most 
 cases, be incited to greater care and diligence, in order 
 that a good report may ahvays be made to parents and 
 friends. 
 
 3. By inviting parents to make occasional visits to 
 the school, you may promote the interest of all 
 
 A little effort, on the part of the teacher, will induce 
 the parents to call at the school-room, for the purpose of 
 listening to the recitations, and witnessing the regular 
 exercises of the pupils. Such visits will cheer and stim- 
 ulate the pupils, encourage the instructor, and interest ■ 
 those who make them. When scholars feel that some 
 of the parents may be present to listen to their recita- 
 tions, they will be prompted to study more diligently, 
 that they may have no occasion for shame when called 
 
 I 
 
HOW TO INTEREST PARENTS. 129 
 
 THE TEACHER SHOULD PERSEVERE. 
 
 upon to exhibit the fruits of their labor. Indeed, no 
 course can be adopted which will exert an influence so 
 salutary and efficient upon all parties, — at once awaken- 
 ing, as it will, new interests, and imparting new informa- 
 tion in relation to school and school duties. 
 
 It may be said that the positions I have taken will 
 impose too great a burden upon the teacher. It is true 
 that the work is great and the burden heavy. But we 
 assume that the teacher must take the lead in the whole 
 business^ because his very occupation causes him to see 
 and feel the true state of affairs more clearly than any 
 others can do. If parents and children are indifferent, or 
 entertain erroneous views and feelings, the teacher must 
 labor to interest and enlighten them. To complain of 
 their indifference or neglect, will do no good ; and those 
 teachers who are constantly complaining of the apathy or 
 opposition of parents, are only doing that which will 
 tend to alienate feelings, and make bad matters worse. 
 The wise, fxithful, and judicious teacher will endeavor to 
 ascertain the true condition of affairs ; and, while he 
 makes the best of present circumstances, he will strive, 
 earnestly and constantly, to remove existing evils, miti- 
 gate what cannot be wholly avoided, and, in every way, 
 endeavor to promote the highest good of parents and 
 pupils ; ever feeling, that the greater the difficulties, the 
 more need there is of patient and persevering labor. If 
 time and strength fail of his accomplishing all that we 
 have suggested, let him aim at a near approximation ; 
 and in the conscientious discharge of all incumbent duties 
 he will do much good, and secure a rich and never-fail- 
 ing reward. " Let us not be weary of well-doing, for in 
 due season we shall reap, if we faint not." 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 MORAL INSTBUCTION. 
 
 It is to be feared that the importance of judicious 
 moral training has not yet been properly appreciated. 
 Unless the book-instruction of the school-room is accom- 
 panied by a wise cultivation and discipline of the suscep- 
 tibihties of the heart, it may prove a curse, instead of a 
 blessing. " The human body may attain its noblest per- 
 fection of health and strength, the observation may be 
 acute, the intellect profound, the imagination- rich ; and 
 yet these varied and glorious powers be turned to evil. 
 Strength may support tyranny, acuteness and depth 
 raise up obstacles to truth, and imagination spend its 
 gorgeous eloquence in the service of the basest vices. 
 The work is incomplete, if the moral nature remains un- 
 cultivated. Physical and intellectual education aim at 
 the perfection of the instruments, which may become 
 splendid implements of evil, if moral education does 
 not succeed in regulating the power which is to use 
 them." 
 
 Every faithful teacher will esteem it a duty and priv- 
 ilege to do what he can in cultivating the moral feelings 
 of his pupils, and calling into full action the kindlier 
 affections of their hearts. His situation will enable him 
 to do much, and a true sense of his responsibility will 
 lead him to a wise improvement of every fitting opportu- 
 nity. It is often the case that teachers are too formal, 
 
MORAL INSTRUCTION. 131 
 
 A EIGHT TIME FOR MORAL IMPRESSIONS. 
 
 and, perhaps, I may add, too arbitrary^ in their efforts 
 to impart moral instruction, and cultivate the nobler ele- 
 ments of their natures. They seem to imagine that a 
 certain amount must be done daily, and at a set time, 
 regardless of circumstances. Some are in the habit of 
 devoting a portion of time, just previous to the hour of 
 dismission, to a sort of lecture on moral philosophy. This 
 is certainly a very unfavorable season ; for the children 
 will feel more anxious to get released from the school- 
 room, than willing to listen to a homily on morality. 
 
 If the teacher would effectually impart moral instruc- 
 tion, and awaken religious feeling, he must be wise in the 
 selection of his topics, and wise in the choice of the 
 time for their presentation. Every true teacher may, 
 almost every hour of nearly every day of the year, find 
 proper occasions for saying a few words, and making the 
 right impression. He should seize upon every favoring 
 circumstance for enforcing a just appreciation of every- 
 thing that is lovely and of good report, and a true 
 abhorrence of wrong in every form in which it may 
 appear. He may, at times, convince them of the truth 
 of the couplet, 
 
 " Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, 
 As, to be hated, needs but to be seen." 
 
 I would, then, repeat that the instructor should seek 
 for the right times for making good moral impressions ; 
 seasons in which the minds of the pupils and attendant 
 circumstances shall be favorable. 
 
 " If advice we would convey, 
 There 's a time we should convey it ; 
 If we 've but a word to say. 
 There 's a time in which to say it." 
 
132 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 1i 
 
 A IMETHOD ADOPTED BY MR. OLIVER. 
 
 The following cases will illustrate more clearly the 
 ideas I would convey. The first is a truthful narrative 
 of an occurrence within the experience of Mr. Oliver, 
 who was for many years a highly popular and successful 
 instructor in Salem. It will speak for itself The story 
 is related by Mr. Oliver, whose father was the clergyman 
 referred to. 
 
 "Young people commit more faults from thoughtless- 
 ness than from intent to do wrong ; and want of reflection 
 leads children astray much oftener than want of princi- 
 ple. Indifference to the feelings of the aged, a proneness 
 to make light of peculiarities which they may possess, 
 and even to ridicule their infirmities, are, however, too 
 often indulged in by the young ; and, in the excitement 
 of the momentary gratification w^hich such merriment 
 may produce, all thought of the wrong, and all sense of 
 the right, are equally forgotten. The proverb of the 
 wisest man saith, ' The glory of young men is their 
 strength ; and the beauty of old men is the gray head.' 
 The strength of the young should protect and defend the 
 beauty of the old. 
 
 ' ' The hoary head should ever be respected, whatever 
 may be the outward condition of its possessor ; and 
 neither sport nor ridicule should be thrown upon him 
 whose enfeebled strength scarce suffices to bear the 
 w^eight of the many years with which time has burdened 
 him. 
 
 " The following narrative, which is strictly true, illus- 
 trates what has been observed, and proves that the just 
 recompense of a thoughtless fault may be more speedily 
 repaid, to those w4io commit it, than may be either ex- 
 pected or desired by them. The common saying, of 
 
MORAL INSTRUCTION. 133 
 
 THE SLEIGH-EIDE. 
 
 'waking up the wrong passenger,' is peculiarly applica- 
 ble to the case. 
 
 '^ In one of the most populous cities of New England, 
 a short time since, a party of lads — all members of the 
 same school — got up a grand sleigh-ridc. There were 
 about twenty-five or thirty boys engaged in the frolic. 
 The sleigh was drawn by six gray horses. The afternoon 
 was as beautiful as anybody could desire, and the merry 
 group enjoyed themselves in the highest degree. It was 
 a common custom of the school to which they belonged, 
 and, on previous occasions, their teacher had accompanied 
 them. Some engagement upon important business, how- 
 ever, occupying him, he was not, at this time, with them. 
 It is quite likely, had it been otherwise, that the re- 
 straining influence of his presence would have prevented 
 the scene which is the main feature of the present story. 
 On the day following the ride, as he entered the school- 
 room, he found his pupils grouped about the stove, and in 
 high merriment, as they chatted about the fun and frolic 
 of their excursion. He stopped a while and listened ; 
 and, in answer to some inquiries which he made about the 
 matter, one of the lads — a fine, fi-ank, and manly boy, 
 whose heart was really in the right place, though a love 
 of sport sometimes led him astray — volunteered to give 
 a narrative of their trip, and its various incidents. 
 
 "As he drew near the end of his story, he exclaimed, 
 ' 0, sir ! there was one little circumstance which I had 
 almost forgotten to tell you. Toward the latter part of 
 the afternoon, as we were coming home, we saw, at somo 
 distance ahead of us, a queer-looking affair in the road. 
 We could not exactly make out what it was. It seemed 
 to be a sort of half-and-half monstrosity. As we ap- 
 12 
 
134 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE scholar's NARRATIVE. 
 
 preached it, it proved to be a rusty old sleigh fastened 
 behind a covered wagon, proceeding at a very slow pace, 
 and taking up the whole road. Finding that the owner 
 was not disposed to turn out, we determined upon a volley 
 of snow-balls and a good hurra. 
 
 " ' These we gave with a relish; and they produced the 
 right effect, and a little more, for the crazy machine 
 turned out into the deep snow by the side of the road, 
 and the skinny old pony started on a full trot. As we 
 passed, some one of us who had the whip gave the 
 old jilt of a horse a good crack, which made him run 
 faster than he ever did before, I '11 warrant. And so, 
 with another volley of snow-balls, pitched into the front 
 of the wagon, and three times three cheers, we rushed 
 by. With that, an old fellow in the wagon, who was 
 buried up under an old hat, and beneath a rusty cloak, 
 and who had dropped the reins, bawled out, "Why do 
 you frighten my horse?" ''Why don't you turn out, 
 then? " says the driver. So we gave him three rousing 
 cheers more. His horse was frightened again, and ran 
 up against a loaded team, and, I believe, almost capsized 
 the old creature. And so we left him.' 
 
 "'Well, boys,' replied the instructor, 'that is quite 
 an incident. But take your seats, and, after our morning 
 service is ended, I will take my turn, and tell you a story, 
 and all about a sleig-h-ride, too ! ' 
 
 " Having finished the reading of a chapter in the 
 Bible, and after all had joined in the Lord's Prayer, he 
 commenced as follows : 
 
 " 'Yesterday afternoon, a very venerable and respecta- 
 ble old man — and a clergyman by profession — was on 
 his way from Boston to Salem, to pass the residue of the 
 
MORAL INSTRUCTION. 135 
 
 THE teacher's STORY. 
 
 winter at the house of his son. That he might be pre- 
 pared for journeying, as he proposed to do in the spring, 
 he took with him his light wagon, and, for the winter, his 
 sleigh, which he fastened behind the wagon. He was, 
 just as I have told you, very old and very infirm. His 
 temples were covered with thinned locks, which the frosts 
 *of eighty years had whitened, ffis sight, and hearing, 
 too, were somewhat blunted by age, as yours will be, 
 should you live to be as old. He was proceeding very 
 slowly and quietly, for his horse was old and feeble, like 
 his owner. He was occupied with memories of the past, 
 and his thoughts reverted to the scenes of his youth, 
 when he had perilled life in fighting for the liberties of 
 his country ; — to the associates of his college-days, of 
 whom the greater part '^ had fallen asleep" in death ; — 
 to the days of his ministration of the gospel of his Divine 
 Master, both in the church of his people, and to the 
 heathen of a remote wilderness ; — to the scenes of ad- 
 vanced years, when the infirmities of age w^ere pressing 
 upon him, — and, sadly and solemnly, to the lamented 
 dead of his household and of his love, long since "buried 
 out of his sight;' ' leading the w^ay to that better world, 
 from which he himself was not far distant. 
 
 " 'While thus occupied, almost forgetting himself in 
 the multitude of his thoughts, he w^as suddenly disturbed, 
 and even terrified, by loud hurras from behind, and by 
 a furious pelting and clattering of balls of snow and ice 
 upon the top of his wagon. In his trepidation, he dropped 
 his reins, and, as his aged and feeble hands were quite 
 benumbed with cold, he found it impossible to gather 
 them up, and his horse began to run away. In the midst 
 of all the old man's trouble and alarm, there rushed by 
 
136 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE teacher's STOKY. 
 
 him, with loud shouts, a large party of boys, in a sleigh 
 drawn by six horses. " Turn out, turn out, old fellow ! — 
 give us the road, old boy! — what '11 you take for your 
 pony, old daddy 7 " — " Go it, frozen-nose ! " — "What 's 
 the price of oats? " were the various cries that met his ears. 
 " Pray, do not frighten my horse ! " exclaimed the infirm 
 driver. " Turn out, then, — turn out! " was the answer, 
 which was followed by repeated cracks and blows from 
 the long whip of the ''grand sleigh," with showers of 
 snow-balls and three tremendous huzzas from the boys 
 who were in it. The terror of the old man and of his 
 horse was increased, and the latter ran away with him, to 
 the imminent danger of his life. He contrived, however, 
 after some exertion, to secure his reins, — which had been 
 out of his hands during the whole aifray, — and to stop 
 his horse just in season to prevent his being dashed 
 against a loaded team. As he approached Salem, he 
 overtook a young man who was walking toward the same 
 place, and whom he invited to ride. The young man 
 alluded to the grand sleigh which had just passed, which 
 induced the old gentleman to inquire if he knew who the 
 boys were. He replied that he did ; — that they all be- 
 longed to one school, and were a set of wild fellows. 
 "Aha! " exclaimed the former, with a hearty laugh, — 
 for his constant good-nature had not been disturbed, — 
 ''do they, indeed? Why. their master is very well known 
 to me. I am now going to his house, and I rather think 
 I shall give him the benefit of this whole story." A short 
 distance brought him to his journey's end — the house of 
 his son. His old horse was comfortably housed and fed, 
 and he himself abundantly provided for. That son, boys, 
 is your instructor ; and that aged and infirm old man, 
 
MORAL INSTRUCTION. 137 
 
 THE RESULT AND SUKPRISE. 
 
 that ^^ old fellow'''' and '•^ old boy^^ (who did not turn 
 out for you, but who would have gladly given you the 
 whole road, had he heard your approach) ; that '' old 
 boy^^^ and ''^ old daddy ^^'' and '•^ old frozen-nose^''^ was 
 your master's father ! ' 
 
 "It is not easy to describe, nor to imagine, the effect 
 produced by this new translation of the boys' own narra- 
 tive. Some buried their heads behind their desks ; some 
 cried ; some looked askant at each other ; and many 
 hastened down to the desk of the teacher, with apologies, 
 regrets, and acknowledgments, without end. All were 
 freely pardoned ; but were cautioned that they should be 
 more civil, for the future, to inoffensive travellers, and 
 more respectful to the aged and infirm. 
 
 " Years have passed by. Most of the lads are men, — 
 though some have found an early grave. The ' manly 
 boy ' who told the story is ' in the deep bosom of the 
 ocean buried.' They who survive, should this meet their 
 eye, will easily recall its scenes, and throw their memo- 
 ries back to the school-room wherein we passed so many 
 pleasant hours together, and to their old friend and well- 
 wisher, H. K. Oliver." 
 
 Another illustration of the manner in which a deep 
 impression may be made is the following, taken from the 
 " Theory and Practice of Teaching," a work written by 
 that distinguished instructor, the late D. P. Page. The 
 volume is replete with good sense and sound views, and 
 should be in the library of every teacher and friend of 
 education : 
 
 ''lean never forget — nor would I, if I could — a 
 lesson impressed upon my own youthful mind, conveying 
 the truth that we are constantly dependent upon our 
 12=* 
 
138 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 AN ILLUSTBATION FEOM MR. PAGE. 
 
 heavenly Father for protection. In a plain country 
 school-house, some twenty-five children, including my- 
 self, were assembled, with our teacher, on the afternoon 
 of a summer's day. We had been as happy and as 
 thoughtless as the sportive lambs that cropped the clover 
 of the neighboring hill-side. Engrossed with study or 
 play, — for at this distance of time it is impossible to tell 
 which, — we had not noticed the low rumbling of the 
 distant thunder, till a sudden flash of lightning arrested 
 our attention. Immediately the sun was veiled by a 
 cloud, and a corresponding gloom settled upon every face 
 within. The elder girls, with the characteristic thought- 
 fulness of woman, hastily inquired w^hether they should 
 not make the attempt to lead their younger brothers and 
 sisters to the paternal roof before the bursting of the 
 storm. Eor a moment, our little community was thrown 
 into utter confusion. The teacher stepped hastily to the 
 door, to survey more perfectly the aspect of the western 
 heavens. Immediately returning, he signified to the 
 children that there would not be time for them to reach 
 their homes before the tempest would be upon them. 
 Oppressed with dread, — for it is no uncommon thing for 
 children in the country to be terrified by lightning, — 
 some of the youngest of us clung to our older brothers or 
 sisters, while others, being the sole representatives of 
 their family in the school, for the first time felt their 
 utter loneliness in the midst of strangers, and gave utter- 
 ance to their feelings in audible sighs or unequivocal sobs. 
 " The teacher, meanwhile, with an exemplary calmness 
 and self-possession, closed the windows and the doors, 
 and then seated himself quite near the younger pupils, to 
 await the result. The thick darkness gathered about us, 
 
MORAL INSTRUCTION. 139 
 
 THE TEMPEST. 
 
 as if to make the glare of the lightning, by contrast, 
 more startling to our vision; while the loud thunder 
 almost instantly followed, as it were the voice of God. 
 The wind howled through the branches of a venerable 
 tree near bj, bending its sturdy trunk, and threaten- 
 ing to break asunder the cords which bound it to its 
 mother earth. An angry gust assailed the humble build- 
 ing where we were sheltered ; it roared down the capa- 
 cious chimney, violently closed a shutter that lacked a 
 fastening, breaking the glass by its concussion, and almost 
 forced in the frail window-sashes on the western side of 
 the room. Quicker and more wild the lightnings glared, 
 flash after flash, as if the heavens were on fire ; louder 
 and nearer the thunder broke above our heads ; while 
 the inmates of the room, save the teacher, were pale with 
 terror. At this moment, there was a sudden cessation 
 of the war of elements — a hush — almost a prophetic 
 pause ! It was that brief interval which precedes the 
 fallino; torrent. 
 
 "A dread stillness reigned within the room. Every 
 heart beat hurriedly, and every countenance told the 
 consternation that was reigning within. It was an awful 
 moment ! With a calm voice, breathing a subdued and 
 confiding spirit, the teacher improved this opportunity to 
 impress upon our young minds a great truth. ' Fear 
 not, children,' said he ; 'it is your heavenly Father that 
 sends the storm, as well as the sunshine and the gentle 
 breeze. You have been just as much in his power all 
 day as you are at this moment. He has been as near 
 you, supporting you, supplying you with breath, with 
 life, all through the pleasant morning ; but then you did 
 not see him. He is just as able to protect you now; for 
 
140 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 1 
 
 THE STORM CEASES. A PSALM IS READ. 
 
 "not a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice," 
 and he ruleth the storm, and '' rideth upon the wings of 
 the wind." We should ever feel ivilling to trust him, 
 for he is ever able to grant us deliverance from all our 
 dangers. God is here now to protect us.' Just as he 
 had finished these words, the rain began to fall. First, 
 the drops were few and scattered ; but soon the windows 
 of heaven were opened, and the thirsty ground was 
 abundantly satisfied. The sound of the thunder became 
 fainter and fainter as the cloud passed aAvay ; the sun 
 burst out again in renewed splendor ; the full drops glit- 
 tered in his beams upon the grass ; the birds began their 
 songs ; the rainbow spanned the eastern hills ; and our 
 hearts, taught by the timely instructions of a good man, 
 began to expand with eager gratitude for our preservation 
 by the hand of our heavenly Father. 
 
 '' The remainder of the afternoon passed happily away ; 
 and, when our books were laid aside, and we were ready 
 to burst out of the room to enjoy the refreshing air and 
 participate in the general joy, the teacher, taking the 
 Bible from the desk, asked us to remain quiet a moment, 
 while he would read a few words that he hoped we 
 should never forget. The passage was the following, 
 from the 65th Psalm : 
 
 " ' By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer 
 us, God of our salvation ; who art the confidence of all 
 the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar ofi" upon 
 the sea : 
 
 " 'Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains^ 
 being girded with power : 
 
 " 'Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of 
 their waves, and the tumult of the people. 
 
 I 
 
MORAL INSTRUCTIOX. 141 
 
 CONFIDENCE IN GOD URGED. 
 
 '' '■ They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are 
 afraid at thy tokens : thou makest the outgoings of the 
 morning and evening to rejoice. 
 
 " 'Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it; thou 
 greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full 
 of water ; thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so 
 provided for it. 
 
 " ' Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly ; thou 
 settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with 
 showers ; thou blessest the springing thereof : 
 
 " ' Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and 
 thy paths drop fatness. 
 
 '' ' They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness; 
 and the httle hills rejoice on every side. 
 
 " 'The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys 
 also are covered over with corn ; they shout for joy, they 
 also sins;.' 
 
 " After closing the book, the teacher said, 'Go out, 
 now, children, and witness how perfectly these words 
 have been fulfilled toward us this afternoon ; and, from 
 this day's mercies, learn hereafter to trust God as confi- 
 dently in the storm, when he displays his power by his 
 outward "tokens," as when he kindly smiles upon you 
 in the beams of the glorious sun, or gently breathes upon 
 you in the morning breeze.' We went forth, bounding 
 in gladness and gratitude, and saw the ' outgoings of the 
 evening to rejoice,' 'the pastures clothed with flocks,' 
 'the valleys covered over with corn,' 'the little hills 
 rejoicing on every side,' — we heard, also, the general 
 shout for joy ; and we felt, as we never before had felt, 
 a deep, thorough, abiding conviction of the truth that 
 God is our father and our friend, — the God of our sal- 
 
142 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE INSANE OLD MAN. 
 
 vation. I know not how soon these impressions faded 
 from the minds of the other children ; but for myself 1 
 can say, that, from that time to the present, whenever I 
 have been exposed to apparent danger from the impend- 
 ing tempest, the warring elements, or the ravages of 
 disease, the teachings of that hour have always revived 
 in my mind to soothe my troubled spirit, and to reassure 
 my faith and confidence in the presence of an all-sufiicient 
 and merciful Preserver. A thousand times have I de- 
 voutly blessed the memory of that faithful teacher, for 
 having so early and so happily turned my thoughts 
 upward to Him in whom ' we hve, and move, and have 
 our being.' " 
 
 A certain teacher, on his way to the school-room, one 
 morning, saw several of his pupils collected around an 
 insane old man in the streets, making themselves bois- 
 terously merry at his condition, and doing much to increase 
 liis excitement. He did not stop, as some would have 
 done, to utter commands and threats, but passed quietly 
 to the place of his labors, and quickly summoned the 
 scholars, by the usual signal, to assemble. At a suitable 
 time, after the opening of the school, he called for their 
 attention, and addressed them in substance as follows : 
 "My young friends. — I was much pained, a short time 
 ago, in witnessing a crowd of boys making themselves 
 merry at the unfortunate condition of an old man. It 
 would have been a painful sight under any circumstances, 
 but it was peculiarly so in this instance, as the boys were 
 members of this school, and most of them were boys of 
 good character, good feeling, and, generally, of good 
 intentions, — boys from whom I expected much by way 
 of good example and good influence. 
 
MORAL INSTRUCTION. 143 
 
 THE teacher's REMARKS. 
 
 " That old man, now so decrepit in body and shattered 
 in intellect, was once a happy school-boy, — the joy of 
 his parents and friends. He grew to manhood, and was, 
 for many years, an upright, virtuous, respected, and 
 useful citizen. He did much for the improvement of 
 this, his native town, — much to make your early advan- 
 tages and privileges superior to his. By the hand of 
 Providence, and not from errors of his, has his reason 
 been dethroned, and he now wanders a harmless maniac, 
 — a fit object of pity for every one. He has sons and 
 daughters, who feel deeply for him ; many friends, who 
 lament his sad condition. How, think you, they would 
 have felt, if they had witnessed what I saw ? Would it 
 not have caused their hearts to ache and grieve afresh 7 
 How, my dear young friends, would you have felt, if 
 that man had been your father 7 Could you or would 
 you have acted as you did ? I know you would not. It 
 would almost break your hearts to see a fond parent thus 
 treated. Bereft of reason, that poor old man says and 
 does what he would not do if he were in liis ' right mind.' 
 Possessed of reason, you have abused it, and offended 
 against the laws of God and the rights of your fellow- 
 beings. You have done a great wrong ; but I would 
 fain hope you acted without thought. I trust you will 
 never again so far lose your self-respect, and so far for- 
 get the rights of others, as to be guilty of a similar 
 wrong. I beseech you, never allow yourselves, under 
 any circumstances, to trifle with the unfortunate, or to 
 say or do aught which can cause the slightest pain to 
 any one. You are now young and happy ; but who can 
 tell what your condition may be, long before you shall 
 have lived as many years as that old man has ? Perhaps 
 
144 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A mother's prayers and a father's counsels. 
 
 you may become maniacs in a worse sense than he is. 
 Misfortune may mark you, and make you at once objects 
 of pity and dread. Then strive to live wisely ; pity the 
 erring and unfortunate, and never wound the feelings of 
 any one." 
 
 Would not remarks similar to these make a salutary 
 and lasting impression upon the young, and prove much 
 more effectual than a hasty and unguarded reprimand ? 
 
 "The true teacher will feel his spirit burdened with 
 the weight of influence, for good or evil, which he knows 
 he must exert ; and he will often tremble, as he asks 
 himself, ' What shall befall the children of my care ? ' 
 and ' What shall be the effect of my instructions on their 
 young and pliant minds 7 ' 
 
 "Many a just and noble man has owed his greatness to 
 a gentle mother's prayers, a kind father's counsels, or a 
 faithful teacher's words ; and many a man of sin has 
 traced his character of crime and infamy to some unwise 
 control, or some neglect or injudicious counsel, in his 
 youth. If, then, the teacher's influence be so important, 
 
 ' Well may he tremble, as lie prays 
 For some kind spirit to direct his ways.' 
 
 " The following anecdote may not be deemed wholly 
 inappropriate in this connection. A celebrated artist, in 
 one of his rambles, met with a most beautiful and inter- 
 esting child. It was the finest and most perfect child, 
 he thought, that he had ever seen. ' I will,' said he, 
 ' paint the portrait of this child, and keep it for my own ; 
 for I may never look upon its like again.' He accord- 
 ingly painted it ; and, when trouble came, and evil pas 
 
 4 
 
MORAL INSTRUCTION. 145 
 
 THE PORTRAITS ; — ANECDOTE. 
 
 sions moved his spirit to rebel, lie gazed upon the likeness 
 of the boy, and passion fled, and holier thoughts entranced 
 his soul. He said, ' If I can find a being that Tvill an- 
 swer for a perfect contrast to the child, — one in whom 
 is concentrated everything vile and ugly of which I can 
 conceive, — I will paint his portrait, also.' 
 
 "Years passed away, and he saw no person sufficiently 
 hideous to answer his design. At length, while travel- 
 ling in a distant land, he went within a prison's w^alls, 
 and there he saw, stretched upon the floor of stone, the 
 object which his fancy had portrayed. A man, whose 
 soul was stained with blood, with glaring eyes and hag- 
 gard face, and with demoniac rage cursing himself and 
 his fellow-beings, and blaspheming God, lay chained 
 within that miserable abode, awaiting the appointed hour 
 of execution. 
 
 " The artist transferred his likeness to the canvas, and 
 placed it opposite the child's. The contrast was most 
 striking and complete. The angel boy, — the fiend 
 man ! What must have been the feelings of the artist, 
 when, upon inquiry, he ascertained that both portraits 
 were of the same individual being ! The beautiful, the 
 innocent child, had grown into the hideous, the sinful 
 man!"^ 
 
 If it be true that any mismanagement, or neglect of 
 proper moral training, on the part of a parent or teacher, 
 can render such a transformation possible, how earnestly 
 and constantly should those who have aught to do with 
 the young strive to lure them in wisdom's ways ! 
 
 How much may be done, by the interested teacher, to 
 
 * P. H. Sweetser. 
 
 13 
 
146 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A LESSON ON KINDNESS : ANECDOTE. 
 
 promote a kindly spirit and feeling in the hearts of the 
 young ! Instances will daily occur, in which he may 
 do something by way of cultivating the tender sensibili- 
 ties of his pupils. An affectionate and devoted teacher 
 gives the following illustration: "It is a cloudy day in 
 midsummer. The air of the school-room seems more 
 close than usual. Some of the young people appear 
 fatigued, some playful, and very few deeply interested in 
 their studies. The teacher, after calUng their attention, 
 says : ' Children, you know little Mary has been sick a 
 long time. She cannot come to school ; she cannot go 
 out to play. Who would like to send her a bouquet of 
 flowers ? ' Every hand is raised, every face is animated 
 with pleasure. They are requested to bring their flowers 
 in the afternoon. The table is loaded ; a beautiful bou- 
 quet is arranged; a note is written by the teacher in 
 behalf of the scholars, and a messenger from their num- 
 ber despatched with the gift to the sick room." Who 
 can Hmit the happy influence of this little act of kind- 
 ness, — delightful alike to the givers and the receiver, — 
 pleasant for the contemplation of all ? A beautiful fra- 
 grance diffuses itself from that little bunch of flowers, 
 which has a perpetuating and pleasing effect, directly or 
 indirectly imparting joyous emotions to many a heart. 
 
 ^ 
 
CHAPTER XYIII. 
 
 EMULATION AND PRIZES. 
 
 The subject of emulation has of late been often dis- 
 cussed ; and it is one on which the friends of education 
 entertain ^uite a diversity of opinion. That a laudable 
 emulation to excel in well-doing, founded on good motives^ 
 and stimulated by unselfish means and inducements, is 
 desirable, but few will gainsay. But that emulation' 
 wdiich is encouraged by the proffer of some prize j or by 
 the mere desire to surpass and outshine a fellow-student, 
 is highly objectionable and pernicious. While I freely 
 admit that some good results may emanate from a prize- 
 encouraged emulation, I at the same time feel that the 
 ill consequences w ill so greatly preponderate as to render 
 it unwise to introduce any such system into our plans for 
 school instruction. The following are some of the more 
 prominent objections to a prize-fostered system of emu- 
 lation : 
 
 1. The extreme difficulty of selecting the most de- 
 sei^ving fiom^ a class of competitors. 
 
 In a school of thirty pupils, twenty may so conduct and 
 apply themselves as to secure the general approbation 
 of their instructor and friends, — some, perhaps, slightly 
 excelling in one particular, and others in another. Now, 
 it is no easy task to select from this number some four 
 or five as the best, all circumstances considered, without 
 doing a real or apparent injustice to the remainder. It 
 
148 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 OBJECTIONS TO PRIZES. 
 
 would, under these conditions, seem almost unkind to 
 intrust it to men of fallible judgment to decide as to the 
 exact degree of merit. Would it not be better that all 
 should be left to enjoy the satisfaction emanating from a 
 consciousness of duty faithfully discharged, than that one 
 should be unduly, and, it may be, undeservingly, exalted, 
 •while the many are made to suffer unfavorably, and per- 
 haps unjustly, by the decision of partial or incompetent 
 men? 
 
 2. The difficulty of determining ivhat^ and how 
 muchj regard shall be had to the external aids and 
 circu7nstancesof the aspirants. 
 
 One boy may be surrounded by kind and intelligent 
 parents and friends, and receive such home or fireside 
 influence as shall greatly encourage and facilitate all his 
 operations, while another in the same class may occupy a 
 situation the very reverse. While the former has nothing 
 to interrupt^ but much to assist him, at home, the latter, 
 if he has a home, receives from it no kindly influences, 
 but many hindrances and drawbacks. The latter may 
 be the more industrious, and strive the more zealously 
 and perseveringly, and, on the ground of real self- 
 exertion and ^eZ/'-merit, richly deserve success, and yet 
 fail, on account of the adverse influences to which he is 
 exposed, and for which he should not, in any degree, be 
 considered accountable. ^ 
 
 3. A few are stimulated^ and the many discour^ 
 aged. 
 
 Boys will very soon satisfy themselves concerning 
 their own individual prospects of success; and, if these 
 are against them, they will often give up, with the idea 
 that it is in vain for them even to try. And thus, not 
 
EMULATION AND PRIZES. 149 
 
 UNPLEASANT RIVALRY FOSTERED. 
 
 unfrequentlj, the boy who is naturally bold, prompt, and . 
 persevering, — the boy who certainly needs not a pros- 
 pective prize to stimulate him, — will, with ease, and 
 without any self-denying toil, reach the goal and bear 
 away the "palm," while the more diffident and distrust- 
 ful, but, perhaps, tnore deserviiig^ will become discour- 
 aged in the onset, and leave the course free for his more 
 fortunate, but not more nieritoinoiis rival. 
 
 4. The rivalry consequent iqjoii a contest for prizes 
 often e7igQ7iders or calls forth some of the baser feel- 
 ings and passions of the heart. 
 
 Have not enmities often been caused in this way which 
 have continued, with increasing bitterness, through a long 
 life 7 The boy whose heart rankles with envy and hatred 
 at the success of his classmate at school, will, if life con- 
 tinues, look upon his every successful step in the journey 
 of subsequent life with the bitter and malicious feelings 
 of envy. 
 
 5. Boys should be trained to regard some higher 
 and better object than the mere attainment of a prize^ 
 as an inducement to good deportment and diligent 
 application. 
 
 A desire to become useful, respected, and happy citi- 
 zens, should be prominent in the mind of every member 
 of a school. If, in reply to this, it is urged, that school- 
 prizes are merely attractive way-marks to lure them 
 onward to a higher and nobler object, I would answer, 
 that danger lurks in the way ; and, before that better 
 object is gained, the mind may become entirely en- 
 grossed, or the kindly feelings of the heart blunted or 
 perverted, in the pursuit or attainment of the way allure- 
 ment. 
 
 13* 
 
150 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATIOX. 
 
 A>-ECDOIE OF Snt WALTER SCOTT. 
 
 6. Lnproper measures are often adopted to gain 
 the desired end. 
 
 Boys wlio are trained to regai'd the attainment of some 
 prize as a chief inducement to excel, are strongly tempted 
 to resort to means alike dishonorable and selfish. Thus 
 it not unfreqiiently happens, that, in their efforts to gain 
 the desu'ed end. they overlook the rules of right, and 
 disregard the feehngs or cu'cumstances of others. Says 
 Sir "Walter Scott, •■ There was a boy in my class at 
 school vho stood always at the head of the class : not 
 could I. with all my efforts, supplant him. Day after 
 day. and week after week, he kept his place, in spite of all 
 my endeavors to get above him. I at length observed, 
 that, when a question was asked him, he always fumbled 
 with his fingers at a particular button on his waistcoat. 
 To remove it, therefore, became expedient, in my eyes ; 
 and, in . an evil moment, it was removed, with a knife. 
 Great was my anxiety to know the success of my meas- 
 ure : and it succeeded too well. TThen the boy was 
 again questioned, his fingers sought, as usual, for the 
 button, — but it was not to be found. In his distress, he 
 looked down for it : but he could neither see nor feel it. 
 He stood confounded, and I took possession of his place ; 
 nor did he ever recover, or ever, I believe, suspect who 
 was the author of his wrong. Often, in after hfe, has 
 the sight of him smote me, as I passed by him ; and often 
 have I resolved to make him some reparation, — but it 
 ended in good resolutions." Thus, what one gained by 
 stratagem, proved a serious and iiTeparable loss to the 
 other. If a system could be estabhshed, by which all 
 who gained a certain attainable point of excellence could 
 be equally rewarded, there might be less serious objection. 
 
 ii 
 
EMULATION AND PRIZES. 151 
 > . , 
 
 MOTIVES FOE ACTIOX. 
 
 But. under present circumstances, the safest and best 
 course for the teacher is, to allure his pupils onward 
 bj holding before them the gi'eat. sure, and attainable 
 rewards which come jfrom well-doing. Thus influenced 
 by pure motives, with '' Excelsior '' for their motto, they 
 may press safely onward and upward. 
 
 But how shall the teacher form, in his pupils, habits 
 of industry and perseverance, without emulation ? I will 
 answer briefly, in the words of another : *' First, he must 
 excite and discipline their curiosity. This is acknowl- 
 edged to be a common feeling, and ever active in chil- 
 dren, if properly trained. There are certain kinds of 
 knowledge which always interest them, and which their 
 curiosity leads them to investigate. They are fond of 
 the marvellous and the wonderful. Let all science, then, 
 be made to pai-take of this character, — for this really 
 belongs to it, — and curiosity will lead them to examine 
 it. It is a great merit in a teacher to be able to excite 
 the curiosity of his pupils concerning things pertaining 
 to their ordinary studies. 
 
 "Another powerful motive is, the love of approba- 
 tion. — the desire to gain the favor of the wise and good, 
 and the approval of their teachei's. parents, and friends. 
 We met, a few days ago, with a young lady, a former 
 pupil of ours, who is now a successful teacher in a gram- 
 mar-school. For a year or two, she caused a great deal 
 of trouble in the school, by neglecting her duties, and 
 otherwise abusing her privileges. At last, a sudden 
 change took place in her conduct, and, fi'om one of the 
 most troublesome scholars, she became one of the best. 
 During some conversation relating to the school, she 
 said, ' I remember what first induced me to alter my 
 
152 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 LOVE OF KNOWLEDGE. — OBLIGATIONS. 
 
 course. You praised me. I found I had met your 
 approbation, and I determined to deserve it.' 
 
 " Again ; the teacher should labor to inspire his pupils 
 with the love of knowledge. It is difficult, we are aware, 
 to cause young children to reahze the importance of edu- 
 cation. Indeed, they are not capable of appreciating, to 
 any considerable extent, the intrinsic value of knowledge ; 
 but, that it may be presented in so attractive a manner 
 as to gain their attention, and, in most cases, ultimately 
 to secure their love, we fully believe. To induce chil- 
 dren to love learning, the teacher rniist be deeply inter- 
 ested in it himself; and he must show to them that he 
 considers it of the first importance. And it is well, also, 
 for the teacher to be interested in their knowledge, and 
 in things which seem, to them^ important ; to sympa- 
 thize with them in their joys, and in their trials ; for, by 
 so doing, he will lead his pupils to sympathize with him, 
 and to feel an interest in that Avhich is of consequence to 
 him. The teacher should possess a sort of mesmeric 
 influence over the minds of his pupils, that shall enable 
 him to enter into their thoughts, and to control their 
 acts. 
 
 Finally; the teacher should earnestly endeavor to 
 impress upon them an idea of their obligations to them- 
 selves, and to their fellow-beings. He should teach them 
 that talents and privileges were given them to use, not 
 to abuse ; that there are duties devolving upon them from 
 which they cannot escape, and in the performance of 
 which they cannot fail to realize their highest good. He 
 should strive to impress upon them a sense of their de- 
 pendence upon God ; their accountability to Him, and 
 the consequences that inevitably folloAv good or evil deeds. 
 
EMULATION AND PRIZES. 153 
 
 EXPERIENCE THE BEST SCHOOLMASTER. 
 
 It is true, that such influences may not always produce 
 the speediest result ; but we should 
 
 * Learn to labor and to wait ;' 
 
 for, if we cast our bread upon the waters, we shall find it 
 again, if not till after many days. It is not true, we 
 think, that children stimulated by these motives will be 
 necessarily dull and lifeless. Experience is said to be 
 the best schoolmaster ; and twenty years' experience as a 
 teacher has fully convinced us that scholars may be bet- 
 ter governed and better taught, and that the pupils will 
 be more cheerful and happy, under such influences, than 
 when controlled by the spirit of emulation." * 
 
 *P. H. Sweetser. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 
 
 Our primary schools have not yet assumed that posi- 
 tion in the minds of the people which their importance 
 demands. In them the young receive their earliest and 
 most lasting school impressions. While work that is 
 well done here will facihtate all subsequent school efforts, 
 instruction incorrectly imparted, or neglect suffered, will 
 tend to embarrass and render more difficult all future 
 efforts, both on the part of the learner and teacher. If 
 correct habits of discipline, mental and physical, are 
 thoroughly established at the outset, the result of later 
 labors will be rendered more effectual and certain. The 
 poet says, 
 
 " As the twig is bent the tree 's inclined." 
 
 If this is so, how important that early attention be given 
 to the formation of right habits of thought, study, action, 
 and expression ! And yet, is it not often the case that 
 many things are attended to carelessly, or utterly neg- 
 lected, with the feeling that pupils are so soon to enter a 
 higher school? 
 
 What would be thought of that cultivator who should 
 neglect his plants and young trees while in the nursery, 
 and assign as an excuse, that they were soon to be removed 
 and transplanted into a situation in which they would 
 receive more care and attention? Is it not considered 
 
PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 155 
 
 IMPORTANCE OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS. 
 
 the part of true Tvisdom to watch and train them with 
 the greatest care while in the nursery, that they may 
 become fit subjects for transplantation? If, while there, 
 they are suffered, from an over-growth of weeds and 
 thorns, or from any other source, to become crooked, and 
 dwarfed, and ill-shapen, they can never after be trans- 
 formed into perfect and well-developed trees. But, if 
 properly started and cared for in the nursery, their after 
 growth and productiveness will be rendered sure and 
 satisfactory. 
 
 So it is with our primary schools. Good or bad hab- 
 its formed in them will, usually, exhibit themselves in 
 the higher grades of schools. Impressions which children 
 here receive will "grow with their growth, and strengthen 
 with their strength." How important, then, that these 
 impressions be of the right kind, and that they be sea- 
 sonably and wisely made ! How desirable that they lay 
 broad, and deep, and well, the foundations on w^iich the 
 higher schools are to rear a superstructure ! How much 
 time and strength, that, in many cases, must, necessarily, 
 be spent in undoing and re-doings might be most pleas- 
 antly and profitably spent in extending and perfecting 
 the good work, if properly commenced ! If pupils in our 
 primary schools receive wholesome and judicious train- 
 ing, their future instruction and discipline will be ren- 
 dered easy and pleasant. 
 
 The feeling sometimes prevails, that any one will 
 answer to teach a school of small children. This is a 
 great error. It requires a rare combination of excellent 
 qualities to form a good teacher for a primary school ; 
 and it is to be hoped that, hereafter, true merit will be 
 more fully appreciated, and more adequately rewarded. 
 
156 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 STUDIES FOB PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 
 
 It is not desirable that many studies should be intro- 
 duced into these schools ; but it is important that what is 
 done should be well done. Reading, spelling, and some- 
 thing of geography and arithmetic, are, probably, as 
 many branches as can be attended to with any profit. In 
 addition to these, quite a variety of miscellaneous exer- 
 cises may be and should be introduced. Very young 
 cliildren take great pleasure in making figures and draw- 
 ings upon their slates. It is very essential that every 
 primary-school room should be furnished with a great 
 variety of pictures, maps, &c., that the pupils may have 
 an opportunity to copy the same. The practice will be 
 of advantage to them, and tend to interest them during 
 many hours that would, otherwise, be passed in hst- 
 lessness or idle mischief Let them also spend much 
 time in copying figures upon their slates or upon the 
 blackboard. It is very desirable that figures should 
 be made neatly and plainly ; and a little daily practice 
 in our primary schools w^ill do much towards securing 
 these useful points. After the pupils have acquired the 
 ability to make figures with a good degree of freedom 
 and distinctness, let them be required to arrange them in 
 columns, with a special reference to having them straight. 
 Practice will do much in this particular. They can 
 also spend much time in printing letters, and copying 
 W'ords, and making drawings of such simple objects as 
 may be placed before them. Some of the more advanced 
 may be allowed to write the words of their spelling exer- 
 cises upon the blackboard or slate. In conducting a 
 spelling lesson for a younger class, it will be found inter- 
 esting, if the teacher will require the pupils to name the 
 letters of a word while she writes the same upon the 
 
PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 157 
 
 WBITING WORDS ; SPEAKING PIECES. 
 
 blackboard. The judicious teacher will vary such exer- 
 cises, and succeed in combining instruction and amuse- 
 ment. The older pupils in these schools may, profitably 
 and pleasantly, spend some of their time in writing short 
 sentences. Suppose, for example, the teacher writes 
 upon the blackboard the following words. — Dog, Horse, 
 Boy, — and asks the pupils to write a short sentence 
 about each. The result may be something like the fol- 
 lowing : The dog barks ; The horse runs : The boy loves 
 play. These, it is true, are very simple, but will answer 
 for a beginning. Such exercises will prove highly inter- 
 esting and useful ; and, after a little practice, much 
 longer sentences will be written with ease. Another 
 valuable and pleasant exercise is "speaking pieces." 
 Quite young scholars may profitably learn and speak 
 short pieces of poetry, prose, or dialogue. But great 
 care should be taken to have them speak with a proper 
 regard to distinctness of enunciation, and propriety of 
 emphasis and inflection. If suitable lessons in simple 
 composition, or writing of sentences, and declamation, 
 should be introduced into our primary schools, they would 
 greatly tend to dispel the dark clouds which often hang 
 around these exercises when commenced at a later day. 
 But, unless they receive right attention, it would be 
 better never to have them introduced. 
 
 Reading and spelling should receive prominent atten- 
 tion, and great care should be taken to establish habits 
 of distinct utterance and clear enunciation. Every efibrt 
 should be used to secure a correct comprehension of what 
 is read, that pupils may read with the " spirit and under- 
 standing " too. If possible, the teacher should cause them 
 to feel interested in their reading exercise. She may do 
 14 
 
158 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 MENTAL ARITHMETIC. 
 
 sometliing towards awakening an interest, by asking them 
 many questions respecting the subject of the lesson. 
 
 If pupils in these schools would make free use of the 
 dictionary, it would be for their good. Let them be 
 early and carefully trained to look for the meaning of 
 such words as they do not comprehend, and they will 
 form a habit which will prove valuable to them in all 
 subsequent life. The practice will please them, and 
 occupy time which would, otherwise, be spent in idleness. 
 
 At an early age, — indeed, at the very outset, — chil- 
 dren should be thoroughly taught in relation to the shape, 
 name, and power of each letter ; and the frequent prac- 
 tice of giving the various sounds of the different letters 
 will prove highly serviceable. It will also prove a pleas- 
 ing and profitable exercise to require them to spell words 
 by giving the appropriate sound or power of each letter, 
 instead of calling its name. 
 
 In exercises in mental arithmetic, the teacher should 
 insist upon precision and accuracy in answers and expla- 
 nations. Their minds should not be too severely taxed, 
 but what they do should be done well. In reciting, the 
 pupils should have no books open. The teacher should 
 read the question carefully and distinctly, and then call 
 upon some one to repeat it and explain it. This will 
 tend to secure the attention of all, and prove a good dis- 
 cipline for the memory. It may require a little extra 
 patience, at first, on the part of the teacher : but its 
 advantages will amply compensate for the same. If 
 geography is the subject, let the teacher aim constantly 
 to secure a clear and full understanding of all that is 
 attended to. Let every definition and every term be 
 properly explained. It is often the case that scholars go 
 
PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 159 
 
 GEOGRAPHT. — POSITIONS. 
 
 over much ground, without obtaining a single definite 
 idea. I have known a whole class answer promptly and 
 correctly many questions in geography, and yet, when 
 asked where the earth was, or if they had ever seen it, 
 they manifested entire ignorance. Like parrots, they 
 could utter, "Geography is a description of the earth," 
 but without the slightest idea that they had ever seen it, 
 or played about its fields, and hills, and valleys. A very 
 correct idea of boundary may be formed by requiring 
 pupils to tell how their school-yard, or their parents' gar- 
 dens or /arms, are bounded. The names and boundaries 
 of the towns in the county, the names of the counties of 
 a state, and also the names of the states, may be, in due 
 time, considered and learned. But let every step be 
 made as intelligible and interesting as possible. 
 
 It will be very interesting to the young to have their 
 exercises interspersed with singing and changes of posi- 
 tion. Indeed, some teachers teach the multiplication- 
 table, and other tables, with the aid of music. A change 
 of position, by some simultaneous movement, will be inter- 
 esting and profitable. It is very tedious for small chil- 
 dren to sit for a long time without change of position. 
 It will be quite a pleasant relief for them, if, at the end 
 of each hour, the whole school can go through with some 
 changes of position similar *to the following, — the partic- 
 ular exercise being indicated by a figure : 
 
 1. Sit erect, and fold arms. 
 
 2. Extend right hand. 
 
 3. Extend left hand. 
 
 4. Extend both hands. 
 
 5. Clap hands. 
 
 6. Place right hand on top of head. 
 
160 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 CHILDREN SHOULB BE MADE HAPPY. 
 
 7. Place left hand on top of heaJd. 
 
 8. All rise. 
 
 9. All turn half-way round. 
 
 10. All sit. 
 
 11. Place faces upon desks. 
 
 The changes may be varied and extended by the teacher ; 
 and the frequent practice of them will serve as a recre- 
 ation, and be promotive of health. Some teachers are 
 accustomed to require their pupils to sit much of the 
 time with their arms folded. This habit is a bad one, 
 and should not be encouraged. 
 
 It should be a prominent object of the teacher of a 
 primary school to make the pupils happy ; and to cotn- 
 binCj so far as may be, instruction with amusement. In 
 order to gain the affection of pupils, a teacher must 
 manifest a lively interest in all their affairs. It is some- 
 times the case that an instructor, by her coldness, and 
 formality, and reserve, destroys the attraction that should 
 exist between her and her pupils. Some even feel that 
 they must be so precise and dignified, in all their move- 
 ments and expressions, that they fail of securing the 
 hearty confidence of the young. Now, the teacher may 
 exhibit pleasure in the amusements of her pupils, and 
 sometimes take part in the same, without injury to her- 
 self or them. A parent once ^expressed to Mr. Wright, 
 the instructor of the Edinburgh Infant School, sur- 
 prise at the idea that a schoolmaster could make him- 
 self the object of love. Mr. Wright requested the parent 
 to remain, and see how he treated his pupils. He did 
 so; and saw the kindness, the cheerfulness and sport- 
 iveness which never flagged, while he saw discipline 
 and instruction, at the same time. The children, at 
 
PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 161 
 
 ANECDOTE OF A SCOTCH SCHOOL. 
 
 recess, went upon the play-ground, and, to the amuse- 
 ment of the visitor, the teacher ran out, crying, .''Hare 
 and hounds ! hare and hounds!" and, taking the first 
 character on himself, he was instantly pursued by the 
 whole pack, round and round the play-ground. At last, 
 he was taken and worried by an immense act of coopera- 
 tion. In his extremity, he rang his hand-bell for school ; 
 instantly the hounds left their prey, rushed into the 
 school-room, and, in less than a minute, were busy w^ith 
 their lessons. The visitor departed with a shrug, say- 
 ing, " Na, the like o' that I ne'er saw." 
 
 While it cannot be expected that all teachers can do 
 as the instructor of this Scotch school did, it may be 
 hoped that all will manifest an interest in the rational 
 amusements of their pupils. By so doing, they will 
 gain an influence which will be of great service to them. 
 Such a course will enable teachers to obtain a knowl- 
 edge of the habits and dispositions of pupils, which could 
 not be so well learned in any other way. On the play- 
 ground, chikben usually act themselves, without restraint, 
 and exhibit individual traits of character more fully than 
 in any other situation ; and, if teachers will manifest 
 some interest in their sports, they will gain their confi- 
 dence, and thus be enabled to work more understandingly 
 and efiiciently. 
 
 Teachers should always aim to encourage and cheer 
 their pupils, and make all their exercises as pleasant as, 
 possible. This will do them much good, and animate 
 them with a spirit of persevering apphcation. If the 
 young are, in a proper way, made to feel that they do 
 well, they will, by the very means, be incited to do still 
 better. It will increase their confidence in their own 
 14^ 
 
162 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE BEST ORGANIZATION. 
 
 ability, and inspire them with a happy spirit. The cor- 
 sciousness of receiving the approbation of those we estee^^ 
 affords pleasure and encouragement. 
 
 I have alluded to primary schools as they are usually 
 organized, containing children between the ages of fov»* 
 and ten years. A more perfect and complete organiza- 
 tion of schools would have primary schools embrac^ 
 pupils from six to eight years of age, with an intermed' 
 ate school for children between the ages of eight and te •" 
 years, and a grammar school, into which all who are sul 
 ficiently qualified may enter after arriving at the age o 
 ten years. Such an arrangement may be made in vil 
 lages where the children are sufficiently numerous t' 
 require the attention of three teachers. 
 
4 
 
 M 
 
 ' CHAPTER XX. 
 
 _ f 
 
 LESSONS AND RECITATIONS. 
 
 -I 
 
 In the assignment of lessons, and in tlie mode of con- 
 
 ucting recitations, it will be necessary to exercise much 
 
 ;ood judgment and discretion. One of the most desirable 
 
 hings i^ a school is, to keep the pupils properly em- 
 
 ^doyed. If their time and attention are suitably directed 
 
 their lessons, they will be kept from many troublesome 
 
 labits. Idleness is the source of most of the mischief in 
 
 schools ; and he who wishes to have an orderly school, 
 
 ■ n a quiet way, must aim to give his pupils constant and 
 
 regular employment. 
 
 But, while the teacher seeks to assign lessons, the 
 
 •^earning of which will require the close application of the 
 
 "^members of his school, he should be careful that he does 
 
 not overtask them, and check their ardor. Some pupils 
 
 w ill learn a lesson much more readily than others ; and 
 
 hence it will not answer to adapt the length of a lesson 
 
 to the capacity of the best pupils. It should be brought 
 
 within the ability of the more moderate members of a 
 
 class : but it should be such as will demand their close 
 
 application and earnest attention. The teacher should 
 
 strive to inspire them with a true thirst for knowledge, 
 
 and cause them to feel that the highest pleasure will 
 
 arise from the mastery of the greatest difficulties. 
 
 The true design of lessons and school exercises should 
 
164 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE OBJECT OF EDUCATION. 
 
 not be lost sight of. It is not, to store the mind with 
 words, and rules, and problems, — but to discipline it, and 
 fit it for grasping and comprehending whatever subject 
 may come before it in life ; in other words, it should be 
 trained to investigate and think. When one of the 
 ancient philosophers was asked what a certain pupil 
 should learn, he gave the folloAving noble reply : ' ' Let 
 liim learn that which will be of service to him when he 
 becomes a man." And, I add, he who has acquired the 
 habit of close reflection, and examination, and a true 
 spirit of self-reliance, has gained that knowledge which 
 will be of essential service to him', life's journey through ; 
 while he who has not formed these habits will become a 
 comparatively useless and inefiScient man, though his 
 head be stored with the mere contents of all the books 
 ever published. 
 
 I repeat again, that the true end of all lessons should 
 be intellectual dlscipUne. "The common impression 
 seems to be, that the mind is to .be distended with knowl- 
 edge, rather than braced with discipline. And much of 
 past instruction has been calculated to foster the idea, 
 that the child, like his own passive verb, is ' to be acted 
 upon.' He is to be taught^ merely; and somehow, by 
 the agency of talking and explanation, and, as it were, 
 puncturing and rousing the dead flesh of ignorance with 
 an interrogation-point, on the part of the teacher, and 
 monosyllabic expressions of easy assent, on the part of the 
 scholar, he can be raised to intellectual Hfe, and trans- 
 formed from the child in his folly to a man in intellectual 
 things. I need hardly say that this is a mistake in fun- 
 damentals; it is an error in doctrine. Do you, 
 teacher, suffer your pupil to learn memoriter 7 Do you 
 
LESSONS AND RECITATIONS. 165 
 
 KNOWING, BUT UNABLE TO TELL. 
 
 allow him to suppose he has mastered a subject, while 
 he has to rely on your questions in the recitation of it ? 
 Do you suffer him to proceed, for instance, in mathe- 
 matics, without subjecting him to the habit of rigid 
 analysis, and compelling him to see and assign, un- 
 prompted, a reason for every step, — without obliging him 
 to construct his own rules, and thus grow in discipline 
 every day ? Then you can never raise the little company 
 of your disciples to the mount of clear vision, and make 
 them strong-minded men ; you are, rather, in the great- 
 est danger of sinking them a thousand fathoms deep in 
 the Dead Sea." * 
 
 The teacher should incite his pupils so to study their 
 lessons that they may understand them, and give clear 
 and unequivocal proof of their comprehension when 
 called upon to recite. Let this be done thoroughly, and 
 Ave shall not see so many school-rooms filled with pupils 
 "who knoiVj but cannot tell. Pupils who have the 
 knowledge, but cannot find it. They know just where 
 it is ; but, like a thief's honesty, in the moment of trial 
 it is not there ! This genus is a large one ; and it de- 
 serves what editors call a notice, though I think not a 
 ptiff. They have studied all science and art, and know 
 everything, and yet know nothing. They seem to be 
 well versed, and 'ready to communicate,' so long- as the 
 question-asking teacher manages the ' discharging- rod.' 
 They are so ready to ansiver, that they seem to overflow 
 with knowledge. But, when without this assistance they 
 are called upon for an exposition of what they know, 
 alas ! they suddenly find that their knowledge, like fare- 
 
 * W. C. Goldthwait. 
 
166 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 ANECDOTE OP A PUPIL. 
 
 well emotions, 'lies too deep for utterance.' As it is 
 said of some cutaneous disorders, it has ' struck in,' — - 
 though, I believe, without producing any congestion at 
 the centre ! But, dropping the language of ridicule, we 
 should remember that the pupil does not know till he 
 can tellP 
 
 Some teachers have a wonderful faculty of ' ' carry- 
 ing''^ their pupils over much ground, without going into 
 it. It would answer about as well, if such should caji^y 
 their pupils on their shoulders over the book closed 
 and sealed. Some parents, too, appear to be perfectly 
 satisfied in knowing that their children are attending to 
 a long list of studies, though they may not acquire any 
 well-grounded, definite or thorough understanding of a 
 single branch. The learning and repeating of certain 
 stereotyped rules in a book are mistaken for a clear 
 understanding and general application of principles. 
 Pupils thus trained will resemble the youth in the fol- 
 lowing case. Says a teacher: ''A lad of seventeen 
 years once said to me, with an air of considerable import- 
 ance, ' I went through DabolVs Arithmetic three times 
 last ivinter,sir; and lean do any question in the 
 hardest ciphering -hook you can bring. ^ I did not dis- 
 pute him ; for I did not doubt that he could, mechani- 
 cally^ obtain the answer to almost any question he could 
 find in a book^ set down under a specific rule. But, 
 presuming that he, like many others, had made figures 
 without thinkings I asked him if he could tell me what 
 twenty pounds of beef would come to, at ten cents per 
 pound, provided two-thirds of it was fat. After a mo- 
 mentary and awkward hesitation, he said, ' If you will 
 tell me what the fat comes to, I will do the question.' 
 
LESSONS AND RECITATIONS. 167 
 
 THE " TRYING-OUT " PBOCESS. 
 
 As I smiled at this, he said, with much spirit, ' If you 
 will tell me what rule it comes under, I will do it.' I 
 continued silent, for his ludicrous embarrassment pre- 
 vented my speaking at the instant, when he, with great 
 earnestness, exclaimed, ' It is an unfair sum ; I never 
 saw such a sum in the book in my life.' " 
 
 And thus it is with many ; they do not examine^ 
 they do not think. They have not yet learned that 
 thinking has anything to do with an education. The 
 unfortunate lad, just alluded to, had never accustomed 
 his mind to seek for the ruhy and ivherefore. No ; that 
 two-thirds fat he could not digest ; he could not put it 
 under any rule ; — indeed, he had never before seen a 
 question that had any fat in it, and he was entirely 
 unacquainted with the ^ drying-out ^^ process. 
 
 It is, often, a fault, with a teacher, that he confines his 
 instruction to the strict letter of the text-book, and rests 
 satisfied if his pupils answer the questions, or solve the 
 problems, of the book, without making any attempt to 
 test their ability to apply the knowledge thus gained. 
 It is wonderful to see how much mere text-book knowl- 
 edge one may have, and yet possess little or no ability to 
 bring that knowledge to bear upon the practical, business 
 operations of every-day life. A certain man had a son 
 who was considered quite a prodigy in the mathematical 
 department. The father prided himself on the facility 
 and accuracy with which his son would perform all arith- 
 metical calculations and operations. On a certain occa- 
 sion he purchased, of a market-man, a load of turkeys. 
 The seller of the turkeys readily reckoned the amount he 
 was to receive for his load ; but this did not accord with 
 the purchaser's views. His son Solomon was the only 
 
168 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 TURKEY RULE. RECITATIONS. 
 
 one who could do such questions with sufficient accuracy 
 to suit him ; and Solomon was accordingly called, and 
 requested to ascertain what the load of turkeys would 
 come to. With slate in hand, he seated himself, and 
 heo;an makino; fig-ures. After a suitable time, he was 
 asked for the result. His reply was, "I have not quite 
 got it yet." After a longer time had elapsed, the father 
 again called, with some feeling of impatience, for the 
 answer, when Solomon said, "To tell the truth, father, 
 I cannot do the question, for I have never ciphered in 
 turkey rule." 
 
 Let the pupil be accustomed to receive ques^ons of a 
 practical nature, aside from those in the text-book, and 
 he will study his lessons with the intention of under- 
 standing them, and not with the mere design of repeating 
 the words or rules of the book. 
 
 Recitations. — Much depends upon the manner of 
 conducting a recitation. From a visit to some schools, 
 one might infer that it was the teacher's part to recite, — 
 and that, in many cases, to very inattentive listeners. 
 Some teachers talk so much and so loudly, in their 
 attempts to explain and simplify a lesson, as rather to 
 confuse than enlio-hten. 
 
 o 
 
 The scholar should be made to feel that it is his duty 
 to recite his lessons, and that the greatest merit will con- 
 sist in the clearest and promptest answers and solutions. 
 He should be made to feel that he must gain a clear and 
 definite understanding of the subject under consideration, 
 so that he may impart his knowledge in a plain and intel- 
 ligible manner. He should be induced to regard that 
 accuracy and positiveness in his explanations which can 
 only emanate from a complete and thorough comprehen- 
 
LESSONS AND RECITATIONS. 169 
 
 ANECDOTE. CLEARNESS. 
 
 sion of his subject. Many scholars acquire a habit of 
 indefiniteness and confusedness in relation to their les- 
 sons. They may feel pretty certain that one of two 
 answers is correct, but they cannot with any degree of 
 certainty say which. The color of the article under con- 
 sideration is either black or white, but which positively 
 they know not. They are in a condition like that of 
 the Irish recruit, who, on being asked, by his officer, 
 what his height was, replied that the man who meas- 
 • ured him said it was five feet ten, or ten feet five, but 
 exactly which it was he could not tell at all, at all, — 
 though sure he was that one of the two was right ; and 
 all this, too, with a feeling that either would answer. 
 Now, who cannot see that such indefiniteness is not 
 knowledge, — it is mere guessing? 
 
 The following excellent suggestions are from the pen 
 of Rufus Putnam, Esq., for many years principal of the 
 Bowditch School, Salem, Mass. : 
 
 '' Recitations should be conducted in the manner best 
 adapted to the cultivation of all the mental powers. In 
 recitations in geography, for example, the drawing of 
 maps is an exceedingly valuable exercise ; but it should 
 be done without reference to the map, except as it was 
 
 studied before cominn; to recitation The teacher 
 
 should ever esteem it a duty, of the- highest importance, 
 to do what he may to invest his pupils with the 'power of 
 fixing the attention. All else that the pupil may learn 
 will be of little value, compared with this; and if he 
 shall succeed in cultivating this faculty, and imparting 
 a high degree of this power, he may consider himself 
 amply repaid for any amount of labor it may have cost 
 him. It is not always easy to secure the undivided 
 15 
 
170 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 MODE OF CONDUCTING A RECITATION. 
 
 attention of scholars in time of recitation : they will listen 
 attentively to the remarks of the teacher ; but to listen 
 to each other while reciting, so carefully as to notice 
 their errors and omissions, is not so easy. I have found 
 no mode of conducting recitations better adapted to 
 secure the attention of the pupils, and to profit them in 
 every respect, than the following : 
 
 " The class should have all the time and assistance 
 they need to enable them to learn the lesson assigned, 
 so that no one shall come to the recitation unprepared, 
 except in consequence of his own neglect. The teacher 
 should propound the questions to the scholars, generally, 
 not in any particular order, but promiscuously ; stating 
 the question before naming the scholar who is to recite. 
 If any scholar does not understand the question, he will 
 make it known before any one is called to answer. If 
 the scholar called on does not know the question, he is 
 considered as failing, and another is called upon to 
 answer. As a general rule, the scholar should be allowed 
 to go through with his answer, right or wrong, without 
 assistance or interruption by either the teacher or one of 
 the class. If he commits an important error, neither the 
 teacher, nor another member of the class, should notice 
 it by any outward token whatever : and the next ques- 
 tion may be propounded just as if the last had been 
 answered correctly. The scholar next called on to 
 answer will correct the error made by the one who pre- 
 ceded him, if he observed it. If he does not correct it, 
 he, also, is charged with the error, although he should 
 answer his own question correctly ; — and so on, each 
 scholar being charged with as many errors as he allows 
 to pass uncorrected : though it may be best to require no 
 
LESSONS AND RECITATIONS. 171 
 
 DEFINITE ANSWERS. ANECDOTE. 
 
 scholar to correct more than one error. The teacher, 
 all the while, remains, as much as possible, a silent lis- 
 tener, until the recitation is finished, — carefully noticing 
 all the errors. Having thus exhausted the knowledge of 
 the class, as far as time will permit he will remark upon 
 any error which remains uncorrected ; decide who were 
 right, and who were wrong, among those who differed in 
 their answers ; and give such explanations and additiona. 
 instruction as the case demands. By conducting the 
 recitation in this way, a strong motive is presented to 
 the scholar to study the lesson carefully before recita- 
 tion ; to depend on himself, and not on his teacher, while 
 reciting ; to watch, attentively, the whole recitation ; to 
 discriminate between answers nearly^ and those which 
 are exactly, correct ; and, at the close of the recitation, to 
 listen with interest to the remarks which the intelligent 
 and faithful teacher will, if left to himself, seldom omit. 
 Good judgment will be needed in introducing such a 
 mode of conducting a recitation to a class unaccustomed 
 to it ; and it would not be expedient to observe this mode 
 strictly in hearing recitations upon all subjects, and from 
 pupils in every stage of advancement ; but I would rec- 
 ommend as near an approximation to it as the circum- 
 stances will admit." 
 
 Pupils should be required to give clear and well-defined 
 answers at the first trial. Many scholars have a won- 
 derful faculty of recovering from an incorrect answer, 
 after catching a hint of their inaccuracy from the class 
 or teacher. They say one way, and then recall it, and 
 say they ' ' meant to say ' ' so and so, which is often quite 
 the reverse of what they had said or thought previously. 
 A Frenchman once said of a certain sword, " Dis ish de 
 
172 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 HOW SOaiE PUPILS DO. 
 
 ^word vich Balaam had." "But," replied a hearer, 
 "Balaam had no sword; he only wished he had one." 
 "Well," said the pertinacious Frenchman; "I mean, 
 dis ish de very sword dat he vish he had." 
 
 Thus it is, often, with some scholars ; they discover 
 their error, and the true answer, from some circumstances 
 or expressions, and then undertake to assume a right 
 position by "0, yes; I meant so." Of course, they 
 meant to give the true answer, even if they knew it not. 
 
 Some teachers are much accustomed to having their 
 pupils recite in concert. This, I think, should not 
 often be encouraged. Some exercises may be recited by 
 the pupils simultaneously to good advantage ; but this 
 mode of recitino; too often constitutes a shield for the idle 
 and inaccurate pupils. Whenever it is adopted, the 
 teacher should insist that all answer immediately and at 
 the same instant, so that none may gain a " catch- word " 
 from others in his class. 
 
 The instructor should have the fullest assurance that 
 all rules, explanations, and illustrations, in connection 
 with a lesson, are perfectly comprehended. It is an 
 excellent plan to encourage scholars to ask questions, and 
 make observations, in reference to the passing lesson. 
 Let them, if possible, be so trained that they will feel 
 perfectly free to ask for any further explanation, or to 
 make any suggestions that may occur to their minds. 
 At the close of a recitation, it may be well to request any 
 member of a class to ask any question in reference to 
 the lesson, or name any point upon which he would like 
 to receive more or clearer information. It is of the 
 utmost importance that the desire to gain a distinct and 
 clear understanding of every subject be early and firmly 
 
LESSONS AND RECITATIONS. 173 
 
 J. D. PHILBK.ICK ON RECITATIONS. 
 
 formedj and, also, that a true spirit of self-reliance and 
 self-possession be carefully and earnestly encouraged and 
 promoted. 
 
 J. D. Philbrick, for many years an efficient teacher in 
 Boston, and now principal of the Connecticut State Nor- 
 mal, uses the following very sensible remarks, in answer- 
 ing the question, '•'' Hoic shall the teacher proceed^ i?i 
 order to render a 'particular recitation as pleasant and 
 profitable as possible ? " 
 
 '' As a preliminary step, in attempting to reach this 
 result, it^is important to give pupils definite and partic- 
 ular directions as to the manner of preparing their les- 
 sons, and the manner in which they will be expected to 
 recite. The difficulties they will be likely to meet 
 should be anticipated, and, though not solved and cleared 
 up, such hints should be thrown out as the case may 
 require. The means of securing faithful preparation, on 
 the part of pupils, does not come within the range of our 
 present subject. But let us suppose that object attained, 
 and the recitation commences. 
 
 '■^ Atte7ition is the most important thing now to be 
 required of the pupils, — undivided attention, — the atten- 
 tion of the whole class as lono; as the recitation continues. 
 I put an important question to one of my pupils a few 
 days since, which he could not answer, and pleaded as 
 an excuse, and with eyes filled with tears, that it was 
 not in the book, and he had never heard it before. But 
 the fact was, that it had been discussed and answered, in 
 his presence, on the day previous, while he was inatten- 
 tive, and so he was none the wiser for what had been said 
 about it. Instruction is wasted on minds while in such 
 a state. It is seed sown by the wayside. 
 15^ 
 
174 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 ATTENTION. ENERGY. 
 
 '' Attention is a fundamental requisite of a good reci- 
 tation, and must be secured, at any cost ; for, without it, 
 the best of instruction can neither be understood nor 
 retained. The teacher should leave no expedient untried 
 till he has succeeded here ; for it is idle to obtain other 
 conquests while this victory remains to be achieved. But 
 he must not attempt impossibilities, and contend against 
 nature, with the expectation of a complete mastery ; for 
 there are some wits so wandering, that no art can keep 
 them on the same subject for a long time. Pupils of 
 this description need to have the kaleidoscope turned 
 often before their mental vision. The attention of young 
 scholars is soon wearied ; and it is very injudicious to 
 drag their jaded minds through long recitations. Their 
 mental repast should be short and sweet. They will 
 come to them, then, with a sharp appetite, though often 
 called. 
 
 " Before dismissing this topic, it is proper to observe 
 that there are two kinds of attention, — that which is 
 caused by an interest in the subject under consideration, 
 and that which is yielded from a sense of duty, and under 
 the pressure of necessity. The former should be aimed 
 at when it is desirable to deposit knowledge in the mem- 
 ory safely. The latter is useful as a mental discipline. 
 When the Athenian orator was asked what was the most 
 important thing in speaking, he replied, ^Action; the 
 second requisite, action; the third, action.^ And I 
 would say the same of attention^ in recitation. 
 
 " Energy is another essential requisite in a good reci- 
 tation. This quality should never be omitted. It should 
 enter into every action, however minute and trivial. In 
 rising up and in sitting down, in the posture of the body 
 
LESSONS AND RECITATIONS. 175 
 
 THE teacher's MANXER AND EXAMPLE. 
 
 and holding the book, it should be constantly insisted 
 upon. Indistinct utterance is, not unfrequently, the 
 result of a slothful habit of using the organs of speech, 
 especially the tongue and lips. In such cases, energy is 
 the only remedy. The organs of the body, as well as 
 the faculties of the mind, should be trained to prompt 
 and vigorous action in every exercise in the recitation 
 TV here it is possible. A right use of the respiratory organs 
 is an efficient means of promoting habits of energetic 
 action. I suppose that it was on this principle that Na- 
 poleon selected men for action who were provided with 
 ample nostrils and capacious lungs. 
 
 "But, in our earnestness and zeal for the for titer in 
 re, it is well, on the other hand, to guard against forget- 
 fulness of the siiaviter in rnodo. Energy should be 
 well tempered with the attractive grace of gentleness. 
 It may be useful, also, to bear in mind, that there is a 
 marked difference between energy and noise, — a differ- 
 ence similar to that between lio-htnins; and thunder. The 
 literal meaning of energy is into ard-wor kin gness ; and, 
 where it really exists, it will make itself felt, though 
 speaking in a ' still small voice.' 
 
 ' ' The example of the teacher is the best mode of secur- 
 ing energetic habits in pupils. Energy is contagious. 
 Let the teacher be active, brisk, and decisive, in his 
 manner, and the same qualities will be reflected in his 
 pupils. On the other hand, who ever found a class any- 
 thino; but tame and listless in the hands of a teacher 
 eminent for sluggishness and inactivity ? There is no 
 better rule on this subject than that in the holy proverb, 
 ' Whatever our hands find to do, let us do it with all our 
 might.' 
 
176 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 ENCOURAGEMENT. — EXACTNESS. 
 
 ^^ Encouragement^ wlien judiciously applied, is a 
 powerful agent in promoting the objects of recitation. It 
 is what scholars of all grades need. Children must have 
 it, or they will not succeed. Encouragement, in educa- 
 tion, is like the sun in the natural world ; nothing can 
 supply its place. The teacher who knows how to dis- 
 pense his smiles of approbation wields a greater power 
 than ever slept in the rod, or was contained in the lan- 
 guage of censure and reproach. Make a pupil timik he 
 can do a thing, and he can do it. Possunt, quia posse 
 videntur. This is a consideration which requires partic- 
 ular attention, as teachers are constantly prone to bestow 
 the largest share of encouragement where it is least 
 needed. How much more are the bright and bold schol- 
 ars praised, and cheered on, than the dull and timid ! 
 Scholars should be encouraged to ask questions and sug- 
 gest the difficulties which occur to their minds ; for sensi- 
 ble and pertinent questions require thought, and promote 
 mental activity. The skilful teacher will answer one 
 question in such a manner as to provoke many more ; 
 and, when the appetite of liis pupil has become sufficiently 
 keen, he will be directed to the sources of information, 
 and encouraged to work the mine of knowledge on his 
 own account. 
 
 '■^Exactness is a point which should be rigorously de- 
 manded in recitation. There can be no such thing as 
 good scholarship, or good instruction, without it. In 
 pronunciation, it is not enough to avoid inaccuracies ; the 
 utterance should be complete in every respect, and free 
 from all defects. Fragments of sentences, and incohe- 
 rent phrases, should not be received as answers to ques- 
 tions. It fosters a slovenly habit of expression, and robs 
 
I 
 LESSONS AND RECITATIONS. 177 
 
 A MODE OP ANSWERING. 
 
 the pupil of the best practical means of acquiring readi- 
 ness and correctness in the use of language. It is an 
 important rule to require the pupil to include the ques- 
 tion in his answer, and form a complete sentence, which 
 can stand alone. For example ; if the teacher put the 
 question, ' What is the capital of France ? ' it is not 
 enough, to receive for the answer, ' Paris.' The answer 
 should be thus, — ' The capital of France is Paris,' or 
 thus, — ' Paris is the capital of France.' I am aware 
 that it will be objected to this mode that it consumes too 
 much time ; but, if a teacher will but adopt it, and prac- 
 tise it for some time, he will find that it is well, some- 
 times. ' to staj a little, that he may make an end the 
 sooner.' 
 
 "In every recitation, it should be the aim of the 
 teacher to call into exercise as many faculties as possible ; 
 for it is only by exercising them that they can be developed 
 and perfected. When it is possible, principles should be 
 deduced from the particular facts under consideration ; 
 the pupils made to see how much more valuable the 
 knowledge of one general truth is, than the knowledge of 
 many facts. Every sort of routine in recitation should 
 be avoided. The teacher who would be very successful 
 must tax his invention to find out ways of varying the 
 exercises, though always keeping the great end in view." 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 EXAMINATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS. 
 
 School examinations, judiciously regarded and prop- 
 erly conducted, have a beneficial effect upon teachers, 
 pupils, and parents ; but, that they may answer their 
 true design, and produce the favorable results for which 
 they are instituted, their object should be clearly under- 
 stood and wisely observed. An examination in the pros- 
 pect should tend to stimulate both teachers and pupils so 
 to perform all their school duties that they will, at any 
 time, bear a strict and candid inspection. It should not, 
 however, be considered as an end^ but merely as an 
 auxiliary, in the great work of education. 
 
 It is sometimes the case that an instructor and his 
 pupils look upon examination-day as the day for which 
 all previous school days were made ; and they apply all 
 their powers, and devote all their energies, to a formal 
 preparation for its exercises. This is all wrong, as it 
 tends to form incorrect views in relation to the true 
 nature and purpose of all school training. Teachers and 
 pupils should daily labor with a strong desire to do their 
 work so faithfully that it will at all times bear the test 
 of a close examination. Nothing can be more erroneous 
 than the idea, which some appear to entertain, that the 
 exercises and recitations of a single day, in the presence 
 of a crowd of people, who have entered the school-room 
 for the first time during the year, will afibrd a fair 
 
EXAMINATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS. 179 
 
 THE OBJECT OF EXAMINATIONS. 
 
 criterion for deciding upon the condition of a school, and 
 of the past fidelity of teacher and pupils. On such occa- 
 sions, the very circumstances will tend greatly to modify 
 the real appearance of a school, both as regards deport- 
 ment and recitations. The unusual assemblage often 
 tends to abash or confuse the best pupils of a school. 
 Many a good scholar has had his spirits crushed, and his 
 ardor checked, by failures resulting from embarrassment 
 on the day of examination. On such occasions, the chil- 
 dren are frequently subjected to an ordeal that would be 
 trying to adults. Sometimes the mere excitement attend- 
 ant upon an examination causes many pupils to appear to 
 great disadvantage. 
 
 The true object of an examination should be, to ascer- 
 tain whether, under all the circumstances, teacher and 
 pupils have performed their daily duties in a faithful and 
 intelligent manner, so that they deserve the continued 
 approval of committees and parents. The desired knowl- 
 edge on this point can be more satisfactorily obtained by 
 occasional and informal visits to a school, than on a set 
 examination-day. I would, therefore, suggest, that, 
 instead of the mode of examining schools now so com- 
 mon, committees should visit the schools under their 
 charge as frequently as may be, and without previous 
 notice. At these visits, they should examine the several 
 classes, with as much thoroughness as may be desirable, 
 to ascertain their true condition. The teacher's methods 
 of teaching and governing should also be carefully ob- 
 served, and every step taken that may seem essential to 
 gain a correct understanding of the true condition of the 
 school. 
 
 These occasional visits will afford an insight into the 
 
180 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 EXHIBITIONS. 
 
 fevery-daj movements and state of the school, and give a 
 more just view of the nature of the relation which sub- 
 sists between the instructor and pupils. Results, in 
 themselves highly satisfactory, as exhibited on examina- 
 tion-day, may have been produced by methods and pro- 
 cesses very unsatisfactory. 
 
 At the times of these visitations, it should be the aim 
 of the teacher to conduct the several exercises precisely 
 as he does when no visitors are present, that the school 
 may appear in its usual condition. If the committee 
 wish to examine any class or classes more at length, the 
 teacher should most cheerfully acquiesce, and do all 
 within his power to impart a correct understanding of the 
 condition of the school, with all its defects, as well as 
 excellences. If pupils have been idle or heedless, let it 
 be seen to their disadvantage ; if they have been diligent 
 and attentive, let it appear to their credit. 
 
 If these informal visits shall tend to satisfy the com- 
 mittee that the schools have been laboring wisely and 
 faithfully in all their relations, an opportunity should be 
 aiforded the teachers, at the close of their several terms, 
 to present such an exhibition of the school as may best 
 tend to interest parents and pupils. But it should be 
 regarded as an exhibition, and not as an examination. 
 It should be an occasion that will be alike gratifying to 
 pupils and parents, — a sort of assurance that school 
 duties have been so satisfactorily performed as to entitle 
 pupils and teacher to the privilege of exhibiting their 
 more pleasing and less irksome exercises. The speaking 
 of pieces, rehearsal of dialogues, and reading of composi- 
 tions, may, in part, constitute the exercises on these occa- 
 sions. Their true object should be, to show what the 
 
EXAMINATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS. 181 
 
 THEATKICAL SHOW TO BE AVOIDED. 
 
 pupils can do, — to present the school in its most favor- 
 able aspect. Such exhibitions will tend to interest 
 parents, and induce many to enter the school-room who 
 would not come, under ordinary circumstances, — and, 
 if rightly improved, they will furnish opportunities for 
 calhng the attention of parents to some of their school 
 duties and obligations. It should, however, be the aim 
 of all concerned to avoid every appearance of mere theat- 
 rical show, and to have all the exercises such as have a 
 salutary influence and leave pleasant impressions. 
 16 
 
CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 MULTIPLICITY OF STUDIES. 
 
 There is a feeling quite too prevalent, in the commu- 
 nity, that a multiplicity of studies is really essential to 
 good scholarship. Hence, Qnamj branches are attended 
 to superficially^ while no branch is pursued systemat- 
 ically and thoroughly. Parents and pupils frequently 
 imbibe the impression that a long list of studies will pro- 
 duce good scholars. But a more stupendous error can- 
 not be conceived. Our schools, at best, can furnish but 
 a foundation.^ upon which the whole subsequent life 
 must erect a superstructure. It is vastly more important 
 that this foundation be accurately, strongly, and fitly 
 made, than that it contain a great variety of material. 
 
 I would not be understood as undervaluing the higher 
 branches, but merely as being opposed to substituting 
 them for the elementary and indispensable ones. I would 
 not have a pupil attend to geography of the heavens until 
 he knew something of the geography of the earth ; nor 
 would I allow Chemistry, Astronomy, Geometry, Botany, 
 Geology, and a long list of other ologies.^ to take the 
 place of Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, and other fun- 
 damental studies. Let a good foundation be well and 
 thoroughly laid, and then the pupil has that on which he 
 may rear a superstructure of any desired nature and 
 extent. But, how often is it that pupils are allowed to 
 fritter away their time upon some of the more accom- 
 
MULTIPLICITY OF STUDIES. 183 
 
 TOO MANY STUDIES. — ANECDOTE. 
 
 »■ ■ ■ I, , .. ■- — ■ — ■ „ . _ — ■ — ■ - . -■ -■ ■ ■ — , 
 
 plished, though really less useful branches, and that, too, 
 when they are sadly deficient in their elementary train- 
 ing ! How many misses spend their time on music and 
 embroidery, French and painting, who might, with more 
 propriety, spend some time over the spelling-book, and 
 in learning the uses of the needle and the flat-iron, or 
 listening to the music of the broom ! 
 
 A gentleman, who was for many years at the head of 
 a popular academy, says : "A young lady once came to 
 place herself under my care, with the intention of becom- 
 ing a teacher. Upon examination, I found her exceed- 
 ingly ignorant in the common branches of an English edu- 
 cation; but, perceiving, from her appearance, that she 
 had a course of study marked out in her own mind. I asked 
 her what branches she wished to pursue while under 
 my care. Said she, ' I wish to study Chemistry, Philos- 
 ophy, Astronomy, and French. — paint a mourning-piece, 
 read Spanish, conjecture a map, and learn bigotry? " 
 Thinking the last-named sufficiently abounded without 
 culture, he very readily conjectured that there was some 
 mistake in the nomenclature ; and, upon further examin- 
 ation, he was induced to substitute botany for bigotry. 
 And is it not true, that, in many schools, there are 
 scholars who can neither pronounce nor spell the names 
 of the branches they pursue ? 
 
 The truth is, that nearly every man has some favorite 
 study, which he wishes to have occupy a prominent place 
 on the catalogue of school studies ; and, if the notions 
 and whims of all should be gratified, it would require no 
 inconsiderable efibrt merely to remember the names of 
 the various branches to be pursued. I recently heard 
 quite a discussion on the propriety of making agriculture 
 
184 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 PROPER STUDIES FOR COMMON SCHOOLS. 
 
 a distinct subject of school instruction. Now, though we 
 have a very exalted opinion of farming, we can see no 
 good reason why it should be singled out from the numer- 
 ous other occupations as a department of common-school 
 study ; and, should such be the case, we should soon find 
 other occupations clamorous for their share of attention, 
 until it would be necessary to construct school-houses on 
 entirely new principles. While, outside, a small farm 
 would be needed, we should, within, in addition to the 
 usual study-room, want one for a carpenter's shop, one 
 for a smithery, another for a cooperage, another for a 
 shoemaker's, with a basement for a cotton factory, and 
 the attic for a tinman's shop. These, in full operation 
 at one and the same time, under the superintendence of 
 one man, would render all occasion for vocal music un- 
 necessary: and, if the young did not become qualified 
 for the pursuits of life, they would certainly become 
 familiar with the din of business. 
 
 Our common schools, constituted as they are, should 
 be hmited as to the branches to be taught in them. 
 Reading, Spelling, Penmanship, Arithmetic, Geography 
 and EQstory, Grammar, including, of course, composition 
 and letter-writing, single-entry Book-keeping, probably 
 comprise all the branches that can be advantageously 
 pursued in our public schools. These, thoroughly and 
 properly taught, will fit the young for assuming a respect- 
 able stand in life ; but the acquisition of higher branches, 
 without a well-grounded understanding of these, will 
 only subject one to constant occasions for mortification. 
 What matters it, if one understands Chemistry, Geometry, 
 French, and Latin, with many other branches, if he can- 
 
MULTIPLICITY OF STUDIES. 185 
 
 NO TEACHER SHOULD IMITATE SERVILELY. 
 
 not read intelligibly, spell correctly, write legibly, or 
 pen a neat and readable letter ? 
 
 Assuming that the above branches are all that can be 
 profitably introduced into our common schools, I will 
 proceed to speak of each of them separately, and impart 
 such hints in relation to each as may seem most import- 
 ant. It will not be my purpose to tell precisely how 
 each branch shall be taught ; but I shall, rather, aim to 
 make such suggestions in relation to each as may be of 
 some value to those who may engage in the great busi- 
 ness of educating the young. Every instructor, who 
 would be truly successful, must constantly draw upon 
 his own resources ; and, while he may profit much from 
 the suggestive hints of others, he should strive, studiously 
 and wisely, to improve from these hints, by modifying 
 plans, and adapting them to the peculiar wants and cir- 
 cumstances of his own school. It is the part of wisdom 
 and prudence to draw instruction from every proper 
 source, — it is the part of folly servilely to imitate, in 
 all particulars, the plans and movements of any one, 
 regardless of circumstances. 
 
 The hints I may give, or the suggestions I may make, 
 will, it is believed, prove, directly or indirectly, service- 
 able to others ; and, possibly, some of the modes of teach- 
 ing that may be designated may be deemed worthy of 
 adoption. If, in relation to a single branch, some new 
 idea may be developed, or some new interest awakened 
 in the mind of any one, the author will feel that his 
 labor has not been whoUy in vain, or useless. 
 16* 
 
CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 READING. 
 
 Of the several branches attended to in our schools j no 
 one exceeds, in importance, that of reading; and, per- 
 haps, it may be added, that none is so imperfectly taught. 
 There are various reasons for this ; two or three of which 
 I will allude to. 
 
 In the first place, the number of those in the commu- 
 nity who read but miserably, or indifferently, is so much 
 greater than that of those who read with a good degree 
 of excellence, that an imperfect model is constantly exert- 
 ing its influence. Both teachers and pupils are unfavor- 
 ably affected by this. It is not easy to over-estimate the 
 good results of a correct example, nor to magnify the ill 
 consequences of a wrong one. 
 
 Again ; there is, on the part of the young, and also of 
 many older persons, too much of a feeling, that a mere 
 repetition of words constitutes reading, and that an ability 
 to utter them with great rapidity is the highest attain- 
 ment to be gained. This feeling, when it prevails, — and 
 it often does, — stands directly in the way of all true 
 advancement. It must be removed, before the first up- 
 ward step can be taken ; and, to effect this, will require 
 the patient, continued, and judicious efforts of the teacher, 
 and particular care and perseverance on the part of the 
 learner. 
 
 Another obstacle in the way of good reading has been 
 
READING. 187 
 
 SET RULES NOT DESIRABLE. 
 
 the small degree of prominence which has been attached 
 to the exercise. In most schools, it has received a very 
 formal attention, once or twice daily ; in but few have 
 pupils been thoroughly and systematically trained in the 
 science of reading ; in fewer still have they been inspired 
 with a right estimate of the importance of the subject. 
 The large number of pupils usually under the care of 
 one teacher, and the variety of branches introduced into 
 our schools, have made it almost impossible for the 
 instructor to do all that has been desirable. In the press 
 of school duties, reading, too often, receives a hurried 
 attention, and is treated more as a merely prescribed 
 study than as one oi pinrnary consideration. 
 
 It will not be my aim to give sj^ecific rules for teach- 
 ing this branch, but, rather, to give a few such suggest- 
 ive hints as may be of some value to teachers. While it 
 is admitted that formal and precise rules may be of service 
 in many instances, it is also believed, that a teacher, who 
 possesses the ability to read well himself, and to infuse 
 the right spirit into his pupils, will form good readers, 
 " in spite " of set rules, and, often, better without than 
 with their aid. 
 
 ''Three things, only," says the Rev. J. Pierpont, 
 •'are required, to make a good reader. He must read 
 so, in the first place, that what he reads shall be heard ; 
 in the second, that it shall be understood ; and, in the 
 third, that it shall be felt. If a boy has voice, and intel- 
 ligence, and taste enough, to do all this, then, under the 
 personal guidance and discipline of a teacher who can 
 read well, he will learn to read well ; but, if he has 
 not, he may study rules, and pore over the doctrine of 
 
188 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 SOME ESSENTIALS FOR READING WELL. 
 
 cadences and inflections, till ' cliaos come again,' — he 
 •will never be a good reader." 
 
 In relation to the same subject, R. G. Parker thus 
 speaks : "I have long been convinced that a good reader 
 was never made by rules. Under the guidance of taste, 
 judgment, discrimination, and good sense, the pupil will 
 arrive at a better style of reading than when cramped by 
 a rule, or confused by directions. The only rule that I 
 esteem of any value, to one who is learning to read, is 
 this : Study the meaning of what you propose to read, — 
 and, when you thoroughly understand it, pronounce it 
 with the same tones, emphasis, pause, and accent, that 
 you would use if you were uttering the same sentiments 
 in common conversation." 
 
 It is one of the first essentials, that the young should 
 be thoroughly and carefully trained to habits of accuracy 
 and distinctness of utterance, articulation, and enuncia- 
 tion. These should receive special attention in primary 
 schools ; but, if scholars pass through these without such 
 elementary discipline, it should be imparted to them as 
 soon after as possible, — for the longer incorrect habits, 
 of any kind, are indulged, the more difficult will it be to 
 eradicate them, and to form good ones in their stead. 
 Every faithful teacher knows how very hard it is to break 
 up imperfect and indistinct habits of utterance. If a 
 child is allowed, for any length of time, to read in a 
 faulty tone of voice, it will require unwearied pains, on 
 the part of the teacher, to effect a change. But, if any 
 wrong habits have, either from neglect or from inaccurate 
 teaching, been formed, they should be studiously cor- 
 rected, before any true progress can be expected. 
 
 Pupils should early be made to understand, that good 
 
READING. 189 
 
 SUGGESTION ON READING. 
 
 reading does not consist in the mere calling of words. 
 They should be led to see and feel the difference between 
 good and bad reading, and trained to a nice perception of 
 correctness and incorrectness. It is only when one has 
 a just appreciation of a good style that he will be able to 
 read with the " spirit and understanding." In attempt- 
 ing to form or improve a correct taste, and lead pupils 
 readily and rightly to discriminate between an accurate 
 style of reading and that which is otherwise, it will be 
 well for the instructor to read a particular sentence, or 
 stanza, in several different ways, — each illustrative of 
 some defect or excellence, — and then call upon pupils to 
 indicate the style which they consider least defective, 
 and designate the errors in the other modes. Let us 
 suppose, for illustration, that the teacher reads the fol- 
 lowing stanza in the three or four different ways desig- 
 nated : 
 
 " Tell me not, in mournful numbers, 
 Life is but an empty dream ! 
 For the soul is dead that slumbers. 
 And things are not what they seem." 
 
 1. Read it too rapidly. 
 
 2. Read it in a monotone. 
 
 3. Read it as nearly correct as possible. 
 
 4. Read in a "drawling" tone. 
 
 After reading it in these several ways, and perhaps oth- 
 ers, call upon the pupils to name that which they con- 
 sider the best, and, also, to specify the defects in each 
 of the other modes. Much may be done by this course 
 towards forming a proper estimate of correct reading, — 
 and such an estimate must lie at the very foundation of a 
 good style. 
 
190 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 IMPORTANCE OF EMPHASIS. ANECDOTE. 
 
 It is a very common error, with teachers, that they 
 attempt too much at once. The true course is, to gain 
 one point at a time, — to teach one thing clearly and 
 thoroughly before passing to another. One of the most 
 prevalent faults, in schools, is that of reading too rapidly. 
 This habit usually has a train of evils connected with it, 
 such as a neglect of emphasis, disregard of inflection, 
 distinctness, &c. In order to eradicate this fault and its 
 attendant evils, it will be useful, occasionally, to require 
 a class to read short sentences in concert, — the teacher 
 reading first, — with particular reference to slowness, 
 clearness of enunciation, em^Dhasis, &c. If a few sen- 
 tences are selected, and used to illustrate the importance 
 of due emphasis, good results will attend the same. Let 
 us take an example : 
 
 A lad was intrusted with a message like the follo^ving : 
 '' Charles, go and inquire how old Mrs. Sensitive is this 
 morning ? " Not being particularly attentive to the true 
 force of the message, Charles put the emphasis on the 
 wrong monosyllable, and returned for an answer, that 
 ''Mrs. Sensitive would thank her neighbors not to 
 trouble themselves in relation to her age, as that was 
 something she felt competent to take care of herself." 
 
 Perhaps the short and common question, " Do you 
 ride to town to-day? " will serve as well as any to illus- 
 trate the importance of right emphasis. Let it be read 
 distinctly, in the various modes indicated by the italicized 
 words, and let the pupils be questioned and exercised 
 until they clearly see the qualifying efiect of emphasis. 
 
 '' Do you ride to town to-day? " 
 
 ^' Do you ride to town to-day? " 
 
 '' Do you ride to toiv7i to-day? " 
 
READING. 191 
 
 ONE THING AT A TIME. 
 
 '' Do jou ride to town to-day 7 " 
 
 The skilful instructor will not be at a loss in selecting 
 and using sentences whicli will illustrate this point of 
 our subject, — and he should do so at an early stage, as 
 reading without due regard to emphasis is as uninvit- 
 ing as a painting in which no attention has been given to 
 light and shade. Let the above, and other similar sen- 
 tences, be read with the various changes of emphasis, so 
 that pupils will see that each change gives a new shade 
 to the import of the line. 
 
 A similar course may be taken in reference to inflection, 
 pitch, tone, &c. ; the prominent object being to attend to 
 but one thing at a time, and to do that in such a manner 
 as will make every tiling perfectly plain to the learner. 
 If a pupil has contracted an unpleasant tone, immediate 
 attention should be given to its correction. To accom- 
 plish this, let the teacher read a short sentence, and 
 require the pupil to repeat it without looking upon the 
 book, and to continue doing so until he gives each word 
 its proper sound. A whole class may, sometimes, utter 
 words and sentences in concert to some advantage; 
 though all concert exercises should be conducted with 
 much discretion and care, — otherwise, they will serve to 
 cover up existing defects. If the teacher is a good 
 reader, — and every one should be, — he should often 
 read to his pupils, that they may have the benefit of his 
 example ; but, if his style is characterized by any prom- 
 inent defect, the less frequently he reads, the better it 
 will be for his pupils. In this respect, it can hardly be 
 said that an imperfect model is better than none. 
 
 It will prove interesting and profitable occasionally to 
 conduct a reading exercise in poetry in the following 
 
192 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 PUPILS SHOULD UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY READ. 
 
 manner. Let the first scholar read the first line, the 
 second the next, and so on, through the class, — each 
 one being required to commence and end with the same 
 tone and inflection as he would if he should read the 
 whole. This method will tend to secure the closest atten- 
 tion, and will be attended with some advantages. 
 
 If the teacher can succeed in awakening a proper spirit 
 of criticism, it will prove beneficial ; but he should strive 
 to guard against the exercise of a selfish or unkind spirit 
 in relation to this point. But, if he cannot secure a 
 kindly feeling in this matter, it would be better not to 
 seek its benefit. A little judgment and prudence will, 
 ordinarily, produce right feeling and action. When this 
 is the case, after a pupil has read a paragraph, let the 
 other members of a class be allowed, under certain 
 restrictions, to allude to any defects or errors that they 
 may have noticed. This may help to form a watchful 
 and discriminating habit. 
 
 In order to read well, one should have a full and clear 
 understanding of the piece which he attempts to read. 
 He should, if possible, comprehend the feelings and inten- 
 tions of the writer, that he may, for the time, make them 
 liis own. Hence, a teacher should incite his pupils to 
 study their reading lessons, that they may gain a correct 
 view of the writer's meaning. 
 
 It is often the case, that teachers allow pupils to 
 read too much at one time. It would prove much more 
 beneficial, to require an entire class to read the same 
 stanza or paragraph, and do it properly, than to allow 
 them to pass over many pages imperfectly. If a class is 
 large, and time will not suffice to give special drilling to 
 every member, let the reading be confined to a less num- 
 
READING. 193 
 
 A PAPER OR STORY-BOOK USEFUL. 
 
 ber, and be carefully attended to by them. The general 
 remarks, criticisms, &c., will be for the benefit of all. 
 
 In addition to the reading lesson of the regular text- 
 book, it will be found interesting and profitable to allow 
 scholars, occasionally, to read s^me interesting story or 
 narrative from some other book or paper. As only the 
 one reading will have the piece before his eyes, the others 
 will feel the importance of distinctness, &c. It may be 
 well for the teacher to name three or four scholars daily, 
 from whom he will expect the reading of suitable extracts 
 on the ^next day. This will allow them to study the 
 same, with a particular reference to reading them under- 
 standingly. Occasionally, the teacher may allow a whole 
 class to make selection of stanzas or passages for read- 
 ing, and allow them a short time for examining the same. 
 This will tend to awaken an interest. The devoted and 
 judicious instructor will ever aim to impress upon the 
 minds of his pupils the true importance of good reading, 
 and constantly strive so to conduct the exercise as to 
 secure the desired end. 
 ^ 17 
 
CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 SPELLING. 
 
 To the list of branches attended to in our schools, that 
 of spelling is, almost universally, added ; and yet it is, 
 probably, less thoroughly taught than most others. Many 
 teachers seem to regard it as too simple to require their 
 notice ; and hence, scholars may, often, be found quite 
 proficient in some of the higher studies, -when they are 
 very deficient in their knowledge of orthography. One 
 may be able to write a letter which shall be alike excel- 
 lent in diction and penmanship, and yet, if it is marred 
 by instances of bad spelling, its very excellences will 
 seem like deformities. Beautiful thoughts, elegantly 
 expressed and neatly wTitten, may be entirely ineifective 
 if set forth in a dress orthographically false, — even as 
 the beauty of a painting may be destroyed by a few inac- 
 curacies, though the colors be ever so brilliant. Indeed, 
 elegant writing and poor spelling seem most sadly at 
 variance, when most closely connected. There is a very 
 unequal and uncongenial "yoking together," which must 
 at once attract the notice and pain the eye of every care- 
 ful and critical beholder. 
 
 Very ludicrous errors are sometimes made by inac- 
 curacies in speWing. Many years ago, a few citizens 
 of a district in a certain town sent a petition to the 
 selectmen, requesting a meeting of the inhabitants to 
 be called, for the purpose of making a division of the 
 
SPELLING. 195 
 
 ANECDOTE. ERRORS IN TEACHING SPELLING. 
 
 town. This petition did not contain the legal number of 
 names, and was returned by the chairman of the select- 
 men, with the following answer: "Your request cannot 
 be complied with, because there are not the necessary 
 number of sinners [signers] on your petition." This 
 rather aroused the feelings of the petitioners, who de- 
 clared that their part of the town did not abound in 
 sinners^ and it was for that reason, in part, that they 
 wished to be divorced from the other section. 
 
 In itself, the exercise of spelling is dry and uninterest- 
 ing ; and hence it is the more essential that the instructor 
 should strive so to conduct, and vary the mode of conduct- 
 ing it, as to make it attractive. With most young schol- 
 ars, the usual oral method must be adopted ; but, as soon 
 as pupils are able to write, much time may be devoted to 
 Avritten exercises. Indeed, quite young scholars may be 
 allowed to write, or prints words upon slates or black- 
 boards. There will be a three-fold advantage in this, — 
 it will teach them to write or draw, keep them employed, 
 and aid them in acquiring a knowledge of spelling. 
 
 After briefly noticing one or two errors in the manner 
 of conducting lessons in spelling, I will proceed to 
 name two or three plans which may be found valuable 
 and agreeable. 
 
 Eri'or 1. — Many teachers pronounce words improp- 
 erly, by endeavoring to speak them too distinctly ; as, 
 va-ri'-a-tion, la-bd-rl'-ous, e-vap-6'-rato^ &c. 
 
 Words should be plainly pronounced, and precisely 
 as they would be uttered by a correct speaker. An 
 undue emphasis, or prolongation of the utterance of a 
 syllable, may enable the scholar to spell the word as 
 
196 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 METHODS FOR SPELLING. 
 
 pronounced, but will never make him an expert speller 
 of words as properly spoken. 
 
 Error 2. — The practice of allowing pupils to try 
 upon a word more than once. 
 
 It is very common to meet with teachers who habitu- 
 ally allow their pupils to try two or more times upon 
 each word. I consider this entirely wrong. It only 
 tends to confirm an uncertain knowledge in relation to 
 words, — and is not spelling, but mere guessing. Pre- 
 cision, promptness, and accuracy, should be insisted upon, 
 on the part of pupils, in all spelling exercises. If the 
 oral mode is adopted, the teacher should speak the word 
 once, distinctly and properly. The pupil should pro- 
 nounce it after him, and then proceed to spell it, pro- 
 nouncing each and every syllable as he spells. It is not 
 workman-like style to spell a word without pronouncing 
 the syllables. It may be well, at times, to require a 
 whole class to pronounce a word in concert, after given 
 out by the teacher, and before it is spelt by the pupil. 
 This will tend to command the attention of the whole 
 class. In spelling long words, it may sometimes be of 
 service to pronounce a word, require the class to repeat 
 it in concert, and then have the first scholar in the class 
 give the first letter, the second the next, and so on, until 
 all the letters are named. In this case, the syllables 
 may be pronounced by the whole class as soon as com- 
 pleted ; or, as soon as the letters of a syllable have been 
 named in order, the next pupil may name the syllable, 
 instead of giving the next letter, and so on. I will 
 take, for illustration, the word oc-ca-sion. The whole 
 class may pronounce the word ; then the first scholar 
 may utter o, the second c, the third pronounce oc, the 
 
SPELLING. 197 
 
 HINTS ON SPELLING. 
 
 fourth c, the fifth a, the sixth ca^ and the whole class 
 oc-ca^ the seventh 5, the eighth i, the ninth o, the tenth 
 n, the eleventh sion, and the whole class oc-ca-sion. 
 This will animate a class, and be attended with some 
 advantages. At all events, it will help to spice the exer- 
 cise with variety. 
 
 In order to secure the perfect attention of a class, the 
 following methods will be found valuable"; and, at the 
 same time, they will aid in awakening an interest, and 
 causing improvement. 
 
 1. Read a short sentence distinctly, and require every 
 word to be spelt by the class, — the first scholar pro- 
 nouncing and spelling the first word, the next scholar 
 the second, and so on, until all the words in the sen- 
 tence have been spelt. After a little practice in this 
 method, scholars will be able to go through with quite 
 long sentences, with a good degree of accuracy and 
 promptness. Many valuable truths and proverbs may 
 in this way be impressed upon the mind, while attention 
 is more directly given to orthography. The following 
 may be samples : 
 
 A good scholar will be industrious and obedient. 
 If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.' 
 Take care of the minutes, and the hours will take care 
 of themselves. 
 
 A soft answer turneth away wrath. 
 
 2. It will be well, often, to make all the members of a 
 class feel responsible for the accurate spelling of each and 
 every word. If the first member of a class misspells the 
 word given to him, let the teacher proceed and give out 
 the next word, without intimating whether the first was 
 correctly or incorrectly spelt. If the second scholar 
 
 17* 
 
198 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 METHODS PROPOSED. 
 
 thinks the first word was not correctly spelt, he will spell 
 itj instead of the one given to him ; and so on, through 
 the class, each being expected to correct any error 
 that may have been committed. If the first spells a 
 word wrong, and no one corrects it, let all be charged 
 with a failure. This method will amply compensate for 
 its frequent adoption. 
 
 I will now proceed to speak of some points in relation 
 to the mode of conducting the exercise by writing. Most 
 experienced teachers have, latterly, often adopted the 
 plan of writing words ; but, for the benefit of others, I 
 will specify one or two modes. 
 
 Let the teacher select words from some studied exer- 
 cise, either in the reading-book or spelling-book, pro- 
 nounce them distinctly, allowing time, after each word, 
 for all to write it legibly. After all the words have 
 been given out, each slate may be examined separately, 
 and all errors noted ; or, the members of a class may ex- 
 change slates, and each examine his companion's slate, — 
 while the teacher spells the words correctly, — and mark 
 the number wrong upon each slate. Or, instead of either 
 of these, the instructor may call upon some one to spell a 
 word as he has written it, and then request those who 
 have written differently to signify it by raising the hand. 
 Neither of these methods will consume much time, and 
 either of them will be preferable to the oral method. 
 
 It will sometimes be the case, that scholars will prove 
 themselves quite expert in spelling long or difficult words, 
 and yet make sad mistakes in spelling those that are 
 shorter, and, apparently, much easier. To remedy this, 
 it will be well, occasionally, to read, slowly, an entire 
 Stanza or paragraph, and require the members of a class 
 
SPELLING. 199 
 
 PROPER NAMES. 
 
 to write the same upon their slates. This course has its 
 advantages. 
 
 Again ; it is frequently the case that scholars are ex- 
 ceedingly deficient in ability to spell the names of coun- 
 tries, states, counties, towns, mountains, rivers, individu- 
 als, &c. Any teacher, who has not exercised his pupils 
 on such words, will be astonished at the number and 
 nature of the errors that will be committed by a class 
 on the first trial. Let teachers who have overlooked 
 words of this description, in conducting the spelling exer- 
 cise, commence by requesting their pupils to write all 
 the Christian names of their schoolmates, the names of 
 the counties in their native state, towns in the county, 
 and states in the Union. Though the result, at first, 
 may be neither very satisfactory nor gratifying, the plan, 
 if frequently adopted, will efiect much improvement. 
 
 It may be profitable, sometimes, to request the mem- 
 bers of a class to select, from a certain number of pages 
 in a book, some ten or twelve words, which may seem to 
 them of most difficult orthographical construction, which 
 shall, subsequently, be given to the class as a spelling 
 exercise. The prominent advantage in this plan results 
 from the fact that each scholar will, in searching for a 
 few words, notice the orthography of a much larger 
 number, — selecting such only as appear to him peculiarly 
 difficult. Li this way pupils will, unconsciously as it 
 were, study with interest a lesson in itself unattractive 
 to them. Favorable results will attend such a course. 
 
 If a school-room is well furnished with black-boards, 
 the words or sentences for the spelling exercise may be 
 written on them. In this case, it may be well to have 
 the exercise occur during the last half-hour of the day. 
 
200 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 BLACK-BOAUD MAT BE USED. 
 
 Let the scholars be required to write the "words, legiblj, 
 as soon as pronounced by the teacher. After all have 
 written, let the teacher examine the work, and draw a 
 line over such words as are incorrectly written, and 
 request that all errors be corrected immediately after 
 school is dismissed. It is very important that pupils 
 should be required to write all such exercises in a neat 
 and distinct manner. 
 
 At times it may be well to require scholars to divide 
 the words into their appropriate syllables, and to desig- 
 nate the accented syllable of each word ; as, an-ni-ver'- 
 sa-ry, me-men -to, la'-bor, la-bo' -ri-ous. 
 
 Another method of conducting the exercise of spelling 
 is the following; and we may add that, for more ad- 
 vanced schools, it possesses some advantages over either 
 of the others named. Let the teacher write, legibly, upon 
 the black-board, some twenty or more difficult words, and 
 allow them to remain long enough to be carefully studied 
 by the school. A few minutes before the close of the 
 school, let all the words be removed from the board. 
 Now, let each scholar put aside his books, and provide 
 himself with a narrow slip of paper. At the top of this, 
 or upon one side, let him write his name, and then the 
 words as dictated by the instructor. After all have 
 written the list of words that had previously been placed 
 upon the black-board, let the slips be collected, and taken 
 by the teacher, who may himself, aided, perhaps, by 
 some of his best spellers, examine the slips, and mark 
 those wrong upon each. At some hour of the next day, 
 let the teacher read the result to the whole school, statins 
 the number of errors committed by the several pupils ; 
 after which, the papers may be returned for correction. 
 
SPELLINa, 
 
 201 
 
 A SPECIMEN. 
 
 We will suppose, for illustration, that, on some day, the 
 teacher gives out the names of the months, days of the 
 week, and seasons of the year ; and that the following is 
 a sample of one of the papers, as returned by the teacher, 
 with errors marked : 
 
 
 AMOS MASON. 
 
 
 
 Eleven Errors. 
 
 
 January. 
 
 Feberwary. * 
 
 March. 
 
 April. 
 
 May. 
 
 June. 
 
 July. 
 
 August. 
 
 Septembur. * 
 
 Octobur. * 
 
 Novembur. * 
 
 Decembur. * 
 
 Sundy. * 
 
 Monddy. * 
 
 Tuesday. 
 
 Wensday, * 
 
 Thursday, 
 
 Friday. 
 
 Saterday. * 
 
 Spring. 
 
 Sumer. * 
 
 Autum. * 
 
 Winter. 
 
 
 In conducting this exercise, let the teacher insist upon 
 perfect distinctness in the writing of the words, and let 
 it be understood that every letter not perfectly plain will 
 be considered as wrong, and marked accordingly. It 
 w^ill be readily seen, that a little skill, on the part of the 
 teacher, in the selection of words, will make this a 
 highly useful and interesting exercise ; and the time for 
 the announcement of the number of errors will be looked 
 for with interest. 
 
 An attractive method, which may answer for oral or 
 written spelling, is the following : The instructor pro- 
 nounces a word, which is to be spelt by the first in the 
 class, who will immediately name another, commencing 
 with the final letter of the first word, which is to be spelt 
 by the next scholar ; and he, in turn, will name another 
 word, and so on, through the class. If the words are to 
 be written upon the slate, the same course may be taken, 
 
202 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 OTHER METHODS. 
 
 as to naming of words. Let us take, for illustration, the 
 following words : 
 
 Commotion. Rhetoric. 
 
 Nourishment. Circumstances. 
 
 Theoretical. Sympathy. 
 
 Language. Yellow. 
 
 Endeavor. Wandering. 
 
 An exercise of this kind will have its peculiar advan- 
 tages, the more prominent of which will be, the awaken- 
 ing of thought and interest. After a little practice, the 
 members of a class will be able to name words with a 
 great degree of promptness ; and an exercise of this kind 
 will be made highly interesting and profitable. 
 
 Another method, and the last I shall name, is the 
 following, which may prove very useful in the higher 
 classes of most schools. Let the teacher pronounce to a 
 class several words of difiicult orthography, or short sen- 
 tences containing such words, the pupils writing the 
 same upon their slates, as fast as dictated. After the 
 desired number of words and sentences have been written, 
 the instructor may address his class as follows : ' ' Schol- 
 ars, the words and sentences which I have just pro- 
 nounced may require from you some study. Examine 
 them carefully, ascertain the correct spelling and mean- 
 ing of each; and, when you have studied them suf- 
 ficiently, rub them from your slates. To-morrow I shall 
 give you the same exercise, and shall then expect you to 
 wi'ite them accurately." 
 
 Let us suppose that the following words and sentences 
 should be given for an exercise of this kind : 
 
 Aeronaut. * Anchovy. 
 
 Armistice. Acoustics. 
 
SPELLING. 203 
 
 A USEFUL METHOD. 
 
 Bronchitis. Beau ideal. 
 
 Colporteur. Guillotine. 
 
 Hemorrhage. Hemistich. 
 
 Thomas has an excellent daguerreotype likeness of his 
 mother. 
 
 The dahlia is a beautiful flower. 
 
 He was a successful merchant and a skilful financier. 
 
 The glaciers of Switzerland. 
 
 There is a beautiful jet d'eau on the common. 
 
 There was a beautiful giraffe in the menagerie. 
 
 His loss caused great poignancy of grief. 
 
 It was a successful ruse de guerre. 
 
 The pohce exercised strict surveillance. 
 
 This mode is well adapted for presenting words and 
 phrases whose orthography is peculiarly difficult, and 
 which occur less frequently than most words. 
 
CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 PENMANSHIP. 
 
 The acquisition of a neat, legible, and rapid style of 
 ■writing, is highly desirable, as a mere accomplishment, 
 but much more so as a useful attainment. Yet how few, 
 comparatively, are able to write in an attractive and 
 plain style ! How often are the eyes caused to ache, in 
 attempts to decij^her illegible manuscript ! How many 
 letters, in themselves jjleasantly interesting, are perused 
 with a degree of painful interest, on account of the 
 effort necessary to make out the meaning of the various 
 scrawls and hieroglyphical marks ! So great, often, is 
 the illegibility of a letter or manuscript, that it is neces- 
 sary to look it over repeatedly, in order to comprehend 
 the contents, — the matter, at first, being concealed by 
 the indistinctness of the style in which it is expressed. 
 Printers are frequently obliged to devote almost as much 
 time to deciphering nianuscript as they do in setting the 
 same in type. All this merely proves that penmanship 
 has not been properly attended to in our schools. The 
 reason why it has been so imperfectly taught has been, 
 in many instances, owing to the great number under 
 the care of one instructor, but oftener, probably, to the 
 want of true skill, ability, and system, on the part of the 
 teacher. In how many schools does the writing exercise 
 assume a mere formality, — regarded only because it is 
 one of the required exercises of the school-room ! Hence 
 
PENMANSHIP. 205 
 
 A CLEAR DISCERNMENT. 
 
 it iSj that page after page, and book after book, are writ- 
 ten, without any perceptible improvement. Indeed, in 
 some schools, one might suppose that the chief aim was 
 to write fast, and the chief merit to write through many 
 books. 
 
 If the teacher would have his pupils improve in pen- 
 manship, he must himself feel, and cause them to feel, 
 that the exercise is a useful and important one. In 
 addition to this, if he can furnish evidence, in well- 
 written copies, of his own ability and skill in writing, his 
 efforts to teach will prove much more successful. I will 
 proceed, briefly, to give a few hints, which may prove 
 valuable to the instructor : 
 
 1. The pupils should be made to discern the differ- 
 ence between good and poor writing. 
 
 This is of the very first importance, and but little 
 improvement can be, reasonably, expected without this. 
 Let the teacher make frequent use of the black-board, in 
 illustrating principles in writing. At first, some time 
 may be, very properly, spent in writing letters and words 
 upon the board, which will tend to illustrate degrees of 
 defect or excellence. For this purpose, let the teacher 
 write a particular letter or word several times. Let one 
 of these be as well made as can be, and the others repre- 
 sent different degrees of mal-formation. Then let him 
 call upon the pupils to point out defects, suggest improve- 
 ments, &c. Let him call their particular attention to the 
 importance of uniformity in the size and spacing of let- 
 ters, and regularity in the sloping, and explain the dif- 
 ference that should exist betAveen the length of the looped 
 letters and those not looped. Much may be done, in this 
 manner, to awaken some thought on the part of the 
 18 
 
206 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A FIXED TIME DESIRABLE. 
 
 learner, and to give him some definite ideas at the very 
 outset. 
 
 2. A particular time should be appropriated to this 
 exei'cise^ daily; and^ during this time^ it should 
 receive the earliest and undivided attention of both 
 teacher and pupils. 
 
 About three-fourths of an hour will be quite sufficient 
 for this purpose, and any time, excepting the first or last 
 half-hour of either half of the day, will answer foi: the 
 exercise. During the first half-hour, the muscles of the 
 pupils will be somewhat affected by the sports of the 
 play-ground ; and during the last half-hour, they will, 
 often, feel less energy for engaging in the exercise. The 
 instructor should keep the books, — excepting during the 
 period allotted for writing, — and see that the copies are 
 in readiness at the proper time, so that all may commence 
 without delay, and at the same time. Much depends 
 upon promptness, in this, as well as in all other depart- 
 ments. During the continuance of the exercise, the 
 teacher should constantly move among his pupils, and 
 see that they sit correctly, and hold their pens prop- 
 erly. He should frequently sit by a pupil, and write a 
 few words, that the learner may see how he writes. If 
 possible, let him cause the pupil to feel that the only 
 merit in writing consists in the tnanner in which it is 
 executed, and not in the amount. A few lines, well and 
 clearly written, are much more to be commended than 
 many lines, carelessly or illegibly written. Let him be 
 made to feel that every letter in the copy is a little image 
 sitting for its likeness, and that the chief merit of a like- 
 ness consists in its resemblance to the original. If the 
 letter is a, let it be made so accurately that no one can 
 
PENMANSHIP. 207 
 
 EXAMINATION OF BOOKS. 
 
 possibly mistake it for an o or u. And so with all the 
 other letters, — insist that each and every one " look like 
 itself." Let the pupils be urged to compare every word 
 and every line with the copy, with a view to discover 
 defects and amend them. 
 
 3. At the close of the w?Htmg exercise, let the books 
 be collected and placed upon the teacher' s desk, and 
 let him devote a few minutes to their examination^ 
 expressing his approval or censure, as circumstances 
 7nay seem to require. 
 
 This may be done by dividing the school into classes, 
 or by calling up individual pupils. As the several 
 books are examined, peculiar faults or excellences should 
 be pointed out, privately or publicly, as may seem most 
 desirable. In alluding to defects of common occurrence, 
 the black-board may be advantageously used. If it is 
 found that any pupil has been grossly careless, he 
 should be detained after school hours, and required to 
 write again, with more attention. 
 
 4. It is often the case that pupils become weary of 
 writi7ig the same copy for so many successive times ; 
 and it may be oioing to this, in part, at least, that the 
 bottom lines on a page are often more im,p>erfcctly 
 written than any upon the page. 
 
 To remedy this, let the pupils be allowed to go through 
 their books and write one-half of each page, and then 
 turn back and write the remaining half In this way, 
 several weeks will elapse between the times of writing 
 the first and last half of each page. This plan will 
 have the two-fold advantage, of showing the degree of 
 improvement, and also of relieving from the monotony of 
 continued repetition. 
 
208 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 SIMPLE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 5. At or 7iear the beginning of a term^ let each 
 'pupil he required to write a few lines upon a page of 
 a blank book provided for the purpose, and^ at the 
 end of the term, write as many more, directly beneath 
 those previously written. 
 
 This will furnish the most indubitable evidence of im- 
 provement, or want of improvement ; and will also serve 
 as a stimulus to the pupils, and make them ambitious to 
 furnish proof of having wisely improved their privileges. 
 To faithful teachers and pupils, such a book would afford 
 much satisfaction ; and it would furnish to committees 
 and visitors, in a fair and concise form, an exhibition of 
 any improvement that may have been made. It would 
 also place in a true position the unsuccessful teacher and 
 the heedless pupils. 
 
 The following brief suggestions and rules, in relation to 
 writing, should be regarded by every teacher who would 
 produce work of Avhich he ^'need not feel ashamed." 
 
 1. Require that the pupil should ^' sit 2ip,^^ while 
 writing. The eyes of beginners are, almost always, too 
 near their paper or book. 
 
 2. Require all turns to be made without raising the 
 pen. It is a very common, but very pernicious habit, to 
 raise the pen. 
 
 3. The hair-stroke should always be made with the 
 right-hand corner of the pen. 
 
 4. Insist that the scholar insert all marks of punc- 
 tuation. 
 
 5. Insist that the pen be held properly, as in the fol- 
 lowing cut : 
 
 I 
 
PENMANSniP. 209 
 
 DRAWING RECOMMENDED. 
 
 6. Only those fingers which hold the pen should move, 
 in writing. 
 
 7. The end of the pen-holder should point towards the 
 shoulder. 
 
 8. The hand should not be supported by the wrist, but 
 by that part of the arm a little below the elbow. 
 
 The teacher cannot be too careful, or too particular, in 
 the observance of the suggestions that have been given. 
 It is of the utmost importance that pupils commence 
 right. A few hours of instruction, rightly given, at the 
 outset, will save many weeks of subsequent labor, and, at 
 the same time, facilitate and expedite progress in writing. 
 It is much more difficult to unlearn what has been 
 wrongly taught, than it is to teach aright at first. 
 
 In many schools, children are allowed to commence 
 writing with pen and ink at too early an age. If, instead 
 of this, they should be allowed to draw, upon slates or 
 black-boards, such simple models as may be furnished, 
 it would prove fir more beneficial to them. Let them be 
 allowed to copy letters, in this way, as soon as they are 
 old enough to attend school ; and, after the lapse of two 
 or three years, during which frequent attention may be 
 given to such exercises, they will be prepared to com- 
 mence the regular practice of writing under circum- 
 stances much more favorable. 
 18* 
 
210 
 
 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 WELL-WRITTEN COPIES IMPORTANT. 
 
 It is very desirable that scholars should form the ability 
 to write with rapidity ; but they should, in the first place, 
 be taught to write well. 
 
 If the hints above given are properly observed, if they 
 do not tend to the formation of a 'perfect style of penman- 
 ship, they will certainly do much towards the improve- 
 ment of writing in our schools. The formation of a cor- 
 rect appreciation of the work to be accomplished, and the 
 awakening of a lively interest in the same, are, in the 
 highest degree, essential, and should be carefully regarded 
 at the very outset. 
 
 The teacher should studiously endeavor to furnish well- 
 written copies, and such as contain good moral sentiments, 
 or express some important fact, or historical event. By 
 judicious attention to this, many good impressions may 
 be made upon the mind, and many useful facts fixed in 
 the memory, while the pupil is moi-e directly engaged in 
 learning to write. 
 
CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 GEOGRAPHY. 
 
 The methods of teaching Geography, adopted in most 
 schools, are not calculated to impart much valuable 
 information, or to awaken real interest in pupils. The 
 memory is, often, rather taxed than disciplined ; and 
 the mind burdened with formal answers, rather than 
 trained to take comprehensive and intelligent views of 
 subjects. Names are learnt and repeated, but no well- 
 defined and clear understandins; of the locahties and rela- 
 tive positions of different countries, together wath the 
 peculiarities of each, is acquired, — so that pupils, fre- 
 quently, leave schools quite as ignorant, so far as relates 
 to correct geographical knowledge, as they were when 
 they commenced. A visitor at a primary school asked 
 a class what geography was. The answer was very 
 promptly given, "Geography is a description of the 
 earth." " Very well," said the questioner ; "and now, 
 can you tell me wdiat the earth is 7 " The answer from 
 most was, " I don't know." "But," asked the visitor, 
 "have you never seen it?" "No, sir," was the reply 
 from most ; but one little girl said she had seen it, and, 
 when asked where, pointed upward, to the sky. Another 
 said she saw it during her last vacation, and, when asked 
 where, said, " Over at my aunt's, in Pelham." And 
 thus it often is, that words and definitions are committed 
 to memory, without imparting clear information. 
 
212. COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 EKROKS IN TEACHING GEOGRAPHY. 
 
 From an able and interesting report of the superin- 
 tendent of schools for the State of Connecticut, I extract 
 the following judicious and sensible remarks, in relation 
 to some of the common errors in teaching Geography, 
 and, also, some suggestions, which may prove of value to 
 the teacher, in his attempts to impart instruction. 
 
 "1. The indiscriminate use of Geography in schools, — 
 the habit of rushing through the book or atlas, — learning 
 a lesson one day, merely for recitation, and forgetting it 
 the next, neither teacher nor scholar clearly perceiving 
 the value of the study, — is, certainly, very objectionable. 
 
 " 2, Studying lessons about Kamtschatka and the Fejee 
 Islands, before the contents of one's native country are 
 known, seems rather absurd. 
 
 "3. Talking about seas, lakes, oceans, &c., when the 
 learner deems every puddle a lake, and every brooklet a 
 river, and every inland lake he ever saw an ocean, may, 
 indeed, be talking Geography, but it surely is not learn- 
 ing anything either useful or true. 
 
 " 4. Describing the political divisions of Europe before 
 the political divisions of one's native state are known; 
 learning the boundaries of New York ere the scholar has 
 practical sense enough to describe the boundaries of the 
 school-house, or the town in which he lives ; — these, 
 and similar upsettings of natural order, may, indeed, 
 make a showy class, — may win applause from an undis- 
 cerning committee, — but they, surely, do not give useful 
 knowledge or discipline of mind to the learner. 
 
 " Similar criticism may be justly passed upon many 
 loose methods of teaching and reciting history. It is 
 believed, firmly, that every study that belongs properly 
 to our public schools may be shown to a class as, obvi- 
 
GEOGRAPHY. 213 
 
 HINTS ON TEACHING GEOGKAPHY. 
 
 ously, SO useful and desirable, that no further motive or 
 stimulation to industry will be needed. 
 
 " 3. Sino'ino; classes, that, in unison, can sino; all the 
 names of the atlas in their proper order and place, give 
 very showy results, and develop remarkable readiness in 
 verbal memorizing. It is certain that little geography is 
 learned. 
 
 " Leaving this always easy task of fault-finding, some 
 affirmative suggestions may prove of value : 
 
 "1. In early youth, it is always so unwise to talk 
 about things whose realization in the learner's mind is, 
 of necessity, imperfect, that the first labor in every study 
 should be, to insure a perfect conception of the things, 
 the names about to be used. Hence, Geographies always 
 begin with definitions of terms. Let it be noted here, 
 however, that, to early childhood, definitions are as blind 
 and dark, oftentimes, as the thing defined. This holds 
 true of all definitions, in every study offered to childhood. 
 
 ' • Very rarely can a definition of a term be success- 
 fully addressed to the ear of the young learner. Ear- 
 knowledge must be explained to the eye ; eye-knowledge 
 must have its definitions addressed to the ear ; and, in 
 general, it is a law of early childhood, that snccessfid 
 definitloii or explanation imist enter the inind by a 
 different avenue from the one by which the thing 
 eojplained seeks admission. As a scholar advances, and 
 gains power of conception, and of language, of course, 
 this law becomes less and less widely applicable, but it 
 is never entirely forsaken. 
 
 ''All geographical terms, all expressions of size and 
 distance, require express development by the teacher. 
 The concise words of the book are always more easily 
 
214 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 SUGGESTIONS ON GEOGRAPHY. 
 
 learned ; but it is claimed here, that, in such a course, 
 nothing is learned but the words. The hill, the valley, 
 the puddle, the brook, the bounded field, &c., are little 
 geographical facts, which address the eye. These are 
 available, therefore, as definitions. Maps of the school- 
 room, of the yard, of the farm, of the village, should pre- 
 cede maps of the world, &c. 
 
 '' 2. Relative size and distances. Here is a most diffi- 
 cult subject to teach well. But it can be accomplished. 
 Beginning with things known and measurable, and map- 
 ping them (that is, beginning with the inkstand, next 
 the desk, next the room, house, lot, field, town, county, 
 state, &.C.), it is easy to call the attention, intelligently, 
 then, to the fact that maps of the same size are, often, 
 the representatives of very various magnitudes. Finally, 
 one large map of the world may then, with some hope of 
 success, be used, to give some idea of the vast globe. 
 
 "3. The geometry of our maps — the meridians and 
 parallels — niay, in some progressive manner, be brought 
 within the comprehension of a class. 
 
 "4. Topical knowledge of boundaries, population, pro- 
 ducts, &c., should begin at a centre, — the school-house, 
 
 — and radiate, or, rather, circulate round it, in larger 
 and larger arcs, as long as the study continues. It is 
 not urged, in these hints, to throw aside the Geographies 
 in use, as being useless. It is only required that the 
 order of arrangement, followed by them, be thrown aside, 
 and the books retained and used as we use a dictionary, 
 
 — not to be read straight through, but to consult when 
 we wish to obtain some precise information. This is the 
 use which a teacher should make of all text-books in 
 schools. 
 
GEOGRAPHY. 215 
 
 USE OF A NEWSPAPER. 
 
 " 5. Fifty copies of any commercial paper, all of one 
 date, will be found suggestive of more interesting and 
 useful geographical, arithmetical, and miscellaneous, yet 
 useful questions, than any one term of study in a school 
 will suffice to answer. The lad who can answer all the 
 geographical questions that rise in any one copy of a 
 well-conducted commercial newspaper, like the New 
 York Tribune or Boston Mercantile Journal, is more 
 truly proficient in the study, than one who can repeat a 
 gazetteer word for word. The former has practical, use- 
 ful knoAvledge; the latter has only 'book-learning.' 
 
 " As well here as anywhere, it may be remarked, that 
 a good newspaper is about as cheap and useful a school- 
 book as can be introduced into our schools. 
 
 -'6. In connection with History, Geography becomes 
 very interesting and useful. A map of every battle- 
 ground, drawn on the slate or black-board, goes far to 
 break up the monotony of a memorized recitation in liis- 
 tory. A checker-board map of Philadelpliia does more 
 to teach its peculiar squareness of corner than any 
 amount of recitation. 
 
 "7. To cultivate the memory alone, in the study of 
 History and Geography, is unwise. Yet it should not be 
 neglected. Let a class be divided into two equal parts. 
 Th^n let these two divisions alternate, — one of them 
 memorizing words closely, and the other reciting in their 
 own language. Thus one half of the class will explain 
 for the benefit of the other ; while, if the alternation be 
 observed, no injustice will be done to either half. 
 
 " 8. Map-drawing, from memory, is invaluable. Let 
 it be done on the black-board, the floor, the marble- 
 ground, and even (if need there be) upon the fence. 
 
216 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 DEFINITIONS SHOULD BE PLAIN. 
 
 " Finally; when the teacher is assured that geograph- 
 ical ideas are really in the mind, then, and not till then, 
 is it profitable to memorize and recite definitions, which 
 now stand as mere exercises in language. 
 
 " Similar principles should guide the teacher in con- 
 ducting recitations in History. Every town, in every 
 state, has its local history ; and this local history, which 
 every child may learn from its parents (at least, some 
 single fact may be so learned by every child, so that the 
 aggregate will form, at school, a local history), will be 
 found to have very immediate connection with the his- 
 tory contained in the book; and, just as soon as this 
 connection becomes obvious to a class, so soon does the 
 study cease to be mere memory of dry words. How and 
 Avhen the meeting-house and school-house were built ; 
 hoAV the nature and time of election, town and state, hap- 
 pen to be as they are ; why some towns send more dele- 
 gates, or representatives, than others, &c. &c." 
 
 In teaching Geography, the instructor should be as- 
 sured that every definition is perfectly understood, and 
 that every explanation is thoroughly comprehended. It 
 is, not unfrequently, the case, that pupils will be able to 
 repeat the words of the book with great fluency, and yet 
 have no clear and unequivocal knowledge of the subject 
 under consideration. This learning of words, without 
 acquiring definite ideas, is but little worth; it is not 
 true information ; it is like wealth in the bottom of the 
 ocean, — not usable, because beyond grasp. 
 
 The teacher should strive to excite an interest in Geog- 
 raphy lessons ; and, to this end, he may unite History 
 with the study, and, by connecting some interesting his- 
 torical facts or narratives with the geographical features 
 
GEOGRAPHY. 217 
 
 AN ILLUSTRATION. 
 
 of each country, or section, he will awaken thought and 
 secure attention. If possible, let him relate some simple 
 fact or truthful incident in connection with the passing 
 exercise, and he will thus succeed in making vivid and 
 lasting impressions. On this point, \Ym. B. Fowle gives 
 the following illustration, in his interesting and useful 
 volume, " The Teacher's Institute : " 
 
 '' If you wished to impress the geographical outline of 
 the Spanish peninsula upon the pupil's mind, would you 
 tell him of Ferdinand and Isabella ; of the repulse of the 
 Saracen invaders, and the invasion of Mexico ; of the 
 enfranchisement of Spain, and the establishment of the 
 Inquisition ; of the slaughter of infidel Moors, and the 
 more modern butchery of Christian hosts ? You might 
 do all this, without giving the pupil any idea of the 
 geography of Spain. But, if you should show the 
 pupil a Spanish dollar, and call his attention to the 
 shield, whose form is exactly that of the peninsula ; to 
 the castle and the lion — Castile and Leon, whose union 
 freed Spain from the Saracens ; to the two pillars, em- 
 blems of the pillars of Hercules, Gibraltar and Ceuta ; 
 to the motto thai entwines them — 'iVe plus ultra'' — 
 ' There is nothing beyond,' and then explain to him 
 this limit of ancient geography, which Spain herself was 
 the first to pass, — my word for it, you would not only 
 give some definite ideas of the geography of Spain, but 
 you would give an interest, that never existed before, to 
 Spanish dollars." 
 
 Allusion has been made to map-drawing. It would 
 be difficult to over-estimate the importance of this exer- 
 cise. It will tend to interest the learner, and, at the 
 same time, impart instruction more definitely and perma- 
 19 
 
218 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 MAP-DRAWING. 
 
 nently than can be given in any other manner. If a 
 pupil spends time in drawing a map of the United 
 States, he will fix in his mind the location of the several 
 states, mountains, rivers, lakes, cities, capes, &c. &c., 
 more clearly and surely than by any other method. In 
 drawing maps, the first step should be to mark off the 
 meridians and parallels. These will serve as guide-lines 
 for locating the different sections. After a little careful 
 practice, pupils will be able to go to the black-board and 
 draw an outline map of a state or country with a degree 
 of readiness, accuracy, and neatness, which will greatly 
 surprise and delight one who has never before witnessed 
 such an exercise. In the study of Geography, it will be 
 found most interesting and profitable to commence with 
 those sections nearest "home," and gain a well-defined 
 understanding of them before proceeding to countries and 
 sections which are more remote. 
 
 Within a few years, most permanent schools have been 
 furnished with outline maps. These may be advan- 
 tageously used, or they may be used with but little ben- 
 efit. If possible, pupils should be so thoroughly taught, 
 that they will be able to go to any map, and point out the 
 different countries, states, cities, mountains, lakes, rivers, 
 &c., and, at the same time, give such particulars in rela- 
 tion to each as may be important. If a country is spoken 
 of, let something be said of its productions, climate, gov- 
 ernment, &c. &c. If the subject relates to rivers, let 
 their size, condition, &c., be topics for consideration and 
 description. In fine, let all geographical lessons be con- 
 ducted with a special reference to imparting a clear and 
 practical knowledge of the whole subject, so far as relates 
 to it in a topographical, physical, and historical sense. 
 
CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 ENGLISH. GRAMMAR. 
 
 The study of Grammar is often spoken of as dry and 
 uninteresting. As it is attended to in many schools, it 
 certainly is so ; but, rightly taught, it may be made 
 highly interesting and useful. Before proceeding to give 
 a few hints, in reference to teaching this branch, I will, 
 briefly, allude to two or three of the causes which have 
 tended to render it unattractive and unprofitable. 
 
 In the first place, pupils have been allowed to com- 
 mence learning from a text-book at too early an age. 
 There is, with the young, a very common and strong 
 feeling, that there is something exceedingly great and 
 charming in the study of English grammar ; and they 
 are frequently indulged in their earnest desire to join the 
 grammar class when quite young. The consequence is, 
 that the reality falls so far below the ideal they had 
 formed, that they sink into a condition of dislike, or 
 apathy, from w^hich it will ever after be exceedingly dif- 
 ficult to raise them. 
 
 Another reason why the study has been uninviting 
 and useless, has been the fact that pupils have been 
 allowed to repeat words without gaining ideas. Many a 
 pupil has been able to repeat the words of a grammar, 
 from beginning to end, without obtaining any definite 
 understanding of the various subjects treated of How 
 many, for instance, will promptly define the various parts 
 
220 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 HORSE-HAIK JUSTICE. 
 
 of speech, without having any clear comprehension of the 
 same ! 
 
 Says S. Gr. Goodrich, "I once knew a boy, in the 
 olden time of Webster's Grammar, who found this defini- 
 tion in his book : ' A noun is the name of a thing ; as, 
 horse, hair, justice.' But he chanced to misconceive it, 
 and read it thus : 'A man is the name of a thing ; as, horse- 
 hair justice.' He was of a reflective turn ; and long he 
 pondered over the wonderful mysteries of a noun. But 
 in vain ; he could not make it out. It so happened that 
 his father was a justice of the peace ; and, one day, when 
 the boy went home, the old gentleman was holding a jus- 
 tice's court. There he sat, in state, among a crowd of 
 people, on an old-fashioned, horse-hair settee. A new 
 light suddenly broke in upon our young hero's mind. 
 'My father,' said he, mentally, 'is a horse-hair justice, 
 and, therefore, a noun ! ' " 
 
 In speaking of the early age at which the young com- 
 mence the study of grammar, W. B. Fowle says : " The 
 words of some manual are said or sung for a given time, 
 until the child arrives at that ne plus ultra of philology, 
 — a substantive or noun is the name of anything that 
 exists or of which we have any notion, as ' man-virtue- 
 London ; ' and then, if the child is at a loss to know 
 exactly what sort of notion ' man-virtue- London ' is, 
 he will not fail to learn what it is ' to be, to do, and to 
 suffer.'' " 
 
 Another objection to the study of grammar has been, 
 that an attempt has been made to advance too rapidly, 
 so that many subjects have been before the mind at once, 
 so confusing it as to prevent the gaining of a well-defined 
 idea in relation to any one. 
 
ENGLISH GRAMMAR. 221 
 
 HINTS ON TEACHING GRAMIHAR. 
 
 The definitions of all the parts of speech have been 
 recited at one time, without giving any attention to the 
 correct understanding and true application of either, 
 singly. Under these circumstances, it would be strange 
 if grammar should not prove " dry and iminteresting ; " 
 it surely must be so. 
 
 Having alluded to some of the reasons which have 
 tended to make grammar uninteresting and unintelligible, 
 I will now endeavor to give a few hints in relation to 
 teaching the same. I have said that pupils begin the 
 study of gi'ammar too soon, — that is, from a regular 
 text-book. Children may be taught many of the princi- 
 ples of grammar, in an interesting manner, without look- 
 ing into a text-book on the subject. 
 
 The several parts of speech may be considered, and 
 quite young scholars may be made familiar with these, 
 without the use of a book. W. H. Wells gives the fol- 
 lowing valuable suggestions on this point: "The classi- 
 fication of words may be introduced by referring to the 
 different kinds of trees, to the different kinds of animals, 
 or to any other collection of objects that admit of a reg- 
 ular division into distinct classes. Thus, when we go 
 into a forest, we find that the number of trees about us 
 is greater than we can estimate. But we soon observe 
 that a portion of them have certain striking resemblances, 
 while they differ, essentially, from all the rest. We 
 also observe that others, which differ materially from 
 these, have similar resemblances to one another. And, 
 by extending our observation, we find that this countless 
 multitude of trees all belong to a very few simple classes, 
 which are easily distinguished from each other. Those 
 of one class we associate together, and call them oak 
 19* 
 
222 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 ADVANCE SLOWLY AND SURELY. 
 
 trees ; those of another class we call pine trees ; and in 
 this manner we proceed with all the different kinds. 
 
 Just so it is with the words of our language. Though 
 their number is about eighty thousand, yet we find, on 
 a careful examination, that they all belong to less than a 
 dozen different classes, called parts of speech ; so that we 
 have only to learn the character of these divisions, and 
 we shall be able to tell the class to which any word in 
 the language belongs. 
 
 By some such introductory illustration, the curiosity 
 of a class of beginners may be easily excited ; and they 
 will thus be prepared to enter with eagerness upon the 
 labor of learning to distinguish the different parts of 
 speech. 
 
 The teacher should lead his pupils to take an active 
 part in these lessons from the beginning, — not only by 
 proposing frequent questions for them to answer, but, 
 also, by encouraging them to ask such questions as their 
 own curiosity may suggest." 
 
 It is very important that the several steps in grammar 
 be made slowly and surely, — that every definition and 
 every explanation be made perfectly intelligible. The 
 pupil should, for some time, be required to give the rea- 
 son for every step he takes, and tell why he thus recites. 
 
 After a pupil has become sufficiently familiar with 
 the various parts of speech, considerable time may be 
 devoted to writing simple sentences, illustrative of the 
 knowledge he has acquired. The pupil should be pre- 
 pared to designate the several parts of speech in each 
 sentence, and tell all that may be important in relation 
 to the same. If he has gained a clear understanding of 
 the different parts of speech, with all their variations and 
 
ENGLISH GRAMMAR. 223 
 
 THE WRITING OP SENTENCES. 
 
 modifications, he may be required to write short sentences, 
 of the following description : 
 
 1. Write a sentence with a common noun in the 
 possessive case. 
 
 2. Write a sentence containing a proper noun in the 
 second person. 
 
 3. Write a sentence containing an adjective in the 
 superlative degree. 
 
 4. Write a sentence containing an adjective in the 
 positive degree. 
 
 5. Write a sentence containing an adverb. 
 
 6. Write a sentence containing a regular verb in the 
 third person, singular number, indicative mode. 
 
 7. Write a sentence containing a verb in the impera- 
 tive mode. 
 
 The judicious teacher may vary and extend these, 
 indefinitely ; and pupils will soon take great interest in 
 writing such exercises. 
 
 After scholars have become familiar with the difierence 
 between a simple and compound sentence, they may be 
 required to write longer exercises. But, at the very 
 outset, they should be trained to make a right use of 
 capitals, and to insert all marks of punctuation. At this 
 stage, it may be well to require a class to write sentences 
 corresponding with the following : 
 
 1. Write a sentence containing a regular transitive 
 verb, an adverb, a common noun, and an adjective in the 
 comparative degree. 
 
 2. Write a sentence containing a relative pronoun, a 
 preposition, a noun in the objective case, and a verb in 
 the subjunctive mode. 
 
 3. Write a sentence containing a pi'oper noun, an 
 
224 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 ANALYSIS AND PARSING. 
 
 interrogative pronouiij a conjunction, and a verb in the 
 infinitive mode. 
 
 By proceeding in this way, a class will make more 
 sure and pleasant progress than by giving their attention 
 to prepare for a verbatim recitation from a text-book. 
 
 As soon as sufficient advancement has been made, 
 much time and attention may be given to the analysis of 
 different sentences, and, also, to technical parsing, — 
 though the last named is of but little value, without the 
 ability to comprehend the other points alluded to. 
 
 At an early period, much attention may be very profit- 
 ably devoted to the writing of sentences of a simple na- 
 ture, which will prove useful, as preparatory to the more 
 formidable exercises of composition and letter- writing, — 
 subjects which I shall reserve for consideration in another 
 chapter. 
 
CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 COMPOSITION AND LETTER- WRITING. 
 
 There are so many individuals who have thoughts, 
 but cannot express them, — " who know, but cannot tell," 
 — that it seems very desirable that pupils in our schools 
 should be carefully and early trained in the practice of 
 writing composition. I am aware that many teachers, 
 and many pupils, regard the subject with a peculiar 
 dread ; but it is, nevertheless, a subject of much import- 
 ance, and may be made an interesting one. The reluc- 
 tance with which this exercise is undertaken often pro- 
 ceeds more from the manner in which it is treated, and 
 from an injudicious selection of themes, than from any 
 inherent difficulty. 
 
 The exercise is usually delayed till too late a period 
 of the pupil's life; and then it is treated in a man- 
 ner so formal and repulsive, as to create a strong 
 disrelish for the whole subject. If, instead of being 
 delayed till scholars are nearly ready to leave school, it 
 should receive attention much earlier, and in a less formal 
 and less exacting manner, the general results would be 
 much more satisfactory and gratifying. Let scholars, as 
 soon as they are able to use a pen or pencil, and to spell 
 with a fair degree of correctness, be required to write 
 short sentences on some subject of interest to them, and, 
 if they are judiciously managed, they will surmount 
 many of the difficulties which usually — though, in a 
 
226 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 SUBJECTS FOR BEGINNERS. 
 
 great degree, imaginarily — hang around the subject, 
 before they are aware of having taken the first step. 
 
 Eor illustration ; suppose a teacher should say to a 
 class of young pupils, " I wish each of you to write 
 something about your school-house, and tell me all you 
 can about it." Or, instead of this, either of the follow- 
 ing, or similar subjects, may be given to a class, with a 
 request that a description of each may be given : 
 
 The Farmer. 
 
 The Carpenter. 
 
 A Walk. 
 
 A Journey. 
 
 A Vessel. 
 
 A Train of Cars. 
 The wise teacher will not be at a loss in the selection 
 of subjects ; and, if those are selected in which the pupils 
 manifest an interest, they will acquire considerable skill 
 in writing, before the direct exercise of composition is 
 named. By pursuing a course similar to this, a sure and 
 gradual improvement will be secured, and the whole 
 subject will be divested of all its terrors and repulsive 
 points. 
 
 It is a very common fault with scholars, that they use 
 words which are, strictly, above their comprehension. 
 With a sort of impression that long words add to the 
 attractiveness of an article, they, very frequently, mar 
 that which they so studiously aim to beautify and adorn. 
 If they are early taught to use plain, simple, and familiar 
 language, and to give all their descriptions in an easy 
 and natural style, they will more surely succeed in be- 
 coming good and interesting writers. 
 
 The exercise of composition requires a degree of ac- 
 
COMPOSITION AND LETTER- WKITING. 227 
 
 LETTER- WKITING. 
 
 quaintance with so many particulars, that it is really 
 deserving of more attention than it ordinarily receives. 
 If especial attention is required in relation to spelling, 
 use of capitals, punctuation, &c., the exercise may be 
 made as profitable as any of those introduced into our 
 schools. No pupil should feel that he is prepared to 
 leave school, until he has acquired the ability to write a 
 legible and intelligible composition ; and no teacher should 
 feel that he has discharged his Avhole duty, until he has 
 imparted suitable aid and instruction in reference to the 
 whole subject, and done what he could to inspire those 
 under his charge with a just appreciation of the import- 
 ance of the same. 
 
 LETTER-WRITINQ. 
 
 Intimately connected wdth the above, and, I may say, 
 a part of the same, is the practice of letter-writing. 
 Every individual in the community, who occupies any 
 important station, — and, indeed, every person, high or 
 low, rich or poor, — may have, and probably will have, 
 occasion to write letters. To do this in a neat and easy 
 manner is of no trifling consequence ; and yet, every one 
 who has ever looked at the letters in any post-office must 
 have observed the very general want of taste and neat- 
 ness in the modes of folding and superscribing letters ; 
 and, if the contents should be examined, they would be 
 found to correspond with the external appearance. 
 
 Now. it should be the aim of every teacher to impart 
 instruction on the subject of letter-writing. General 
 directions and explanations, in reference to the commenc- 
 ing and closing of a letter, the manner of folding, super- 
 scribing, and sealing, may be given to a whole school, by 
 
228 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A LETTER OP RECOMMENDATION. 
 
 using the black-board ; and it will not require much of 
 the teacher's time or attention to furnish all the instruc- 
 tion that may be needed. 
 
 It is to be hoped that more consideration may be 
 attached to this simple but useful exercise, and that all 
 pupils may possess the ability, when they cease attend- 
 ing school, to write letters which shall be accurate and 
 natural in their style, correct in orthography, systematic 
 and proper in all their parts. A letter neatly written, 
 correctly expressed, and properly folded and superscribed, 
 will always prove a "letter of recommendation" to its 
 writer ; while the reverse will exert an influence in no 
 respect favorable or complimentary. 
 
CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 ARITHMETIC. 
 
 It iSj probably, true that more time and attention are 
 devoted to the study of Arithmetic, in our schools, than 
 to any other branch. Perhaps its practical importance 
 renders this advisable. Be this as it may, no one ViiW 
 deny the great value of a familiar and thorough knoAvl- 
 edge of the science of numbers. To give precise and spe- 
 cific directions, in relation to teaching the various princi- 
 ples and rules of arithmetic, would require more space 
 than can be given to it, in this connection. It will be 
 my aim, simply, to offer a few suggestive hints, in refer- 
 ence to the subject. 
 
 1. Itvotdd urge the irnjoortance of careful training 
 in mental arithmetic. 
 
 It will be but the expression of a common feeling and 
 opinion, prevailing among the best of teachers, to say 
 that Warren Colburn did more for the science of num- 
 bers, in the preparation of his '' First Lessons" in mental 
 arithmetic, than has been done by any other individual. 
 Others have attempted to eclipse him, by improving upon 
 his plan ; but we have yet to learn that any one has been 
 successful in this particular. It is unquestionably true, 
 that pupils, properly trained in exercises similar to those 
 contained in the book alluded to, will make more intelli- 
 gent and rapid progress in written arithmetic than those 
 who have not had such mental discipline. 
 20 
 
230 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATIOX. 
 
 EXACTNESS IMPOKTANT. 
 
 But, in order that the greatest benefit may result from 
 mental arithmetic, it must be attended to with great care 
 and exactness. It is not merely essential that the correct 
 answer be obtained, but, also, that the question be so 
 stated, and the explanation so given by the pupil, as to 
 afford the clearest evidence of a thorough understanding 
 of the principle involved, and of the whole process of 
 solution. To show what I mean by exactness in the 
 explanation, I will take a single question, to illustrate a 
 very common deviation from the true process of solution. 
 This deviation may seem a trifling one, — but trifles are 
 important in arithmetical 023erations. 
 
 Question : Thirty-five is | of how many times 11 ? 
 The pupil says, "If thirty-five is |, one ninth will be 
 \ of thirty-five, Avhich is 7 ; and |, or a whole, will be 
 seven times nine, 'which is 63." Now, the error here 
 was, in saying seven times nine, instead of nine times 
 seven; yet, as a departure from the true process, it 
 should be rectified by any teacher who aims at j)erfect 
 method and accuracy. 
 
 After the pupil has advanced somewhat in the per- 
 formance of mental operations, he may give attention to 
 written ones, and the two may be continued together. I 
 will merely say, that I think exercises in mental arith- 
 metic may be profitably continued throughout a pupil's 
 school course. The discipline of mind, and promptness 
 in making calculations, which will result from the same, 
 will amply compensate for any attention that may be 
 given to them. In but very few schools, these exercises 
 yet receive merited attention; and, hence, we find many 
 skilled in written performances, who are very slow in 
 mental calculations. I will relate an instance, in illus- 
 
ARITHMETIC. 231 
 
 ANECDOTE OF MATHEMATICIANS. 
 
 tration of this point. " Several mathematicians once 
 met to dine at a hotel. When dinner was over, the 
 waiter placed in the hands of the learned chairman of the 
 party the aggregate of the bill, that he might decide how 
 much each should pay. Not having a pen and ink, he 
 was much puzzled, and passed it to a distinguished math- 
 ematician on his right hand, who found himself compelled 
 to pass it to the next, and so on, till it was returned to 
 the president. In this dilemma, the matter was re- 
 ferred to the waiter, who, after looking at the bill for a 
 few seconds, named the exact sum which was to be paid 
 bv each. Now, it is probable that the knowledge of 
 each of these savans was to that of the waiter what a 
 park of artillery is when compared with the arrow of a 
 savage; but their acquirements, like the former, could 
 not readily and instantaneously be brought to bear upon 
 a trivial object." 
 
 The frequent and judicious practice in mental opera- 
 tions and calculations will enable quite young pupils to 
 give results with a degree of readiness and accuracy that 
 will be truly surprising to those who have never before 
 witnessed the experiment. 
 
 In commencing and in pursuing written arithmetic, 
 the greatest care should be used to have every step per- 
 fectly understood. It is not unfrequently the case, that 
 scholars, in their undue anxiety to approximate toward 
 the end of the book, pass over ground so rapidly that 
 they acquire but little clear and well-fixed knowledge. 
 They may repeat rules, and perform questions under the 
 same, but they do not gain that information which will 
 enable them, readily and accurately, to apply the prin- 
 
232 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 TOO MUCH RELIANCE ON RULES NOT WELL. 
 
 ciples thej have passed over to arithmetical operations, 
 Tvhen presented disconnected from the book or rule. 
 
 Many teachers require their pupils to repeat the rules 
 of their text-book, verbatim et literatim, and Vill not 
 admit of the slightest deviation from the same. In some 
 instances, this may be well. Indeed, if the rules of the 
 book are required at all, it is well to have them repeated 
 with exactness; but it is often much more valuable to 
 require pupils so to examine and analyze questions and 
 problems, as to acquire such an understanding as will 
 enable them to give a rule, or describe a process, in words 
 of their own. When this can be done, it affords the most 
 indubitable evidence of a clear and definite comprehen- 
 sion of principles. Scholars who have been taught to 
 rely upon the text-book rules in the performance of their 
 work, are very liable to feel and manifest the utmost 
 ignorance, when called upon to perform calculations 
 without the aid of the customary rules and formulas. 
 
 Much time and practice should be given to the funda- 
 mental rules of arithmetic. These should be most thor- 
 oughly understood; and exercises under these several 
 rules should be given so frequently, and for so long a 
 period, that pupils will be prepared to work with the 
 utmost rapidity and accuracy. It is hardly possible to 
 give too much attention to the adding of columns of fig- 
 ures. It would be useful if all the older pupils in schools 
 should be required to devote a few minutes, daily, to the 
 addition of figures upon their slates, or upon black- 
 boards. As all can be at work at the same time, from 
 five to ten minutes will be sufficient for an exercise of 
 this kind ; and, if teachers would devote this amount, the 
 result would be most gratifying. In performing such 
 
ARITHMETIC. 233 
 
 FUNDAMENTAL RULES. 
 
 operations, let particular attention be given to making 
 the figures with great distinctness, and putting them 
 down in straight columns. These are quite important. 
 
 The same method may be adopted in reference to mul- 
 tipHcation, division, and subtraction. By frequent and 
 continued practice, in all these rules, pupils will attain 
 a degree of facility and promptness which will be highly 
 serviceable to them, not only in relation to all subsequent 
 arithmetical operations at school, but also in the business 
 transactions of life. Thousands have occasion to perform 
 calculations under these rules where one is called upon 
 to use the higher and more advanced rules of the science 
 of numbers. Yet it is, too frequently, the case, that men 
 can be found who are perfectly conversant with the more 
 difficult and abstruse parts of mathematics, and exceed- 
 ingly deficient as regards promptness and exactness in 
 relation to the fundamental rules. While the former 
 may be desirable and important, they should never be 
 purchased at the expense of the latter. 
 
 In advancing, let the same course be pursued, and let 
 every step and every principle be thoroughly fixed upon 
 the understanding, by the performance of a large number 
 of practical questions. In this connection, I would 
 recommend that teachers should often propose questions 
 and problems not contained in the text-book, and have 
 the same partake as much of the character of business 
 transactions as may be. It will be useful, also, to request 
 the pupils to propose questions for solution. If I mis- 
 take not, much benefit would result from this course. 
 They may engage in it reluctantly, at first ; but, after a 
 few trials, they will become interested. In this way, 
 the attention of a whole class may be directed to the 
 20^ 
 
234 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A SUGGESTION AND EXAMPLE. 
 
 seeking or preparing of questions, under a particular 
 rule, or involving some principle. Suppose a class has 
 been performing a question like the following : " A, B, 
 and C, engaged in trade ; A put in $40, B .$25, and 
 $75 ; they gained $180 ; what was the share of each? " 
 After this question has received proper attention, the 
 teacher may say : " Scholars, I have explained this ques- 
 tion, and you think you understand it. That we may 
 be sure on this point, I wish each of you to bring to me, 
 to-morrow, a question of a similar kind."' Perhaps one 
 scholar may propose the following : " Amos, Charles, and 
 Samuel, bought 500 marbles for 75 cents, of which Amos 
 paid 30 cents, Charles 25 cents, and Samuel 20 cents j 
 how many marbles ought each to have ? " I think it 
 will be readily admitted, that a course like this, in 
 reference to the various rules, will prove very valuable, 
 in many particulars. At all events, it will counteract 
 the unfavorable consequences of a sole reliance upon text- 
 book questions. 
 
 In arithmetical operations, particularly, scholars 
 should be trained to rely upon their own resources. 
 Many teachers help their pupils too readily ; they lift 
 them over difficulties, rather than lead them to see their 
 own way through them. Let scholars be made to feel 
 that they can perform very complicated questions, if they 
 will give their entire attention to the same, and, in most 
 cases, they will find their own ability equal to the task 
 required of them. Let them be taught to examine, to 
 think, to compare, and, by persevering, they will soon 
 acquire the power to surmount the greatest difficulties. 
 
 It will sometimes, of course, be necessary for the 
 teacher to render assistance. But, even then, it may be 
 
ARITHMETIC. 235 
 
 TOO MUCH HELP INJUDICIOUS. 
 
 better to give it in an indirect manner, — by asking some 
 question or questions which shall lead the pupil to see 
 for himself. It will seldom be desirable to perform a 
 question for a pupil, or to tell him precisely how to do it. 
 It will be far preferable to encourage him to persevere 
 cheerfully, imparting, perhaps, a few suggestive hints, in 
 relation to the difficulty before him. 
 
 It is often the case, that a pupil may be led to com- 
 prehend a difficult question, by proposing another, involv- 
 ing the same principles, but more simple in its terms. 
 Let us suppose the following question is in a lesson, and 
 that it is not readily understood: "Three men — D, E, 
 and F — bought a ship for .^25.000, and sold the same 
 for $30,000 : D paid .$8000^ E $6500, and F $10,500 ; 
 what was each one's share of the gain?" The pupil 
 goes to the teacher for assistance. Instead of rendering 
 direct aid, the instructor proposes the following question : 
 "Charles, David, and Alfred, bought a knife for 75 
 cents, and sold it for 100 cents ; Charles paid 25 cents, 
 David 15 cents, and Alfred 35 cents ; what part of the 
 gain ought each to have? " The probability is, that the 
 pupil would soon perform this, and, on being told that 
 the same principles apply to the first, he will, without 
 doubt, soon be able to perform that also. 
 
 Let every effi)rt be made to secure a thorough under- 
 standing of every subject and every principle, and, if the 
 pupil leaves school before reaching the middle of the 
 text-book, he will be better prepared for business than 
 he would if he had, nominally, been over the whole book 
 a- dozen times, without gaining an accurate and well- 
 defined knowledge of the several rules and principles. 
 
 Says Prof Davies, in his Grammar of Arithmetic : 
 
236 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THOROUGH ANALYSIS IMPORTANT. 
 
 "■ In explaining the science of arithmetic, great care 
 should be taken that the analysis of every question, and 
 the reasoning bj which the principles are proved, be 
 made according to the strictest rules of mathematical 
 logic. Every principle should be laid down and ex- 
 plained, not only with reference to its subsequent use 
 and application in arithmetic, but also ivit/i reference to 
 its connection with the entire mathematical science^ — 
 of which arithmetic is the elementary branch." 
 
CHAPTER XXX.. 
 
 BOOK-KEEPING : DECLAMATION. 
 
 There is scarcely any situation in life, in which a 
 knowledge of book-keeping may not be of much service. 
 Its importance and general utility are such as to demand 
 for it a more prominent place in our schools than it has, 
 heretofore, received. It is a branch to which the atten- 
 tion of the older pupils, of both sexes, in all our schools, 
 may be very profitably given ; for it not unfrequently 
 happens that females have occasion for a practical use of 
 knowledge thus acquired. But, if this should seldom or 
 never be the case, the advantages of writing out a set 
 of books, merely as a disciplinary exercise, would amply 
 compensate for all time and attention devoted to it. I 
 am aware that book-keeping has, in many schools, re- 
 ceived a nominal attention : but, in most instances, the 
 exercise has consisted in making a verhatim transfer from 
 a printed formula to a blank book. The amount of avail- 
 able knowledge thus acquired is, of course, very incon- 
 siderable and vague. 
 
 In explaining the various terms used in a system of 
 accounts, great care should be taken to insure a clear and 
 perfect understanding, on the part of the learner. It is, 
 often, the case that pupils attend to book-keeping blindly, 
 for the want of a thorough comprehension of the first 
 principles and appropriate terms. Teachers should not 
 forget, that matters which are perfectly familiar and 
 
238 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 TERMS SHOULD BE MADE PLAIN. 
 
 plain to themselves may be shrouded in mystery to the 
 young pupil. 
 
 A great amount of information may be imparted by an 
 instructor without the aid of a regular text-book, though 
 it would be preferable to use one. The nature and object 
 of the day-book, leger, cash-book, &c., should be fully 
 and clearly explained, and everything in relation to each 
 made as simple as possible. A little time, with the aid 
 of a black-board, will enable a judicious teacher to make 
 everything sufficiently plain and clear. 
 
 In commencing, it may be best to require the pupils 
 to spend a portion of time in writing exercises upon their 
 slates ; and it will be well if these exercises are of such a 
 nature as to interest them. Perhaps, at the outset, all 
 transactions may be hmited to cents in their amount, 
 for, while boys, in their earnestness, often say, to their 
 mates, that they will give a million of dollars, if a thing 
 is not so and so, the sum total of all their actual property, 
 and of all their real operations, will seldom exceed a few 
 cents. 
 
 If the terms Br. [debtor] and Cr. [creditor] have been 
 properly explained, the teacher may, for first exercises, 
 give questions like the following, and require a class to 
 enter the same, in correct form, upon their slates : 
 
 If Charles Adams buys of you a knife worth 20 cents, 
 and a lead-pencil worth 10 cents, how will you enter the 
 charge ? j 
 
 If John Dole buys a writing-book for 12 cents, and a 
 slate for 25 cents, how will you charge the same ? 
 
 If Benjamin Hoyt buys 6 oranges for 4 cents each, a 
 Testament for 20 cents, and an arithmetic for 33 cents 
 
BOOK-KEEPING: DECLAMATION. 239 
 
 IMPORTANCE OF DECLA>LA.TION. 
 
 and pays you 25 cents, how will you enter the transaction 
 in your day-book ? 
 
 Questions like these, and others, calculated to illustrate 
 every variety of transaction which would come within 
 the limits of single-entry book-keeping, may be given by 
 the teacher, until the pupil has gained some idea of the 
 object of keeping accounts, and of the terms used. 
 
 The form and object of bills, notes, receipts, drafts, 
 due-bills," &c. &c.j should be properly explained, and 
 may be so, very readily, by using the black-board. 
 
 DECLAJIATION. 
 
 Although the exercise of declamation has, of late, 
 received more attention in schools than was formerly 
 devoted to it, still, it is true that less consequence is 
 attached to it than its real importance demands. The 
 advantages of frequent practice in '-speaking" are so 
 many and so great, that it should receive more promi- 
 nence, in all our schools. If scholars, at quite an early 
 age, should be trained in the rehearsal of pieces, as a 
 regular school duty, it would, doubtless, tend to produce 
 a degree of freedom, force, and naturalness, in reading, 
 which could be obtained in no other way ; and, if the 
 very favorable influence it exerts, in promoting distinct- 
 ness and energy, in this and other branches, was the only 
 benefit to be derived from its practice, it would be entitled 
 to particular consideration. 
 
 But there are other advantages resulting from the 
 exercise ; and not the least in importance is that which 
 comes from the habit of committing selections to memory 
 — a custom much less common now than formerly, but 
 none the less beneficial. 
 
240 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 CORRECT MANNER AND EXPRESSION. 
 
 I am confident, that, if most of a half-day, every fort- 
 night, should be devoted, in all our schools, to the re- 
 hearsal of dialogues and ''speaking pieces," the result 
 would prove gratifying and profitable ; that is, if proper 
 instruction as to manner, tone, &c., is given by the 
 teacher. Great and constant efibrt should be made, to 
 secure a correct understanding of every piece to be 
 spoken, so that a pupil shall be made to feel and act in a 
 suitable and appropriate manner. At the very outset, 
 and ever after, let care be taken to eradicate every faulty 
 tone of voice, and every manifestation of awkwardness 
 in manner, and indistinctness of utterance. 
 
 Every individual who possesses the ability to speak, in 
 public, with a good degree of force, ease, and propriety, 
 will be able to exert an influence much more potent than 
 he would if not accustomed to express his views and 
 opinions in the presence of others. 
 
CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 SINGING, 
 
 Within a few years mucli attention has been devoted 
 to vocal music in schools, so that, in many places, it has 
 become a regular exercise. Yet the question is often 
 asked, "What good results from it?" It is well, in 
 respect to everything that calls for an expenditure of 
 time or money, to inquire what beneficial results may be 
 obtained therefrom, as it would be both extravagant and 
 foolish to spend time and money for naught, or waste 
 energies on that " which satisfieth not/"' 
 
 Believing, as I do, that instruction in vocal music 
 may be made both interesting and useful, I will briefly 
 name a few particulars, on account of which I consider 
 it a desirable exercise in schools. 
 
 1. It loill j)rove useful as a disciplinaj^y exercise. 
 
 The principal object of education should be to disci- 
 pline the mind, to train it to habits of patient thought, 
 close attention, and scrutinizing investigation ; in fine, to 
 make it an active, thinking mind. It is not so much to 
 store it with important knowledge and truths, as to fit it 
 properly to examine and use whatever may come before 
 it. Therefore, any branch not in itself objectionable, 
 that will tend to fix the thoughts, and lead to correctness 
 and preciseness of action, may be pursued with advan- 
 tage ; and, if I mistake not, instruction in vocal music, 
 properly imparted, is admirably adapted to fix the atten- 
 21 
 
242 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 INFLUENCES OP SINGING. 
 
 tion and impart wholesome mental discipline in a pleasing 
 manner. 
 
 2. The infiuence of music upon the moral feelings 
 is highly salutary. 
 
 If, as the poet says, 
 
 " Music has charms to soothe the savage breast," 
 
 it will certainly require no poetic imagination to show 
 that it has a soothing and refining influence over the 
 feelings and passions of heedless boys in Christian 
 lands. No one, who has witnessed a school when 
 engaged in singing some pleasant moral song, can have 
 failed to observe its salutary and subduing effects. No 
 angry look or morose feeling can exist at such a time. 
 
 3. Singing will tend to j)^^oinote good order in 
 school, and increase the happiness of the pupils. 
 
 In every school there will be more or less of monotony. 
 An occasional song will do much to relieve the tedious- 
 ness often attendant upon the regular routine of school 
 duties. When a school becomes restless, listless, or dull, 
 nothing will so readily and effectually restore a good 
 feeling, and produce ''sweet union," as the devotion of 
 a few minutes to music. This will dispel every unhappy 
 feeling, cheer every heart, and light, with joyful expres- 
 sion, every countenance. I would, therefore, consider 
 it extremely desirable to have attention given to vocal 
 music in schools, if for no other reason, because it would 
 increase the attractions of the school, and add to the 
 happiness of the pupils. 
 
 4. Attention given to vocal music, in schools, will 
 tend to preve?it the indulgence of those idle, foolish, 
 
SINGING. 243 
 
 THE YOUNG DELIGHT IN MUSIC. 
 
 and sinful songs, which are so common and so bane- 
 fid in most communities. 
 
 In every city and village, there are many, wliose 
 highest enjoyment appears to consist in singing, or listen- 
 ing to, vulgar and immoral songs. A most deleterious 
 influence proceeds from such practices, and by them, un- 
 questionably, many a mind has been hopelessly debased. 
 The power of music is great and universal. Music of 
 some kiads all will have, and how important is it that 
 the young be trained to sing cheerful and happy moral 
 songs ! Who has not witnessed the eagerness and 
 interest with which children will follow the miserable 
 and vagabond singers and musicians, that often appear 
 in our streets ? Who, that has any regard for what is 
 good and lovely, has not been pained at beholding a 
 crowd of youthful and susceptible minds gathered 
 around some noisy person in the street, and listening, 
 with apparent delight, to his bawdy and pestiferous 
 songs, all destitute of real music though they be ? 
 
 " The introduction of music into some of our schools, 
 as a distinct branch of instruction, I consider highly 
 beneficial. To say nothing of the facility with which it 
 may be taught to pupils of tender age, or the advantages 
 which would follow from an increased taste for this 
 acquirement in a community, it is not to be despised as 
 a means of discipline. Music itself is not destitute of 
 power over the moral feelings ; and, when associated 
 with suitable sentiments, and sung by the ' many- voiced 
 throng of a busy school,' I have never known it fail of 
 producing good results. It may be pursued without 
 detriment to progress in other branches, as, when judi- 
 ciously managed, it fills up those portions of time which 
 
244 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE SONGS OF A PEOPLE. 
 
 would be otherwise lost in idleness. It serves as a 
 pleasant recreation, after the closer duties of the school, 
 and, seasonably introduced, often serves as a ' safety- 
 valve^^ through which a love of vociferation and activity, 
 that would otherwise find an escapement in whispering 
 and bustling, is allowed to pass off in a more harmless 
 and more pleasing way. For these, and many other 
 reasons, I consider the introduction of music into our 
 public schools a decided improvement." * 
 
 Well was he acquainted with human nature, and the 
 springs of action, who said, ''Let me make the songs 
 of a people, and I care not who make their lay)s.^^ I 
 would, then, urge the introduction of vocal music into 
 our schools, that the minds of the young may be well 
 stored with appropriate songs, whose moral influences 
 will purify and elevate the feelings ; and that our youth 
 'may make melody in their hearts' to God, their 
 Creator ; and that they may be preserved from the 
 debasing and soul-destroying influences of those baser 
 songs, which possess no true melody, and whose effects 
 are 'evil, and only evil, and that continually.' 
 
 " The tranquillizing, refining influence of vocal music 
 has too long been known and practised, to need recom- 
 mending. In no place does the cheerful song fall more 
 gratefully upon the ear, than in commencing or closing 
 the duties of the day, or occasionally breaking out in the 
 midst of the busy scenes of the school-room." 
 
 * D. P. Page. 
 
CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 In every school some portion of time should be 
 devoted to exercises in relation to topics not definitely 
 presented in the text-books. To explain my meaning, 
 I will suggest a few lessons of this description. In 
 most schools, pupils are able to answer the common 
 questions in relation to the common abbreviations, and 
 yet but few, comparatively, can properly apply these. 
 In order that their true use may be understood, it will 
 be well to give exercises like the following : 
 
 " Write sentences, and make a right use of i7ist., ult.. 
 Gov., Esq., A. M., Hon^ On the first trial, it will, 
 very probably, be found that there is, in many instances, 
 an utter ignorance of the proper use of these abbreviated 
 characters. Perhaps sentences like the following may 
 be written : 
 
 ' ' Come to me this inst. 
 
 It was the tilt, month. 
 
 He was Gov. of the state. 
 
 The man was Esq., &c." 
 
 Such exercises will show to the teacher the deficien- 
 cies, and will afibrd him an opportunity to explain the 
 correct use and application of these characters. 
 
 Another general exercise may be in relation to a 
 " Review of the market," as it may be found in the 
 newspapers. For example, the following occurs : 
 2i# 
 
246 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 REVIEW OP MARKET. 
 
 REVIEW OF THE BOSTON MARKET, 
 For the week ending April 16, 1853. 
 
 Ashes. — No change in previous quotations ; demand 
 and receipts continue limited. 
 
 Candles. — For Sperm the market exhibits a feeble 
 demand, and prices are a shade lower ; sales Nantucket 
 made, 39c. ; New Bedford, 39i <s) 40c. per lb., 6 mos. 
 
 Questions like the following may be asked, in relation 
 to the above : 
 
 What is meant by "Review of Boston market"? 
 Of what are ashes made ? For what purposes are they 
 useful ? Which most valuable, coal or wood ashes 7 
 What is meant by "previous quotations"? What is 
 meant by " demand and receipts continue limited " ? 
 
 Of what are candles made ? What is meant by 
 "sperm"? Where is Nantucket? New Bedford? 
 What is meant by a " shade lower " ? What by "6 
 mos. " ? 
 
 The above will suggest the extent to which this may 
 be carried, with interest and profit. 
 
 A similar method may be pursued with the following : 
 
 marine journal. 
 
 PORT OF BOSTON. 
 
 Wednesday^ April 13. 
 Arrived — Ship Wm. A. Cooper, Lincoln, Cadiz, 
 March 6. March 30, lat. 40° 58', Ion. 49° 30', passed 
 brig Avon, Webb, from Boston for Malaga ; 2d inst., 
 lat. 43° 63', Ion. 53° 30', spoke ship James Wright. 30 
 days from Liverpool for New York. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS. 247 
 
 MARINE JOURNAL. IMPORTS. 
 
 In relation to this single item, the following questions 
 may be raised : 
 
 What is meant by "Marine Journal"? In what 
 places, usually, are marine journals kept and pub- 
 lished ? What is a ship ? What names are applied to 
 different kinds of vessels, and give some account of each. 
 Where is Cadiz 1 What is meant by Latitude 7 Lon- 
 gitude? Nearest what land was brig Avon passed? 
 Where i^ Malaga ? Liverpool ? Why should the meet- 
 ing of vessels be reported, more than meeting of cars or 
 carriages ? 
 
 A list of imports and exports will furnish items for 
 many lessons, e. g. : 
 
 IMPORTS. 
 
 From Arabia. — Aloes, coffee, frankincense, gum 
 arabic, myrrh. 
 
 Suggestive Questions. — Where is Arabia? What 
 is its capital, government, &c. ? How would you go from 
 New York to Arabia? For what are aloes useful? 
 What can you tell about aloes ? For what is coffee used ? 
 Is it a mineral or vegetable production? &c. &c. 
 
 It will readily be seen, by the above, that any commer- 
 cial newspaper will furnish an abundance of material for 
 miscellaneous exercises in the school-room ; and the 
 practical value of instruction on these points must be 
 apparent to all. It will be found that pupils will be 
 much interested in receiving information in relation to 
 such items as have been given in this chapter. 
 
248 co:,iMON school education. 
 
 THE FARBIER. — THE CARPENTER. 
 
 The active and devoted teacher will ever aim to intro- 
 duce valuable miscellaneous exercises, which will, at once, 
 tend to instruct, interest, and arouse the minds of his 
 pupils. There will be no necessity for great labor in 
 searching for material for such lessons. The topics, 
 already alluded to, may be, almost indefinitely, extended. 
 The following may serve as additional suggestions, on the 
 point under consideration : 
 
 The Farmer. — How is the farmer employed ? 
 Kame some of the kinds of work which he performs, and 
 tell, as nearly as you can, how each is performed. 
 What are some of the tools or implements used by a 
 farmer ? For w hat is the plough used ? The harrow 7 
 The spade ? The rake ? The scythe 7 The roller 7 &c. 
 
 The Carpenter. — What is a carpenter 7 What 
 tools does he use 7 For what is the saw used 7 The 
 adze 7 The auger 7 The square 7 The compass 7 The 
 level 7 The chisel 7 &c. 
 
 The various trees and plants of any section may afford 
 useful lessons for awakening thought and inquiry. For 
 illustration; suppose an instructor should say, "Schol- 
 ars, I wish each of you to come prepared, to-morrow, to 
 write upon your slates the names of the different trees to 
 be found in this town, and to give some account of each, 
 and tell its uses. Also, be able to tell what is meant by 
 ornamental, forest, shade, fruit trees," &c. &c. 
 
 A similar course may be pursued in reference to 
 plants, shrubbery, vegetables, &c. Various manufac- 
 tured articles will, also, furnish material for a great num- 
 ber and variety of useful exercises, and may be made 
 instrumental in awakening a true spirit of inquiry and 
 investigation on the part of pupils. The true importance 
 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 249 
 
 RECORDS AND FORMULAS. 
 
 of miscellaneous exercises in schools lias not yet been 
 properly considered. If they should furnish no useful 
 information on the topics proposed, they would still pos- 
 sess great value, by inducing pupils to think and exam- 
 ine ; and, with the additional advantage of imparting 
 useful, practical information, their worth is greatly en- 
 hanced. 
 
 RECORD OF DEPORTJIENT AND RECITATIONS. 
 
 The favorable influences resulting from the keeping of 
 a daily account, or record of deportment and lessons, ren- 
 der such a record desirable. It will readily be seen, that, 
 if the teacher keeps a book, in which he makes, daily, an 
 entry, against the name of each scholar, of the character 
 of his recitations and conduct, the effect will be salutary, 
 especially if it is understood that this record is always 
 open to the inspection of the committee and visitors. 
 Perhaps no precise model can be given which will answer 
 for all schools ; but something like the following may be 
 of suggestive value : 
 
 RECORD OP DEPORTMENT. 
 
 Names. 
 Anna Weston, 
 Hannah F. Osborne, 
 D. P. Northend, 
 Arthur Poole, 
 George H. Clark, 
 Maria Putnam, 
 Mary Wheeler, 
 Benj. E. Hovt. 
 Elizabeth Wells, 
 
 Mo. 
 
 Tu. 
 
 W. 
 
 Th. 
 
 Fr. 
 
 Sat. 
 
 Mo. 
 
 Tu. 
 
 W. 
 
 Th. 
 
 Fr. 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 Sat. 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 
 In the above, 8 indicates correct deportment, and 2, 
 1, and 0, different degrees of deviations from the same. 
 It may be considered preferable to take a higher number. 
 
250 
 
 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 FORM OF REPORT. 
 
 as indicative of excellence. If 5 should be used, as the 
 maximum, it would allow more degrees of deviation. 
 
 A similar record may be kept of recitations, absences, 
 and tardinesses. Of course, each teacher must adapt 
 such a record to his own wants, and to the peculiar cir- 
 cumstances of his school. If such records are properly 
 kept and preserved, they will not only be subjects of 
 special present interest, but will, hereafter, be examined 
 with much interest. 
 
 It will also be found useful, if a monthly report is sent 
 to parents. This will require some time and care, on the 
 part of the teacher ; but will prove of sufficient utility 
 to compensate for the same. The following is a very 
 convenient form : 
 
 REPORT TO PAKENTS. 
 
 EPES SCHOOL, SALEM. 
 
 Whole number of scholars, 75. Number not absent once during the term, 28. Num- 
 ber not tardy once, 60. 
 
 Monthly Report of Chas. A. Northend. 
 
 1853. 
 
 
 Present, 
 
 No. 
 
 of half-tlays. 
 
 
 Tardy, 
 
 No. 
 
 of times. 
 
 DEPORTMENT. 
 
 RECITATIONS. 
 
 Jan. 
 
 40 1 
 
 39 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Very good. 
 
 Satisfactory. 
 
 Feb. 
 
 38 1 
 
 38 
 
 
 
 
 
 Excellent. 
 
 Uniformly good. 
 
 Mar. 
 
 37 1 
 
 37 
 
 
 
 
 
 Correct. 
 
 Seldom fails. 
 
 (E? Every pupil who is not present at the precise time of opening the school ig 
 marked late. As much of the regular school time is taken up in illustration, explan- 
 ation, and blackboard exercises, lessons are assigned for study at home ; and 
 parents are earnestly desired to see that they are seasonably and faithfully attended 
 to. Among the prominent regulations of the school which the pupils are required to 
 observe, are, punctuality, promptness, industry, neatness, good humor, respect for 
 the rights and feelings of others, purity of language, and a strict regard to truth. 
 Parents and others interested in the cause of education are always welcome visitors. 
 
 Committee. , Teacher. 
 
PART II. 
 THE PARENT. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 
 
 As we look abroad, and behold the multitude of chil- 
 dren, who, buoyant with life and spirit, throng the busy 
 streets of the cities and villages throughout our country, 
 and, while witnessing their present condition, — so joyous 
 and free from care, — reflect, that, when a few brief years 
 shall have passed away, they will be important and busy 
 actors on the stage of life, each contributing, in a greater 
 or less degree, to aid in improving, extending, and per- 
 petuating the civil, religious, and literary privileges 
 which we now enjoy, — or sending forth, through the 
 length and breadth of our land, those pernicious influ- 
 ences which proceed from ignorance, insubordination, 
 and idleness, — it becomes a question of momentous in- 
 terest to every good citizen, and particularly to every 
 parent, to ascertain how the latter shall be avoided, and 
 the former secured ; or, in other words, how these chil- 
 dren of the present shall be trained and influenced, that 
 they will become the men of the future^ Avhose example 
 and powers shall be made an honor and blessing to the 
 world. In pondering the subject, we become convinced 
 that education, in its broadest sense, thoroughly and 
 
252 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 WHAT EDUCATION IS. 
 
 generally furnished, must do the work, or it will not be 
 done. 
 
 Education, as a whole, is as a mighty and powerful 
 stream, rushing on to that shoreless and fathomless ocean 
 — Eternity. The family, the infant and primary school, 
 the common school, the academy, the college and higher 
 seminary, the social circle, the pulpit, the public meet- 
 ing, and the press, are, each and all, but tributary 
 streams, whose waters will all unite, and exert an influ- 
 ence, salutary or otherwise, upon the main channel. 
 Each of these tributaries, like the little rill on its Avay to 
 mingle with the rushing torrent, may be easily managed, 
 and readily guided, if seasonably and properly attended 
 to ; but, when their neglected or perverted powers have 
 contributed to augment the main body, it will require 
 the combined and long-continued efforts of the best and 
 most efficient to prevent the general, if not the universal, 
 contamination of the stream they have helped to form. 
 
 "Education does not commence with the ali^habet. 
 It begins with a mother's look ; with a father's nod of 
 approbation or his sigh of reproof; with a sister's gentle 
 pressure of the hand, or a brother's noble act of forbear- 
 ance; with handfuls of flowers in green and daisy 
 meadows; with birds' nests admired, but not touched; 
 with creeping ants, and almost imperceptible emmets; 
 with humming bees and glass bee-hives ; with pleasant 
 walks in shady lanes ; and with thoughts directed, in 
 sweet and kindly Avords and tones, to nature, to beauty, 
 to acts of benevolence, to deeds of virtue, and to the 
 source of all good — to God himself" 
 
 Of all the tributary sources to which allusion has been 
 made, our system of public instruction justly ranks among 
 
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 253 
 
 PARENTS AND TEACHERS ARE CO-WORKERS. 
 
 the most important and efficient. Our common schools, — 
 scattered, as they are, or will be, all over the surface of 
 our happy country, accessible alike to the high and the 
 low, the rich and the poor, — are destined, if properly 
 appreciated and fostered, to produce influences which 
 will prove healthful and vivifying to a great nation, in 
 all coming time. 
 
 Having considered the office of the teacher, and spoken 
 of his duties, obligations, and responsibilities, I shall 
 now proceed to designate some of the duties of parents in 
 relation to our common schools. I may, however, in 
 passing, say, that, as the teacher stands in the place of 
 parents, all that has been said, in relation to the peculiar 
 qualifications of the former, may be profitably perused 
 and considered by the latter. The movements and oper- 
 ations of the two are so intimately connected, and, if 
 I may use the expression, so run into each other, that 
 a proper understanding of appropriate duties and rela- 
 tions seems indispensable to the complete success of 
 either party. The full, cheerful, and prompt coopera- 
 tion of parents is as essential to the prosperity of a school, 
 as are the dew, the rain, and the sunshine, to the growth 
 of the vegetable kingdom. A school-house may be con- 
 structed in the best and most approved style ; a compe- 
 tent instructor may be furnished, whose efforts for the 
 good of the school may be vigorous, well-timed, and 
 unceasing ; children may be well supplied with books, 
 and sent to school with constancy, — and yet, much will 
 be wanting, to give success and vitality, if a feeling of 
 cold indifference exists on the part of parents and guard- 
 ians. It is, comparatively, an easy matter to cause 
 pupils to assemble within the walls of a school-room; 
 22 
 
254 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE VASTNESS OF AMERICAN EDUCATION. 
 
 but, to excite and keep alive an active, healthful, and 
 uniform interest in the exercises of the school, and inspire 
 children with a true spirit for acquiring knowledge, call 
 for the combined wisdom, and hearty cooperation, of 
 parents and teachers. 
 
 Some one has beautifully and truthfully said, " Child- 
 hood is like a mirror, catching and reflecting images 
 from all around it. An impious, profane, or improper 
 thought, uttered by a parent or teacher's lip, may operate 
 upon a young heart like a careless spray of water thrown 
 upon polished steel, staining it with rust, which no after 
 scouring can efiace." In view of this, how great is the 
 work intrusted to parents and teachers, and how import- 
 ant that they labor together wisely and harmoniously ! 
 "What happiness can men desire so great, as to have 
 their children grow up in intelligence and affection, fill- 
 ing their homes and the community with gladness, making 
 the fireside a circle of unfading smiles, a refreshment for 
 exhaustion, a refuge in reverses, a bright revelation of a' 
 better world?*' 
 
 And in what nobler cause can parents and teachers 
 engage, than in that of the diffusion of the principles of 
 learning and morality? " American education ! How 
 inspiring the mention of its name ! how vast the dimen- 
 sions of its cause, — its breadth, and length, and height, 
 and depth ! Its breadth of domain ! — From the forest- 
 depths of New England, how has it extended the bound- 
 aries of its early home ! The breadth of its influence ! — 
 Too expansive to be hemmed in by ocean barriers, it has 
 chartered wind and wave to bear it throughout the world, 
 — making its way to Africa, overleaping the wall of 
 China, and causing its presence to be felt wherever our 
 
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 255 
 
 c. H. wheeler's views. 
 
 language is read or spoken, wherever our people go. 
 Like the ocean, which makes its inroads upon every 
 land, penetrating continents, surrounding islands, indent- 
 ing coasts, sending the pulsations of its mighty wave into 
 channel, gulf, and bay, and meeting and rolling back the 
 rivers in their flow, — such is its breadth ! It stretches 
 away into the past, and lingers among its decayed monu- 
 ments, and gathers up the treasures of its wisdom. It 
 penetrates the future, and sheds a cheerful radiance 
 across its borders. Its height is measured by the eleva- 
 tion to which it has exalted states, by the heights to 
 which it has borne the individual mind. But the sum- 
 mit of its influence is lost in that pure region which is 
 beyond the view of men. It descends to the lowest con- 
 ditions of our race. It goes down into the dim regions 
 of vacancy, and sheds a gleam of intelligence upon the 
 brow of hopeless idiocy itself. Multitudes of volcanic 
 fires have gleamed above the surface of the sea, — but its 
 mighty depths have swallowed up the fiery masses, or, 
 quenching their flames, have converted them into fertile 
 islands, the abodes of living men. So shall our educa- 
 tion, guided thus, swallow up the irruptions of ignorance, 
 and superstition, and tyramiy, or convert the theatre of 
 their ravages into dwellings of loveliness. Such is its 
 depth ! Such are the elements, and such the dimensions, 
 of the work for parents and teachers to perform, — and 
 may they never weary of surveying its foundations, 
 marking well its bulwarks, telling the towers thereof, 
 and urging it forward to the utmost completion of its 
 design! " ^ 
 
 * C. H. Wheeler 
 
256 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD BE ACTIVE. 
 
 In view of the vastness of our subject, how important 
 is it that every good citizen should be properly awakened 
 to the great interests of popular education ! How im- 
 portant that every parent should rightly understand his 
 duties, that he may wisely and seasonably perform them ! 
 With the hope that I may be humbly instrumental of 
 arousing some to a more clear view of the subject, I 
 shall proceed to speak of some of the general and specific 
 duties of parents in relation to schools, — duties which, 
 rightly discharged, will exalt our schools, and make them 
 the true nurseries of republican virtues, and sources of 
 republican blessings. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE SCHOOL-HOUSE. 
 
 So much has been said and done, in reference to this 
 subject, that it might seem almost superfluous to add 
 more, were it not true that buildings, appropriated to 
 the use of schools, may be found in nearly every town of 
 our state, whose location, external structure, and internal 
 arrangements and finish, are all calculated to throw 
 around the pupil's path associations the most gloomy and 
 repulsive. It might still seem superfluous, were it not 
 true that there are those, in nearly every community, who 
 contend that the old buildings which served for them and 
 their fathers are good enough for children of the present 
 day, and, consequently, oppose all change and improve- 
 ment. With all suitable allowance for that powerful and 
 wisely-formed feeling of our natures which leads us to a 
 strong attachment to objects and localities long familiar 
 to us, and submits to any change with so much reluct- 
 ance, we cannot help thinking that such would modify 
 their views, if they would bestow a little candid reflection 
 upon the subject. Certain it is, that in other matters 
 they act more wisely and considerately. In the erection 
 of dwelling-houses and churches, in the building of store- 
 houses and barns, in the form and making of various 
 implements for the farm and the workshop, in the man- 
 ufactures, in the arts, and in the modes of locomotion, 
 there have been most important changes and improve- 
 
258 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 SCHOOL-HOUSES SHOULD BE PLEASANT- 
 
 ments ; and why may there not be, and why should there 
 not be, in relation to school-houses 7 While it becomes 
 communities, no less than individuals, to study and prac- 
 tise economy in relation to their affairs, a spirit of false 
 economy, or of parsimony, should never lead them to cling 
 to positive evils or defects. It is, unquestionably, true, 
 that many a youthful mind has imbibed an unconquera- 
 ble dislike, and even dread ^ of school and everything 
 pertaining thereto, from the unpleasantness, inconve- 
 nience, and dreariness, which combined to form its first 
 impressions. If this is so (and who can doubt it?), how 
 desirable is it that the spot on which a school-house is 
 placed be a pleasant and attractive one ! How desirable 
 that the building in which the young spend their time be 
 comely in its appearance, neat in its finish, commodious 
 and pleasant in all its arrangements ! How desirable 
 that everything in and about it be fitted to make the 
 young happy and comfortable ! Above all, and beyond 
 all, how desirable that the best and most ample provisions 
 be made for supplying the occupants with an abundance 
 of pure and fresh air ! 
 
 But how has it been with school-houses of former days, 
 and how is it with many of the present time ? An ex- 
 amination would lead one to suppose that they were con- 
 structed without the slightest reference to the comfort, 
 convenience, or health of pupils, but, mainly, with the 
 design of packing the largest number within the smallest 
 space. But the most serious defect, in the construction 
 of school-houses, has been, a neglect of ventilation. On 
 this point, it is impossible to speak too strongly or too 
 freely. Our school-houses are, often, crowded with chil- 
 dren whose healthful and energetic existence depends much 
 
THE SCHOOL-HOUSE. 259 
 
 IMPORTANCE OF VENTILATION. 
 
 upon the state of the atmosphere they breathe, with no 
 means provided for removing the impure air, and supplying 
 its place with fresh and pure, save such apertures as the 
 hand of time, or the knife of some mischievous school-boy, 
 has made. How many teachers, and how many pupils, 
 have suffered, and languished, and even died, from being 
 compelled to spend so much time in an impure and dead- 
 ened atmosphere ! It is, undoubtedly, true, that disease 
 has frequently been contracted, and the constitution irre- 
 parably injured, from this source. To this, too, may be 
 attributed most of the cases of headache, and those feel- 
 ings of lassitude and prostration, which often characterize 
 a school ; and, also, those indescribable, and otherwise 
 unaccountable, cases of restlessness, and those feelings of 
 petulance and sensitiveness, which are so contagious in 
 their nature, and so disastrous in their effects. In the 
 lansuao-e of Horace Mann : "To nut children on a short 
 allowance of fresh air is as foolish as it would have been 
 for Noah, during the deluge, to have put his family on a 
 short allowance of water. Since God has poured out an 
 atmosphere fifty miles deep, it is enough to make a miser 
 weep to see our children stinted in breath, — and yet, we 
 may add, occasion for such weeping may be found within 
 the limits of nearly every town within our common- 
 wealth." Let the school-house and school-grounds be 
 made comfortable, pleasant, and attractive, and "going 
 to school " will be considered a delightful privilege^ 
 instead of a disagreeable and irksome task^ as is now too 
 often the case. 
 
 I have, thus far, spoken of the duty of parents in rela- 
 tion to the school-house ; and will now add a few sugges- 
 tions touching the teacher's duty. As a citizen, he will 
 
260 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE SCHOOL-HOUSE SHOULD BE KEPT FROM ABUSE. 
 
 share duties in common with others ; but, as a teacher, it 
 becomes him rightly to understand the whole subject, 
 and to do what he can to disseminate right views and 
 feehngs. Though he may have no specific responsibility, 
 in reference to the erection of a school-house, he certainly 
 has important duties, in relation to it, when constructed. 
 It is clearly his duty to see that it is kept in a good con- 
 dition in all particulars, and that it be carefully preserved 
 from every species of defacement. He should do what he 
 can to promote a correct feeling on the part of his pupils. 
 He should make them feel that the school-house and all 
 its appurtenances have been provided for their tise, but 
 not for their abuse. He should cause them to feel deeply 
 their accountability and obligations to their parents for 
 furnishing them such accommodations ; and, at the same 
 tim-e, incite in them the feeling that they can in no way 
 so well manifest their appreciation of what has been done 
 for them, as in preserving the property, temporarily 
 intrusted to them, free from every injury. 
 
 It is quite common, in some places, to allow pupils to 
 run and play about the school-room during the hours of 
 intermission, and at recess. The practice is a bad one, 
 and should be discountenanced entirely. The school- 
 room should be regarded as sacred for the objects of 
 learning, and should never be desecrated by the rude and 
 boisterous merriment of the young. Let pupils be early 
 and constantly impressed with the idea that the school- 
 room is a place for study, and not for play ; and let them, 
 if possible, be made to feel, that, when they pass its 
 threshold, they must banish from their thoughts all scenes 
 of sport and merriment, and, for the time, devote their 
 thoughts, and all their energies, to the peculiar and appro- 
 
THE SCHOOL-HOUSE. 261 
 
 THE SCHOOL-ROOM A PLACE FOR STUDY. 
 
 priate duties of the place, — the acquisition of knowl- 
 edge. On this point, teachers cannot be too exact ; and 
 parents should cherfully sustain them in their efforts. 
 There is no half-"way ground. If pupils are ever allowed 
 to play in the school-room, it will be very difficult to 
 limit them ; and if liberty is given them it will only 
 make it the more difficult to govern them during the 
 hours allotted to study. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE SENT TO SCHOOL 
 TOO YOUNG. 
 
 Children are often sent to school, and, as it were, forced 
 in their learning too soon. On this point, the author is 
 aware that many will differ from him. Nevertheless, he 
 does not hesitate to express the opinion, which he has 
 long and honestly held, that most children are sent to 
 school, to learn from books, at too early an age. In this, 
 he would not be understood that the young can too soon 
 commence the acquisition of knowledge ; but merely, that 
 they should not be sent to school, as pupils, at a very ten- 
 der age. A child who has but just commenced lisping 
 the simplest and most common words has enough to learn, 
 and enough to exercise its susceptible and opening mind, 
 without being urged with dull, and, to him, unmeaning 
 sounds, to repeat his A, B, C, or to pronounce his 
 a-b, ab. He has but just commenced his existence, in a 
 world full of novelty to him ; and, which way soever he 
 may turn his eye, he will find enough to exercise his 
 young mind and awaken thought, and the words and 
 names which he hourly hears will prove quite sufficient 
 for his memory to retain. And if within the doors of 
 the parental roof he hears and sees enough to excite his 
 curiosity, and exercise his thinking powers, how much 
 more which is to him new, interesting, and wonderful, 
 will he behold when he wanders " out of doors " ! As 
 
SCHOOL-GOING AGE. 263 
 
 WHAT A CHILD MAY LEARN. 
 
 he gazes, with childish delight, upon the rattling carriages 
 of the streets, think you that the momentary glance 
 leaves no impression on his mind, or excites no thoughts 
 or ideas before dormant ? As he walks into the fields 
 and gardens, and, with infant rapture, beholds the pretty 
 flowers, the springing grass, the waving grain, and stately 
 trees, think you that his little mind is inactive or unaf- 
 fected 7 As he looks, with simple and natural wonder, 
 upon the 'water, and, perhaps, sees some noble ship 
 moving majestically along over ocean's rolling billows, 
 has not his young mind enough whereon to feed and 
 grow ? As he beholds, with pure amazement, and, per- 
 haps, terrific astonishment, a whizzing, puffing, flying 
 train of cars upon some railroad, think you that his mind 
 can sufier from want of food? And, when he raises his 
 eyes to "heaven's blue vault," and views the golden orb 
 of day, and the moon and countless stars, those ''lesser 
 lights " that rule the night, have we not reason to appre- 
 hend danger from excess, rather than from deficiency, of 
 action ? 
 
 Who, that has taken some prattling child upon his 
 knee, and undertaken to answer his earnest and almost 
 numberless interrogatories, has not been, as it were, 
 struck dumb by the artless and sincere manner in which 
 his little questioner will finally ask, ' "' Where is God, and 
 who made IJim ? ' ' And can a child, who is thus inter- 
 ested in all these matters, and- is, at last, left to think, 
 to conjecture, to wonder who, what, and where the great 
 First Cause is, receive any better exercise for his expand- 
 ing mind ? Ought he, until his wonder, and amazement, 
 and delight, and curiosity, have, in a measure, subsided, 
 or become gratified, be required to go over the dull and 
 
264 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 HOW TO TEACH THE ALPHABET. 
 
 unmeaning repetition of letters and words? Certainly 
 not. Let him be aided to understand all that he sees 
 with inquiring interest, — let him be assisted to compre- 
 hend, in some degree, the meaning and use of the lan- 
 guage he daily hears, — let an attempt be made to solve 
 all his queries and wonders; and when he has, in some 
 measure, become able to understand these affairs of 
 every-day occurrence, he may be prepared to acquire 
 knowledge from letters and books. 
 
 But at what age ought children to commence their 
 school course? Probably never before the age of five 
 years, — seldom before six. It is true, that, at an earlier 
 age, they may, by the aid of their parents, learn all the 
 letters of the alphabet, as a mere pastime. Parents 
 may, for instance, take a slate, and make the letter A, 
 and then assist the little ones in copying it, and learning 
 its name, &c. Thus the entire alphabet may be taught, 
 as a pleasant exercise. The alphabet should always be 
 taught in this manner, whether by parents or teachers. 
 In the usual way, it is not uncommon to meet with chil- 
 dren who can repeat every letter of the alphabet in regu- 
 lar order, and yet be unable to recognize a letter, taken 
 separately. They learn them by rote^ and not by having 
 a correct and clear impression of the looks and shape of 
 each letter made upon the mind. They cannot even 
 equal the lad who, being asked what a certain letter was, 
 answered that "he knew him very well by sight, but 
 could not think of his name." The children alluded 
 to know the names, but not the looks of the individual 
 owners. But, let every letter be made as I have pro- 
 posed, and the looks and names will become so thor- 
 oughly fixed in the mind, that the child will never be at 
 
SCHOOL-GOING AGE. 265 
 
 ERROR IN TEACHlNa. — ANECDOTE. 
 
 a loss in naming every individual member of the alpha- 
 bet, whenever and wherever he may meet with it. If 
 children are sent to school to learn their letters, the 
 teacher may use the black-board to great advantage, and 
 the time usually spent with a single child would suffice 
 for instructino; a dozen or more. Let the instructor 
 make upon the board the letter A, tell its name, and- 
 request the 'kittle ones" to copy it upon the board or 
 upon their slates, often requiring them to give its name ; 
 and, when fully fixed in their minds, let the next letter 
 be taken in the same manner, and so on, to the end. 
 Children will thus learn the alphabet more readily, more 
 surely, and more pleasantly. 
 
 It is sometimes the case, that children are taught easy 
 words from books containing picture representations. 
 Such ones may manifest a remarkable degree of accuracy 
 in some cases ; but it will sometimes happen that a child 
 will — leaning on the picture — say, C-a-t, kitten ; 
 R-a-t, mouse. A father once attempted to cover the 
 picture of a cow while he asked his httle son to spell and 
 pronounce the name printed under it, which he did cor- 
 rectly. ''How do you know," said the father, "that 
 c-o-w spells cow 7 " " Because," said the child, " I can 
 see her horns." Such " helps to read " are, often, worse 
 than valueless. They may make "kitten" of "cat," 
 " mouse " of " rat," " puppy " of " dog," or " cow " of 
 "ox." 
 
 I have frequently noticed, that those children who 
 were the most forward at the age of five or six years, 
 were comparatively backward at the age of twelve years. 
 Having been pressed onward when quite young, they 
 became weary of learning and repeating unintelligible 
 23 
 
266 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE YOUNG SHOULD HAVE AN OBJECT IN VIEW. 
 
 lessons before their expanding minds were capable of com- 
 prehending fully what they met with in their daily exer- 
 cises. They learned to read before they were able to 
 understand the object of reading, or the meaning of the 
 words they uttered. They had been incited on by flat- 
 tery and the novelty of the exercise ; and, as soon as 
 these lost their effect,— as they soon did, — they fell into 
 a state of apathy, or positive dislike towards all school 
 exercises, which it would be no easy task to change. 
 
 But, let a child's mind be well exercised, by explain- 
 ing to him the meaning and use of everything he sees 
 around him ; — let his curiosity to know be encouraged, 
 — and he will soon be anxious to read, that he may, from 
 the books he sees, obtain new information and new delight. 
 Instead of regarding the repetition of his early lessons as 
 dull and useless, he will look upon them with much 
 interest, and consider them as keys which Avill unlock 
 for him treasures of untold value and beauty ; in other 
 words, he will commence learning with a definite and 
 reasonable object in view. 
 
 But, it may be said, the law provides for the admis- 
 sion, to our schools, of children at the age of four years, 
 and parents are quite ready to comply with this legal 
 indulgence, — more so than with some others. This is 
 true; and "pity 'tis 'tis true." Until, then, something 
 can be done, either to change the views of parents in 
 relation to this subject, or to modify the character and 
 exercises of schools for children, the teacher must meet 
 the case as best he can. If the "Httle folks" will 
 claim their right to come, the teacher must receive them 
 pleasantly, treat them kindly, and do all he can to make 
 them comfortable and happy during six hours daily, and, 
 
SCHOOL-GOING AGE. 267 
 
 WHAT MAT BE DONE. 
 
 possibly, something to exercise their minds and awaken 
 thought. But he should not take them through the dry 
 routine of school-room exercises. He should, if pos- 
 sible, cause them to be furnished with slates, and give 
 them such simple copies for drawing as they can readily 
 make. This will interest them: and in this way the 
 judicious instructor may do something to advance them 
 toioards the hill of science, without taking, imperfectly, 
 steps which must be retraced before the first ascending 
 step can be advantageously taken. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 IT IS THE DUTY OF PARENTS TO PROVIDE 
 COMPETENT AND EFFICIENT TEACHERS. 
 
 Every observing mind will see that the number of 
 schools kept is much larger than the number taught. 
 There are, and always have been, more nom/inal teach- 
 ers than real ones. The inducements held out, as regards 
 permanency of employment, or reward of services, are not 
 such as will engage the heart, the time, and the energies, 
 of men of talents and attainments of a high order. In 
 no department, probably, is there so much need of ster- 
 ling worth in every good qualification ; and yet, in no 
 department is the premium awarded to real merit so 
 paltry and inadequate. Hence, we frequently meet with 
 those who are teachers from necessity, or misfortune, 
 rather than from a real love for^ and devotion to, the 
 occupation, emanating from a just conception of the 
 important and responsible nature of the duties to be per- 
 formed. The profession of the teacher has, often, been 
 a kind of "city of refuge" for such as had no abiding 
 employment, and who, too often, were unfit for any. The 
 influence of a teacher, for the weal or woe of those 
 intrusted to his care, is almost inconceivable. From his 
 every action, word, and even look, they will receive 
 impressions, good or ill, which will remain as long as the 
 susceptibility of the mind to retain impressions shall exist. 
 
EMPLOYMENT OF TEACHERS. 269 
 
 INCOMPETENT TEACHERS. ANECDOTE. 
 
 How solemn the thought, and yet how true, that the 
 teacher's influence will extend through time, and into 
 eternity ! And how melancholy the fact, that people 
 often try to drive a closer bargain in the engagement of 
 him to whom they commit the training of the young, 
 than they do in the employment of him who is to manage 
 their horses and cattle ! 
 
 The following case may be illustrative of the point 
 under consideration : Stouber, the predecessor of Ober- 
 lin, and pastor of Waldbach, on his arrival in the parish, 
 desired to visit the principal school. He was, accordingly, 
 conducted into a miserable cottage, where a number of 
 children were crowded together, without any apparent 
 occupation. He inquired for the "master." " There he 
 is," said one, as soon as silence could be obtained, point- 
 ing to a withered old man, who lay on a little bed in one 
 corner. " Are you the ' schoolmaster,' my good friend ? " 
 said Stouber. "Yes, sir." "And what do you teach 
 the children?" "Nothing, sir." "Nothing! how is 
 that?" "Because," rephed the old man, "I know 
 nothing myself" " Why, then, were you appointed 
 schoolmaster? " " Why, sir, I had been taking care of 
 the Waldbach pigs, for a great number of years ; and, 
 when I got too old and infirm for that employment, they 
 sent me here, to take care of the children." 
 
 And. has it not been too true, that men who were unfit 
 for any business have been "pensioned off" with the 
 charge of a school, while the well-qualified teacher has 
 been rejected, merely because he could not afford to labor 
 for a mere pittance ? In the establishment and support 
 of good Normal Schools, a great and noble work has been 
 done, — a work which must tend to the elevation of the 
 23* 
 
270 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 JOHN LALOR ON TEACHER'S VOCATION. 
 
 teacher's profession. But, still, unless the sentiments 
 and feelings of the community shall be such as will ex- 
 clude from the teacher's desk all temporary and incom- 
 petent teachers, and afford a reasonable and adequate 
 compensation to those whose qualifications and inclina- 
 tions lead them to adopt teaching as a permanent voca- 
 tion,— or, in other words, unless the well-qualified and 
 professional instructor shall be loell received, and well 
 remunerated by the public, — the money now expended 
 for the support of Normal Schools might as well be sunk 
 to fathomless depths in the ocean. John Lalor, in his 
 excellent prize-essay, published in London in 1839, uses 
 the following truthful language, in reference to the 
 instructor : 
 
 ''If there be any art, which, more than another, 
 requires in those who practise it a high union of skill 
 and character, that art, beyond a question, is education. 
 In no department of exertion does success so absolutely 
 depend on the personal qualifications of the workman. 
 'As is the master, so is the school,' says the Prussian 
 maxim ; a few words, saturated, as it were, with truth. 
 The system is, indeed, truly important; but the main 
 part of a system is, what is in the master's mind. The 
 form — the external material adjuncts — of a system, 
 are, of themselves, nothing; its hving spirit — that part 
 of it which has got into the thoughts and feelings of him 
 who is to work it — is everything. 
 
 " The process of education, whether at home or in 
 school, is perpetually going on. The instructor may 
 guide, but cannot stop it. Whether he is attentive or 
 neglectful, observation is at work, intellect is developing, 
 character is forming, and all under the most powerful 
 
EMPLOYMENT OF TEACHERS. 271 
 
 THE teacher's POSITION AND INFLUENCE. 
 
 influences from him, -wlietlier for good or evil. What he 
 says earnestly, and, above all, what he does, is graving 
 itself on the tenacious memory of childhood. His incon- 
 sistencies, partialities, ill-temper, tyranny, selfishness, 
 leave lasting traces. If his dispositions are unfavorable, 
 no check from without can remedy the evil. Parents 
 can control him little. They are managed, through their 
 prejudices, at the expense of their children. A superior 
 authority, with the most perfect machinery of inspection, 
 will fail to get the work of good men performed by bad 
 ones. Its laws will be no restraint on him to whom their 
 execution is intrusted ; its best systems fruitless, where 
 they cannot insure states of mind according with their 
 spirit. The government of children must be a despotism ^ 
 and it must have all the vices of a despotism, if we cannot 
 purify the depositories of supreme power. But, if the 
 instructor be one who is filled with a consciousness of his 
 duties, how mighty is his influence ! He is the fountain 
 of instruction, and the prime source of enjoyment, to his 
 pupils. Their little difiiculties are brought to him, and 
 in his solution rest. His casual remarks sink into their 
 minds. His opinions on men and things make their way 
 by the double force of authority and affection. His com- 
 panionship, his sympathy, are, above all things, delight- 
 ful. The imitative principle, so powerful in early life, 
 is incessantly in action. The children are daily assimi- 
 lating parts of his nature — making it one with their own. 
 What an influence is his over their future destiny ! " 
 
 If such is the teacher's position and power, with what 
 care should parents select him to whom they intrust, so 
 unreservedly, their most precious interests — the tram- 
 ing of their children ! Nor is it, alone, important that 
 
272 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE TEACHER SHOULD BE KINDLY TREATED. 
 
 caution should be exercised in the selection. If this 
 duty is faithfully performed, it leads to another, no less 
 important ; and that is, to keep a teacher in a good con- 
 dition. The best of instructors may be disheartened by 
 cold treatment, or discouraged by receiving inadequate 
 compensation for their services. It is the duty of parents 
 to treat the teacher of their children so kindly, and 
 reward his services so liberally, that he "will feel con- 
 strained to labor cheerfully and zealously for the best 
 good of those committed to his charge. 
 
 If a mechanic has a valuable machine, he knows that 
 its perfect operation and full force can be secured only by 
 keeping it in an excellent condition. If a farmer has a 
 serviceable horse, he knows that kind treatment and good 
 feeding will make him still more valuable. Let not a less 
 wise policy be pursued in the treatment of those to whom 
 are intrusted such momentous concerns as are committed 
 to teachers of youth. Let the good instructor be properly 
 respected, kindly treated, and liberally compensated, and 
 he will be greatly encouraged and strengthened in the 
 performance of his arduous labors ; and, for all cheering 
 aid which he receives, he will declare, for those who 
 invest in his favor, dividends of the most satisfactory 
 nature. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 IT IS THE DUTY OF PARENTS TO PROVIDE FOR 
 A JUDICIOUS SUPERVISION OF SCHOOLS. 
 
 A SUPERVISORY control of schools is so intimately 
 connected with their very existence and usefulness, that 
 it is of the utmost importance that a wise, judicious, and 
 efficient mode be adopted. While a well devised and 
 properly executed plan will tend greatly to elevate and 
 advance the schools, a poor and inefficient one will retard 
 their progress, and impair their usefulness. If it is 
 important that ani/ supervision be exercised over them, 
 it is, certainly, the part of true wisdom to provide for 
 the very best that can be devised. 
 
 Of late, the friends of popular education have said 
 much against the existing mode of school supervision, 
 and spoken freely of its defects. But it is, often, much 
 easier to see and speak of errors, than it is to cause their 
 removal. To effect any change in a long-established 
 institution, or course of management, is no trijllng task ; 
 and it is not the part of true wisdom to abandon old 
 ways, though not in all respects satisfactory, unless new 
 and bettei' ones are clearly open before us. The present 
 mode of school supervision has been long in vogue. It 
 was devised by good and true men, and has been sus- 
 tained by many of the wisest and best ; and, for the 
 times and circumstances, it has accomplished a vast 
 
274 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE DEMANDS OF SCHOOLS. 
 
 amount of good. But times and circumstances have 
 materially changed. The number of schools has greatly 
 increased, their continuation has been lengthened, the 
 branches taught in them multiplied, and the duties 
 required of school committees greatly augmented. On 
 the other hand, the appropriate duties and cares of 
 clergymen, and other professional men, — from whom the 
 schools have been wont to receive supervisory support, 
 and influence, — have become more numerous and press- 
 ing, so that, "while the schools actually demand much 
 more at their hands, they are really unable to do as 
 much for them as formerly. It is now extremely diffi- 
 cult, in many places, to find men who, at once, possess the 
 requisite qualifications and the needed leisure. In order 
 that a man may be an efficient and useful school super- 
 visor, he should not only be a man of varied knowledge, 
 sound judgment, good common sense, and a candid mind ; 
 but he should possess a good degree of familiarity with 
 the several branches taught in the schools, and, above 
 all, he should feel a deep, lively, and abiding interest in 
 the cause of popular education, and have a heart of 
 sympathy for both teacher and taught. He should 
 also be a man who will both merit and command true 
 respect, and one whose daily walk and conversation 
 are of a truly exemplary nature. He should also have 
 much leisure time, which he can devote to the uninter- 
 rupted examination of the schools under his charge. Are 
 not these views correct ? If so, let us see how the ex- 
 isting state of affairs comports therewith. 
 
 Is the committee-man a clergyman? — He is, undoubt- 
 edly, a most worthy man, but his school visitations are 
 liable to constant interruptions by calls from the sick, 
 
SCHOOL SUPERVISION. 275 
 
 WHO SUPERIMEXD SCHOOLS. 
 
 the dying, the afflicted or the marrying ones of his pas- 
 toral charge; — or, if he remain, bodily, in the school- 
 room, his mind may be upon some half-constructed 
 sermon, or upon some parochial duty. 
 
 Is the committee-man a physician 7 — Who can tell 
 loheri^ or lohere^ to find him 7 On the very day that his 
 attention may be most wanted in the school-room, the 
 more imperative calls for emetics and cathartics, bleeding 
 and blistering, or for relief to some mortal ache or ail- 
 ment, may have possession of the whole man, — both 
 doctor and committee. 
 
 Is the committee-man a lawyer 7 — He will be very 
 likely to attend to school duties, if no retaining fee calls 
 his mind in another direction; but, as a matter of 
 course, he will strive more to gain a suit at law than he 
 will to suit the demands or meet the wants of the public 
 schools, — and, if he spends an hour in visiting schools, it 
 will be with the constant fear that it may be at the loss 
 of a client. 
 
 Is the committee-man a farmer ? — His thoughts will 
 be more intent upon the training of horses and cattle, or 
 the shootings of trees, vegetables, and grains, than upon 
 the training of boys, or the shootings of the young ideas 
 m our schools. 
 
 Is the committee-man a merchant 7 — The rise and fall 
 in the prices of goods will be far more prominent in his 
 mind, and musical to his ear, than the rising and falling 
 of the voices of the young, whom he may, nominally, 
 superintend, — and a good bargain in prospect may blind 
 his eye and close his ear to a good recitation. 
 
 Is the committee-man a mechanic 7 — He will think 
 much more of the easiest and cheapest method of driving 
 
276 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 OBJECTIONS TO PRESENT MODE. 
 
 nails into boards, pegs into sole-leather, or money into 
 pocket, tlian he will of driving ideas into, or out of, boys' 
 heads. Above all, and beyond all, is the committee- 
 man one of those creatures who have just "nothing at 
 all " to do ? Then, he will prove the most complete ' ' do- 
 nothing" that can be found. He may talk, and bluster, 
 and fret ; but his very do-nothing habits will unfit him 
 for a do-sometJdng man. If, seemingly, he labors like 
 the mountain, he will bring forth the most insignifi- 
 cant results. He may feel that the weight of the nation 
 is upon him ; but the schools will feel his weight, and all 
 that he bears, really or imaginarily. Is it not, in the very 
 nature of things, — must it not be so? In my allusions to 
 different classes of men, I have not intended the slight- 
 est disrespect. All will admit that he who would be 
 truly successful in any vocation or pursuit must enter 
 upon it with a devotion of heart, and energy of purpose. 
 Hence, the good minister, the skilful doctor, the efficient 
 lawyer, the successful merchant and mechanic, the pros- 
 perous farmer, and the useless do-nothings are what they 
 are, because they give their time and attention to their 
 respective and peculiar callings. 
 
 But, in addition to what I have said, the present 
 mode is objectionable in that the responsibility of 
 inspecting the schools is divided among several, and, 
 consequently, there is not that strong individual re- 
 sponsibility which is essential to give energy, fidelity, 
 and success. To divide the care and oversight of our 
 schools among a board of ten or twelve men, is much like 
 intrusting the care of a railroad to a board of directors, 
 instead of to a special superintendent. 
 
 In order that a man should feel a deep interest in any 
 
SCHOOL SUPERVISION. 277 
 
 A SPECIAL SUPERVISOR BEST. 
 
 movementj and labor successfully for its advancement, it 
 is quite important that he should feel that much of its 
 degree of progress, or want of progress, depends upon 
 his action and interest, or deficiency thereof 
 
 If the care of the schools in a town devolves upon 
 some ten or twelve men, we may see that no one will 
 assume to himself 2^ very large share of the responsibil- 
 ity, while each will almost excuse himself from acting, 
 under the impression that the greater fidelity and fitness 
 of his associates render his efibrts unimportant. 
 
 Again : — The frequent change of school-committees 
 is very unfavorable to the best good of the schools. In 
 many towns, the same men do not compose the board of 
 school-committee for two consecutive years. Hence, 
 there is a constant liability to change, in reference to the 
 general regulations and management of the school : and 
 modes of government, and methods of instruction, which 
 meet the hearty approval of the members of one board, 
 may be entirely discarded by their successors : and those 
 teachers who have succeeded in gaining the approbation 
 of the committee, one year, may, while pursuing the same 
 course, receive the severe and unqualified censure of 
 those in authority the next. Every one knows that famil- 
 iarity with peculiar duties renders their performance 
 comparatively easy. Hence, a man who has devoted one 
 year to the discharge of school-committee duties is, usu- 
 ally, much more competent to spend another year than 
 a stranger icould or could be. He has become acquainted 
 with teachers and j^upils, and knows how to say and do 
 things in the best way^ and at the right time. Indeed, 
 if he is the right kind of a man, his entire influence and 
 efforts will be more efficient than a stranger's coidd be. 
 24 
 
278 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A NEW METHOD PROPOSED. 
 
 And yet, comparatively, how few good men are retained 
 m office for consecutive years ! They either find the 
 duties too onerous, the task too thankless, or the votes, 
 at the annual election, too few. But I have already 
 sufficiently enlarged on this point; and, assuming the 
 position that the present mode does not accomplish the 
 desired amount of good, I will proceed to designate one 
 which, it is believed, will be more efficient and useful. 
 
 I. Each town shall, annually, elect a board of school- 
 committee, to consist of three, five, or more members, to 
 whom shall be intrusted the money raised for educational 
 purposes, and also the general interests of the schools 
 within the town. 
 
 II. This board shall, as soon as may be, after its 
 organization, appoint some suitable person, from its own 
 number, or otherwise, as special superintendent of the 
 schools, with the following specific duties : 
 
 1. To select and contract with all teachers, and make 
 such examination into their qualifications as may seem 
 necessary, or as the board may direct. 
 
 2. To visit the several schools within the town, as 
 often as once each month ; and, as often as practicable, 
 examine into the progress of the several classes. 
 
 3. To hold meetings of the parents in the several 
 school-districts, and address them in reference to their 
 school duties and obligations. 
 
 4. To hold occasional meetings of the teachers within 
 the town, for the consideration and discussion of topics 
 pertaining to their vocation. « 
 
 5. To aid in the adjustment of any difficulties, or 
 misunderstandings, that may arise between parents and 
 
SCHOOL SUPERVISION. 279 
 
 A PROPOSED METHOD. 
 
 teachers ; and, generally, to promote tlie peace and har- 
 mony of districts. 
 
 6. To contract for, and superintend all repairs, build- 
 ings, &c. ; and to provide fuel, and all other necessary 
 articles for the schools. 
 
 7. To meet the board of school-committee quarterly, 
 for the purpose of making a detailed report of his doings, 
 and conferring with them in relation to future plans and 
 
 operations. 
 
 8. To make, annually, a detailed report of his doings, 
 and of the condition of the schools ; first, to the school- 
 committee, and, subsequently, to the town. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 PARENTS SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE TEACHER. 
 
 In many instances parents are too ready to leave all 
 the affairs of the school in the hands of committees and 
 teachers. This will not answer. Unless parents mani- 
 fest a special interest in the school, and all its exercises, 
 it will require more effort, on the part of the teacher and 
 committee, to promote the advancement of the pupils. 
 The young are very quick to discover any feeling, or 
 want of feeling, on the part of their parents ; and they 
 will not often deviate much from the same. If, then, 
 parents would have their children manifest a judicious, 
 strong, and abiding interest in all their school perform- 
 ances, they must first themselves exhibit a lively interest 
 in the same. 
 
 From an interesting volume, =^ published within a few 
 years, we gather the following truthful, and illustrative 
 incidents : 
 
 Locke Amsden was an earnest, faithful, and devoted 
 teacher,— one who labored heartily, and wisely. He 
 was engaged to instruct a school in a district noted for 
 the apathy and neglect of parents, and, of course, for the 
 backwardness and indifference of the children. Enthusi- 
 astic and active, as he always was, he determined to 
 
 *" Locke Amsden; or, The Schoolmaster." 12 mo., 231 pp. 
 Published by B. B. Mussey & Co., Boston. A very interesting vol- 
 ume, that should be read by every parent and teacher. 
 
PARENTS SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE TEACHER. 281 
 
 ANECDOTE OF LOCKE AMSDEX. 
 
 strive, in every suitable way, to arouse some interest on 
 the part of parents and pupils. In the school-room, he 
 did what he could ; and when out, he called at the homes 
 of his scholars, conversed with the parents, and affection- 
 ately and earnestly invited them to visit the school, — an 
 invitation always accepted verbally^ but never regarded 
 j^ractically. When his patience was nearly exhausted, he 
 determined upon one more effort. Said he, ''I will have 
 an Exhibition, and have some exercises which will, assur- 
 edly, interest parents ; and, by inviting them to come on 
 a particular afternoon, they will do so, for the sake of 
 seeing each other, if not for encouraging me and their 
 children." 
 
 He, accordingly, made the necessary arrangements. 
 With much patient perseverance, he succeeded in en- 
 listing the interest of the pupils, who worked as they 
 never worked before. When the appointed day ap- 
 proached, Amsden called upon the parents, and gained 
 from them assurances that they would certainly attend. 
 He was greatly encouraged and animated, and his pupils 
 were unusually industrious and ambitious. Everything 
 appeared auspicious and cheering. At length, all was 
 ready, and the eventful day dawned, with as clear a 
 sky, and bright a sun, as were ever seen. Full of 
 hope and encouragement, the teacher was early on his 
 way to the scene of his labors, congratulating himself 
 that he had, finally, succeeded in awakening the desired 
 interest. On his way, however, his attention was arrested 
 by numerous showy handbills, posted in every conspicu- 
 ous place, announcing that, on that very afternoon, the 
 far-famed Potter, a professed juggler of those times, 
 would give an Exhibition, in which, as usual, he would 
 24* 
 
282 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE SCHOOL EXHIBITION AND JUGGLERIES. 
 
 display the astonishing, feats of swallowing swords and 
 jack-knives, hatching chickens, frying eggs in his hat, 
 together with sundry like miraculous feats. 
 
 As the school Exhibition and Potter's were to com- 
 mence at about the same hour, the teacher, at first, felt a 
 slight apprehension that his performances might be 
 thrown into the ''background;" but a moment's reflec- 
 tion induced him to feel that no people of sense and 
 character, and, especially, that no jyarents^ would think 
 of putting such pitiful shows in competition with the more 
 praiseworthy performances of their own children. But, 
 on opening his school, his fears and doubts were greatly 
 increased. He soon discovered that the heads of his 
 pupils were so completely bejuggled, that they could think 
 of nothing but Potter^ live chickens^ &c. At recess the 
 whole conversation turned on the subject which, so evi- 
 dently, engrossed their thoughts. The teacher could hear 
 nothing but " Potter^ — real live chickens^ great sharp 
 siDords, handle and all;'''' and, on passing around the 
 room, he noticed the name of Potter written on nearly 
 every slate, to which, on some, was added a representa- 
 tion of a man with a half-swallowed sword ; and some 
 had exhibited no inconsiderable artistic skill in drawings 
 of hats full of chickens. On returning to school in the 
 afternoon, he found matters worse than ever. He called 
 a boy to read, who, after being shown his place, which 
 he had forgotten, commenced, B-a — yes, a — k-e-r — 
 Potter. ' ' What ? ' ' said the teacher, earnestly. ' ' P otter , 
 — baker, I mean, but I was thinking," — and so were all 
 thinking.^ not of their own exercises, but of Potter, and 
 of his juggleries. The afternoon passed, but no parents 
 came ; and the disheartened teacher dismissed his pupils 
 
PARENTS SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE TEACHER. 283 
 
 MORE INTEREST NEEDED. 
 
 who "were not long in making their way to Potter's show, 
 where their more childish and foolish parents had gone 
 before them. 
 
 And how many teachers can relate experiences equally 
 disheartening ! In how many instances are the most 
 trivial and unimportant matters allowed to interfere with 
 the nobler and worthier objects and exercises of the 
 school-room ! In relation to the school exercises and 
 advancement of their children, how few parents exhibit 
 an interest equal to that manifested in relation to other 
 concerns ! What individual would intrust the construc- 
 tion of an important piece of machinery to another, and 
 feel no interest in watching its progress towards comple- 
 tion 7 What farmer would think of sending his oxen to 
 perform at a " cattle-show " exhibition, without designing 
 to be present to witness their performances ? But, is he 
 equally interested to witness the school exercises of his 
 ofispring, w^hich, in importance, as far excel those of the 
 oxen, as the nature, interest, and destiny of man, are 
 hic^her and nobler than those of the bi ate 7 It is no less 
 true than disheartening, that the brute's performances 
 often attract more attention and admiration than do those 
 of the children ; and no wonder that a stranger, at a 
 recent public-school examination, at which few or no 
 parents made their appearance, should express his aston- 
 ishment, at seeing so many fatherless and motherless 
 children, — for well may they be considered as orphans, 
 who are thus left to toil and struggle on, uncheered by a 
 mother's smile or a father's approval. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 SPECIFIC DUTIES. 
 
 All who feel any degree of interest in the education 
 of the young cannot fail of appreciating the beauty and 
 force of the following remarks, from the pen of Horace 
 Mann. In alluding to the numerous school-houses, 
 which are scattered over our country, he says : — 
 " Though not always an architectural ornament, yet 
 they are a moral beauty to the land in which we dwell. 
 Enter with me, for a moment, into one of these import- 
 ant, though lowly mansions. Survey those thickly- 
 seated benches. Before us are clustered the children 
 of to-day, the men of to-morrow, the immortals of 
 Eternity! What costly works of art, — what splendid 
 galleries of sculpture or of painting, won by a nation's 
 arms, or purchased by a nation's wealth, — are compar- 
 able in value to the treasures we have in these children 7 
 How many living and palpitating nerves come down from 
 l^arents and friends, and centre in their young hearts ; 
 and, as they shall advance in life, other living and palpi- 
 tating nerves, which no man can number, shall go out 
 from their bosoms, to twine round other hearts, and to 
 feel their throbs of pleasure or of pain, of rapture or 
 of agony ! How many fortunes of others shall be linked 
 with their fortunes, and shall share an equal fate ! As 
 yet, to the hearts of these young beings, crime has not 
 
SPECIFIC DUTIES. 285 
 
 "WHAT EDrCATIOX MAY DO. 
 
 brought in its retinue of fears, nor disappointment its 
 sorrows. Their joys are joys, and their hopes more real 
 than our realities ; and, as visions of the future burst 
 upon their imagination, their eye kindles, like the young 
 eao-le's at the mornins; sunbeam. 
 
 Grouping these children into separate circles, and 
 looking forward, for but a few short years, to the fortunes 
 that await them, shall we predict their destiny, in the 
 terrific language of the poet ? — 
 
 *' These shall the fary passions tear, 
 The vultures of the mind ; 
 Disdainful Anger, pallid Fear, 
 And Shame, that skulks behind. 
 
 " Ambition this shall tempt to rise ; 
 Then whirl the wretch from high. 
 To bitter Scorn a sacrifice. 
 And grinning Infamy. 
 
 " The stings of Falsehood those shall try ; 
 And hard Unkindness' altered eye 
 That mocks the tear it forced to flow ; 
 And keen Remorse, with blood defiled. 
 And moody Madness, laughing wild. 
 Amid severest woe ; ' ' 
 
 or, concentrating our whole souls into one resolve, — 
 high and prophetically strong, — that our duty to these 
 children shall be done^ shall we proclaim, in the blessed 
 language of the Saviour, ''It is not the will of 
 YOUR Father which is in Heaven that one op 
 
 THESE little ONES SHOULD PERISH'"? 
 
 With what feelings ought these considerations to fill 
 the hearts of parents; and with what untiring zeal should 
 they induce them to labor to secure the wise education 
 
286 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A teacher's appeal. 
 
 of their oflfspring ! The united, judicious and well-timed 
 efforts of parents and teachers will, with the blessing of 
 God, lead the young onward and upward in wisdom's 
 ways. In view of this, will not parents earnestly ask 
 themselves what they can do to promote the true 
 advancement of interests at once so desirable and 
 important ? Every parent has weighty and responsible 
 duties resting upon him ; and a wise discharge of them 
 will bring a glorious and soul-cheering recompense. 
 
 When the author of this work was engaged in teach- 
 ing, he wrote the following appeal to parents, soliciting 
 their cooperation in the particulars named. If parents 
 will consider it as addressed to them by the instructor of 
 their children, and read it with a spirit of candor, it will, 
 it is hoped, prove beneficial. It was published in a 
 tract form by the Hon. Henry Barnard, then Superin- 
 tendent of Schools in Ehode Island, and somewhat 
 extensively circulated. A few alterations and additions 
 have been made. 
 
 A teacher's appeal to the parents of his pupils. 
 
 Respected Friends: — The intimate relation which 
 subsists between us, as parents and teacher, induces me 
 to address you in relation to some of our mutual duties, — 
 upon the proper appreciation and due performance of 
 which depend, in a great degree, the future success and 
 welfare of your children. I feel that we are mutually 
 engaged in a great work; a work which demands our 
 most serious consideration, and one which loudly calls 
 for the exercise of our united wisdom and hearty coop- 
 eration. This work is the training and disciplining the 
 objects of your dearest affections, so that they may 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 287 
 
 CONSTANT AND SEASONABLE ATTENDANCE. 
 
 become virtuous and happy citizens, and '' act well their 
 parts" on the stage of life; alike an honor to themselves^ 
 to you, to me, to the community, and to their Creator. 
 
 As, therefore, we are engaged in a work at once so 
 important and so interesting in its results, it seems to me 
 extremely desirable that a good understanding should 
 exist between us, and that we should cooperate in every 
 suitable manner, and on every proper occasion. In send- 
 ing your children to my school, you have placed them 
 under my care, and expect them to spend many precious 
 hours of their youth under my immediate instruction 
 and influence. You, doubtless, expect much of me; 
 and, if you faithfully perform your duties, you have a 
 right to expect much. 
 
 I feel, I trust, to some extent, the immense responsi- 
 bility of my situation, and will seek to labor '' with all 
 diligence" in the discharge of my arduous duties; and. 
 I hope I shall be enabled to answer every reasonabb 
 expectation on your part. But, that I may labor more 
 successfully, as well as more cheerfully, will you allow 
 me, in a plain, familiar manner, to call your attention to 
 a few particulars in which your cordial cooperation 
 is most earnestly and affectionately solicited ? I will 
 endeavor, on my part, not to ask for anything which 
 will not tend to the greatest advancement of your chil- 
 dren, and to the promotion of their welfare. 
 
 I. / respectfully invite you to aid me in securing 
 the constant and seasonable attendance of your chil- 
 dren. 
 
 I have reason to believe that some parents have not 
 
 • given merited attention to these points. Do you not 
 
 think that children are often kept from school, or sent 
 
288 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 EVILS OF FREQUENT ABSENCE. 
 
 late, without any sufficient reason 7 Perhaps you have 
 never fully considered the evils incident to inconstant or 
 unseasonable attendance ; and, if so, allow me to call 
 your attention to one or two of them, and others will 
 readily suggest themselves to your minds. Let us, then, 
 notice the tendency, or some of the consequences, of 
 frequent absences. 
 
 1. If children are allowed to be absent, for insufficient 
 reason, they are, virtually, taught to look upon their 
 school and its duties as of quite secondary importance. 
 If the doing of some trifling errand, the making or 
 receiving visits, or the participating in some pleasure 
 excursion, is allowed to interfere with school exercises or 
 obligations, your children will, most assuredly, consider 
 the engrossing object, or objects, as of paramount value. 
 Of course, their interest will be diminished, and their 
 progress retarded, in a degree proportionate to the extent 
 and frequency of the infringement upon the claims of the 
 school. If you wished for a lad to assist you on your 
 farm, in your shop, or counting-room, you would insist 
 upon having his undivided time and attention. This 
 would be requisite for his good, as well as for yours. 
 
 If you had in your employ an apprentice, who should 
 frequently absent himself, and allow unimportant engage- 
 ments or amusements to absorb the time and attention 
 which should be devoted to gaining a knowledge of 
 his trade, you would, at once, conclude that he would 
 never become a proficient in it. And will it not be the 
 same in school affiiirs ? Are not your children appren- 
 tices in the school of knowledge, which is designed to 
 prepare them for the work of life ? And have you ever 
 considered that only the prompt and faithful discharge of 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 289 
 
 AN ILLUSTRATION. 
 
 the duties of apprenticeship can qualify them for work- 
 men, that need not be ashamed of their work, when 
 they shall have served out their time, and taken their 
 stand with the free actors on the stage of life ? If you 
 have not, let me beseech you, as you prize the good of 
 your children, and wish their greatest advancement, to 
 pause and reflect. 
 
 2. If children are often absent, they will fall behind 
 their classmates in their studies, and, consequently, lose 
 much of their interest in them, and perhaps acquire an 
 actual dislike for school, and all its exercises. Of neces- 
 sity, most of the instruction, in large schools, must be 
 given to whole 'classes, and not to individual scholars. 
 Your children receive their school-knowledge in this way. 
 It is very essential, for the progress of a class, and its 
 individual members, that no scholar be absent from a 
 single recitation ; for, frequently, the loss of a single 
 lesson may affect a scholar's interest and advancement 
 for a whole term. Let me take an instance to illustrate 
 this. I have a class in Arithmetic, and it is often 
 necessary for me to explain some principles, the clear 
 understanding of which, by the pupil, will serve as a key 
 to subsequent lessons. To-day I occupy some time in 
 explaining some principles, to a class of twenty, of which 
 your child is a member, but, unfortunately, an absent 
 one. To-morrow he comes to school, but is unable to 
 comprehend and perform the exercises of the day, on 
 account of his absence the previous day. What, there- 
 fore, must be done? Certainly one of tAVO things. I 
 must either devote time and strength, which belong to 
 the whole school (and which the school needs), and 
 repeat the explanations given in his absence, or I must 
 25 
 
290 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION, 
 
 FREQUENT ABSENCE PREVENTS IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 leave him to grope along in the dark, as best he can, and, 
 probably, to become disgusted with his school and its 
 studies. He will not only droop himself, but will exert 
 a withering and disheartening influence upon the other 
 scholars. 
 
 Our schools cannot accomplish the highest amount of 
 good, unless the children are regular and constant in 
 their attendance. How often is it, that scholars of good 
 natural abilities are connected with a good school, month 
 after month, and year after year, and yet make but little, 
 if any, progress ! They retain seats in school, and, when 
 perfectly convenient, and consistent with other arrange- 
 ments, they occupy them, — and do little else. They are 
 neither prepared to enter a regular class, nor to continue 
 there, if allowed to join. They feel no interest in the 
 school, nor in the studies thereof; and often, by their 
 habits of idleness and inattention, they become a positive 
 injury to the whole school. Teachers are incompetent 
 to impart any new hght to such comet-like pupils as some 
 are ; — comet-like in some respects, but most unlike in 
 others, — they appear and disappear, but when and how 
 they will reappear, no mortal can predict, with the slight- 
 est degree of certainty. A desirable interest and fair 
 improvement cannot be exhibited by children, who are 
 allowed to be frequently absent. If the making or 
 receiving of visits, the performance of some unimportant 
 errand, or an engagement for some momentary pleasure 
 or gratification, is allowed to trespass upon school-duties, 
 children will be taught, in the most unequivocal manner, 
 to look upon their school as of trifling importance. It is 
 a duty the most imperative, on the part of parents, to 
 train up their sons and daughters to regard their school 
 
A teacher's APPEAIa TO PARENTS. 291 
 
 THE truant's course. 
 
 and its exercises, for the time being, as paramou7it to 
 all tilings else. By being allowed to absent themselves, 
 at first by permission of parents, for some inconsiderable 
 purpose, they will soon be tempted to let some favorite 
 amusement draw them from the school-room, and that, 
 too, without the consent or knowledge of their parents 
 or guardians, — as truants. Could parents but realize 
 the dangers that cluster around the truant's path, with 
 what care and watchfulness would they labor to secure 
 the regular attendance of their children ! How earnestly 
 and perse veringly would they endeavor to instil into 
 their minds a love for school, and its wholesome regula- 
 tions ! Let us, for one moment, consider the truant's 
 downward course. Think of him as, for the first time, 
 disgusted with lessons which his frequent absences have 
 rendered him unable to comprehend or commit, with a 
 tremblinc*; and Mterinor heart he so far stifles the voice 
 of conscience, as to disobey parents and teacher, and 
 spend the hours of school in idle pleasure or wanton 
 mischief See him as he goes on, from step to step, 
 until he totally disregards the kind monitions and advice 
 of his best friends, and becomes the associate of kindred 
 and more depraved spirits, and, with them, becomes an 
 outcast from respectable society. He hates his school 
 and his teacher ; disregards, and even abuses, his parents ; 
 forsakes the house of worship and the Sunday-school ; 
 violates the Sabbath, and becomes a seven days'' truant I 
 Is not his case a lamentable one ? But the worst and 
 darkest of the picture is yet in prospect. From dis- 
 obedience and truantism, he goes on to dissipation and 
 crime. He disregards truth, becomes profane and dis- 
 honest, and plunges into the very vortex of revelry and 
 
292 
 
 COMMON SOHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 A SAD PICTURE. 
 
 vice, — becoming the vilest of the vile, and basest of the 
 base. Behold him, after the lapse of a few short years ; 
 his mind corrupted and enervated, his talents prostrated, 
 and his physical constitution a mere wreck of what it 
 should have been, and might have been ! His associates 
 and partners in degradation have abandoned him. In 
 view of his wretchedness and loneliness, he becomes the 
 desperate author of some crime, which will call upon his 
 ruin-devoted head the just vengeance of an outraged 
 community and violated laws. His confinement as a base 
 criminal recalls, in some degree, his long-lost senses, and 
 arouses him to a state of consciousness and remorse. He 
 reflects on the past ; thinks of his once happy home, — 
 of his beloved though much-abused parents, brothers, 
 sisters, and friends. He thinks, too, with bitter anguish, 
 of the district school, whose slighted privileges consti- 
 tuted the first step in his downward career. Then, from 
 what was^ and what might have bee7i^ he ponders the 
 reality, and his future prospects. He views himself as a 
 ruined^ wi'etched^ forsaken^ miserable outcast. His 
 guilty conscience, whose voice has been so long stifled or 
 unheeded, now haunts and goads him, deepening his 
 misery and anguish, until, at length, in a fit of despera- 
 tion, he seizes the suicidal steel, and, in a moment, it 
 pierces his throbbing and aching heart, and his disem- 
 bodied spirit goes unbidden to Him who gave it ! Call 
 tliis no fancy-sketch, for it has often been made a real- 
 ity by many who have been more than lost to society 
 and friends. And, methinks, if you will visit yonder 
 prison-house, now crowded with wretched and doomed 
 victims of crime, and, as you call upon them in their 
 gloomy and lonely cells, ask them where commenced 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 293 
 
 EVILS OP ABSENCE. 
 
 their downward career. The answer from many would 
 be, '' We were truant hoys^ and from that we trace 
 our present condition of guilt and degradation." And, if 
 such is 'ever the case, — and who can doubt it? — with 
 what diligence should parents watch, to counteract every 
 influence which may have the least tendency to teach 
 their children that their school is unimportant, and may 
 be made secondary to amusements, or trifling engagements 
 of any kind ! 
 
 Some one has thus "summed up" the unfavorable 
 results of unnecessary absence : 
 
 1. If a boy learns to feel that he may leave his 
 duties as a scholar for trivial causes, for causes equally 
 trivial he will forsake his business when a man. 
 
 2. The time of the teacher and the whole school is 
 wasted, while this absence is being recorded. 
 
 3. The teacher's time is wasted, in reading and record- 
 ing the delinquent's excuse, when he returns to the 
 school. 
 
 4. He interrupts the exercises of the teacher, or some 
 part of the school, in finding the places at which his 
 various lessons commence. 
 
 5. He has lost the lesson recited yesterday, and does 
 not understand that portion of to-day's lesson which 
 depends upon that of yesterday ; and such dependence 
 usually exists. 
 
 6. The teacher's time and patience are taxed in 
 repeating to him the instructions of yesterday ; which, 
 however, for want of study, he does not clearly appre- 
 ciate. 
 
 7. The rest of the class are deprived of the instruction 
 of their teacher, while he is teaching the delinquent. 
 
 25* 
 
294 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 UNSEASONABLE ATTENDANCE. ■ 
 
 8. The progress of the rest of the class is checked, 
 and their ambition curbed, bj waiting for the tardy 
 delinquent. 
 
 9. The pride of the class is wounded, and their 
 interest in their studies abated, by the conduct of the 
 absentee. 
 
 10. The reputations both of teacher and school suffer, 
 upon days of public examination, by failures, which are 
 chargeable to the absence, and not to the instruction. 
 
 11. The means generously provided for the education 
 of the delinquent are wrongfully wasted. 
 
 12. He sets a pernicious example for the rest of the 
 school, and usually does some actual mischief while 
 absent. 
 
 But, leaving this point, on which I have enlarged, in 
 view of its great importance, let us briefly consider one 
 or two of the more prominent objections to unseasonable 
 attendance. 
 
 1. If children are allowed to be tardy in their attend- 
 ance at school, they will be prone to undervalue 
 punctuality in other aifairs. Children should be taught 
 to look upon their school as of paramount importance, 
 and regard the school-room as their workshop, — the 
 place of business for them ; and no concern of a second- 
 ary nature should be allowed to interfere, in the least 
 degree, with its appropriate exercises. It is extremely 
 desirable that you impress strongly upon the minds of 
 your children the fact, that whatever is worth doing at 
 all should be done well, and at the proper time. Teach 
 them that punctuality in the discharge of every duty is 
 of the highest importance; and, if you train them to 
 observe it punctiliously in relation to their school, they 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 295 
 
 EVILS OF TARDINESS- 
 
 will be likely to do the same in every duty of subsequent 
 life. In this way, they will form a habit of inestimable 
 value. 
 
 But r have considered the evils of unseasonable attend- 
 ance only in relation to its effect upon him who 
 trespasses. I will briefly allude to another objection to 
 the habit, which is, 
 
 2. That children loho enter the school-room at a 
 late hour interrupt the order of the school^ and inter- 
 fere with some passing exercises^ in which ^ perhaps ^ 
 they shoidd have a part. Thus a whole school is often 
 made to suffer from the deviation of a few. In some 
 schools, much time is actually lost, on every half-day, by 
 the dilatoriness of individual members. You have, 
 doubtless, noticed the effect upon a congregation at 
 church caused by the late entrance of persons ; and I 
 will leave this point, by merely suggesting the analogy, 
 between the two, to your own mind, — being convinced 
 that due reflection will induce you to regard the whole 
 matter in its true light, and act accordingly. 
 
 Before closing this subject, I will call your attention 
 to one more evil, similar in its effects to that we have 
 just considered. I allude to the habit of leaving school 
 before the regular hour of dismission. Children very 
 frequently bring notes from their parents, requesting 
 their dismission at an early hour : and, if all such 
 requests, in some schools, should be complied with, the 
 exercises of the last hour would be constantly inter- 
 rupted by those who should thus leave. 
 
 3. Encourage your children to respect and obey 
 the rules and requiremjcnts of their teacher. 
 
 This is highly necessary for their proper advancement 
 
296 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 THE teacher's FAMILY. 
 
 and happiness wldle at school. Induce them to look 
 upon their instructor as your and their friend, and to 
 regard all his regulations as designed for their good. If, 
 in any of my arrangements, or in the execution of my 
 plans, you shall think I have erred, or that your chil- 
 dren have suffered, or been neglected, you will confer a 
 favor by making known to me, freely, your feelings or 
 apprehensions. Come in the spirit of kindness, and I 
 will promise to receive you kindly, and answer every 
 reasonable inquiry. I may sometimes err, — it will be 
 strange if I do not. Perhaps you feel that you some- 
 times misjudge, or act unwisely, in the management of 
 your own children. Will you consider that I am called 
 upon to control and instruct the collected families of the 
 neighborhood ? 
 
 I have under my care a multitude, whose home influ- 
 ences and discipUne are widely different. The children 
 from no two families are alike. Yet they must be united 
 and governed as one large family. Some are mild, kind 
 and affectionate, — ever anxious to know, and ready to 
 obey, every wish of their teacher; while others are 
 rough, uncourteous, and obstinate, — apparently most 
 pleased when they are doing wrong, interrupting the 
 school, and annoying their instructor. These opposite 
 characters and elements actually exist, in most schools ; 
 and it would be wonderful, indeed, if teachers could decide 
 and act, upon every occasion, and in every emergency, 
 in such a manner as to meet universal approval. I feel 
 that I may sometimes do wrong. Let us remember 
 that '' To err is human, — to forgive, divine ! " But so 
 long as you have sufficient confidence in the school and 
 its operations, to induce you to send your children, let 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 297 
 
 OBEDIENCE AND REGARD FOR RIGHT. 
 
 me beseech you to teach them to regard every rule and 
 requisition with conscientious strictness. In this way, 
 you may do much for me and much for them. 
 
 If you hear reports from your children (and this 
 should be done with much caution), or otherwise, reflect- 
 ing upon the management of the school, or treatment of 
 individual members, do not too readily confide in all 
 you hear. If, however, you really think there is good 
 ground for such reports, call upon me, and ascertain all 
 the particulars, remembering the somewhat trite sayings, 
 that, " There are two sides to a question," and that. 
 '' Circumstances alter cases." If you pursue this course, 
 in the spirit of love and kindness, you will, in most 
 cases, find that great exaggerations and perversions have 
 been made ; — sometimes, perhaps, intentionally, but, 
 more frequently, from the misunderstanding or miscon- 
 ception peculiar to childhood. 
 
 4. Encourage your children to be orderly^ and 
 studiously to regard right. 
 
 Youth are frequently tempted, by the example of 
 vicious associates, to violate the rules of good behavior, 
 and spend their time in idle mischief, or vain pursuits. 
 As you cannot always keep them removed from per- 
 nicious influences, and depraved companions, do all in 
 your power to form in them an abhorrence of all that 
 is evil, and a deep regard for everything that is " lovely 
 and of good report." So train them, that they may 
 come in contact with vice without being contaminated ; 
 nay, more than this, that their own upright conduct, and 
 pure conversation, may exert a salutary influence upon 
 those who manifest no love for virtuous acts. 
 
 Improve every fit opportunity to impress upon their 
 
298 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 STUDIOUS HABITS. 
 
 minds the ruinous consequences of vice and idleness ; 
 and, at the same time, show them that, " Wisdom's ways 
 are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." Teach 
 them to avoid trifling deviations, — to do right at all 
 times and on all occasions, because it is rights and 
 because, by so doing, they will be more happy and useful. 
 Teach them that it is better to " suffer wrong than to 
 do wrong ;" and that the fact, that wrong has been done 
 to them, is no reason why they should do wrong in 
 return. Tell them that kindness will allay wrath, and 
 that it is more noble and manly to return ' ' good for 
 evil," than to give "reviling for reviling." Teach them 
 to feel that if they would be truly wise, and great, and 
 happy, they must first be truly good. 
 
 As you meet your children at the close of the day, 
 occupy a few minutes in conversing with them respect- 
 ing the manner in which they have spent the day. Ask 
 them to reflect, and consider if they have not done some 
 works which " need to be repented of ; " and direct them 
 to the Author of their existence for pardon, and to the 
 fountain of all Avisdom for future guidance and support. 
 Then may you hope to see theui become an honor and a 
 blessing to you, and to the community. 
 
 5. Encourage your children to he studious^ by 
 inanifesting an interest in their lessons. 
 
 Improve every suitable occasion to converse with them 
 concerning their studies : and do all you can to convince 
 them, that the more diligent and faithful they are now, 
 the brighter will be their prospects for future usefulness 
 and happiness. Do all in your power to inspire them 
 with a love for knowledge, as a source of gratification 
 and improvement. In the morning, enjoin upon them 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 299 
 
 VISITING SCHOOLS. 
 
 the great importance of diligence during the hours of 
 school ; and at night, inquire respecting the studies of 
 the day, and ascertain what new ideas have been 
 acquired, what facts have been stored up, what difficul- 
 ties overcome, what kindly acts performed. Induce 
 them to examine, to investigate, to think. In a word, — 
 do all you can to cause them to feel the great advantages 
 of education, and the necessity of patient application to 
 obtain it. You will thus increase their interest, and 
 cause them to regard with pleasure exercises that would, 
 otherwise, appear dull and unimportant. 
 
 6. Improve every convenient occasion^ in visiting 
 the school. 
 
 In this way, you can do much to stimulate and cheer 
 your children and their teacher. I do not ask you to 
 come, that you may assist in conducting the exercises of 
 the school, — but come to see and to hear, and thus give 
 some real evidence that you feel an interest in the sub- 
 ject of education. Children often attend school month 
 after month, and see no parent within the room. The 
 teacher urges upon their consideration the great value of 
 knowledge day after day, and repeats his earnest desire 
 for their improvement ; but often his words and interest 
 are almost neutralized by the indifference and inattention 
 of their dearest friends. They begin to think that 
 education is of little consequence, and that it matters 
 not whether they are industrious or idle. As they never 
 see their parents within the school-room, they begin to 
 think that their teacher is the only individual interested 
 in their progress, and that he is so, because it is in the 
 way of his business. Hence a teacher's injunctions and 
 example often fall powerless, for the want of the quick- 
 
800 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 GOOD EFFECTS OF SCHOOL VISITS. 
 
 ening iDfluences of a parent's interest, and a parent's 
 endorsement. 
 
 In passing through manufacturing villages, we fre- 
 quently notice over the doors of certain buildings, in 
 large characters, " No admittance, except on busi- 
 ness." Plain and positive as this inscription appears to 
 be, it does not always prove effectual. Yankee curiosity, 
 and Yankee ingenuity, will contrive to gain entrance. I 
 have sometimes thought that, if the word " School- 
 house " should be inscribed over the entrance, those 
 within would never suffer the slightest annoyance from 
 visitors. I trust, however, that, so far as our school 
 is concerned, the writing over the door-way may be, 
 " Every parent and citizen has an interest in 
 the business transacted within, and may at all- 
 times have a free admittance, and feel at per- 
 fect LIBEBTY TO " INSPECT THE OPERATIONS OF THOSE 
 
 ayithin!" 
 
 If, therefore, you have never been in the habit of 
 visiting your children's school, let me affectionately invite 
 you to begin the practice. It will increase your own 
 interest, and redouble theirs. Whenever you may have 
 a leisure hour, will you not come and spend it with your 
 children, and listen to their recitations 7 Depend upon 
 it, if you will adopt this course, their zeal and studious- 
 ness will be greatly increased ; and they will cheerfully 
 apply themselves to prepare their daily exercises, when 
 they feel that their father or their mother may be present 
 when they are called upon to recite, — for what child Avill 
 not be ambitious to do well at such a time ? But I must 
 leave the subject with you, hoping that you will carefully 
 consider its importance. 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 301 
 
 THE BOOKS TO BE READ. 
 
 7. Have a regard to the character of the hooks 
 your children read^ and see that they read, under- 
 standingly. 
 
 Of making books there is no end ; and, if all books 
 were good books, we might wish there would be no end. 
 It is, however, a lamentable fact, that many books and 
 pamphlets are published, of which every philanthropist 
 would wish, not only that there might be an end, but 
 also, that there had never been a beginning. 
 
 The press is teeming with publications, not of ques- 
 tionable utility merely, but of a character truly immoral 
 and licentious. These are printed in an attractive and 
 cheap form, and scattered broadcast through the commu- 
 nity, contaminating and ruining the susceptible minds of 
 the young. The fruits of these productions may be 
 silver and gold to the makers and \enders ; but, to the 
 community, they are vanity, idleness, intemperance, 
 licentiousness, anarchy, poverty, misery, and destruction. 
 
 I feel that I am safe in asserting, that many a noble 
 mind has been lost to itself, to friends, and to the public, 
 through the influence of light and immoral reading;. 
 Precious time has been frittered away, bright talents 
 have been prostituted and perverted, health has been 
 impaired, property wasted, and the happiness of whole 
 families and neighborhoods destroyed, by the perusal 
 of the publications to which I allude. I need not name 
 particular books. 
 
 I fear some may be found on the shelves of our most 
 respectable book-stores. Many of the " Tales," and 
 "Mysteries," &c., stories of "shocking murders and 
 piracies," and even many of the " Almanacs," that are 
 so freely circulated, are unworthy of a place in any 
 26 
 
802 COMMOX SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 SUITABLE BOOKS AND HABIT OF KIL^DING. 
 
 respectable house; and I hope the day will come, when 
 our principal booksellers will have a conscientious regard 
 to the character of the works they sell. 
 
 The man who, at the present day, sells intoxicating 
 drinks, is regarded as an enemy to mankind ; and why 
 should we not look upon that man in the same light, 
 who, for the sake of gain, aids in circulating books which 
 will poison the mind, and deaden, or pervert, all the finer 
 and nobler sensibilities of the soul? But, so long as 
 there exists in the community a demand for trifling and 
 fictitious reading, so long, I fear, will the demand be 
 supplied by men, whose chief object is gain. 
 
 But I wish, at the present time, merely to call your 
 attention to the subject, as regards your own children. 
 It is very desirable that they should spend a portion of 
 their time in reading ; and, if they read suitable books 
 in a proper manner, they cannot spend it more profit- 
 ably. Therefore, I most earnestly urge you to see that 
 your children read only such books as will impart to them 
 useful information and wholesome moral instruction, — 
 such books as will tend to make them wiser and better. 
 Do what you can towards the establishment and support 
 of school-libraries, and, in this way, you may do much 
 for the improvement and happiness of the rising genera- 
 tion. I also invite you to do what you can to keep them 
 from a hasty and superficial manner of reading. Such 
 reading cannot be productive of much good, and only 
 tends to distract and weaken the mind. Induce them to 
 read with a strong desire to acquire knowledge. Ques- 
 tion them often respecting what they have read ; and, if 
 their views are vague and indefinite, urge them to 
 re-peruse, in order that they may gain and impart 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 303 
 
 KINDNESS AND COURTEOUSNESS. 
 
 knowledge. If you will pursue this course, I feel con- 
 vinced that jou will exert a most salutary influence, not 
 only upon your children, but, through them, upon the 
 community. 
 
 8. Aid 'me i?i my endeavors to check selfishness and 
 'promote a spirit of kindness a7id forbearance. 
 
 Much of the unhappiness and trouble of life come 
 from a spirit of selfishness, — a feeling that everything 
 must yield to one's own desires, regardless of time or 
 circumstances. It is sometimes the case that children 
 are indulged in every real and imaginary want while at 
 home, and, when they go to school or elsewhere, they 
 feel sadly injured and abused, if they cannot have the 
 same indulgences. Such ones will find trouble and dis- 
 appointment at every step. May I not ask that we may 
 cooperate in endeavoring to train the young to regard 
 the rights of others, and to treat all with a true spirit of 
 kindness and forbearance 7 May we not do what we can 
 to lead them to seek for that which will be for their true 
 good and happiness, rather than for the indulgence of 
 some favorite notions or wishes 1 May not their happi- 
 ness be increased, by leading them to feel an interest in 
 the desires and rights of their associates, and, at times, 
 to give up their own wishes, in order to gratify or oblige 
 others ? May we not, then, strive to convince them that 
 in many cases it is really " more blessed to give than 
 to receive," — more conducive to true happiness to do a 
 favor, than it is to receive one. 
 
 9. Cultivate^ in 'your children^ habits of true 'polite- 
 ness and courtesy. 
 
 True education requires the full development and 
 exercise of the better feelings of the heart, and the 
 
304 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 EFFECTS OF POLITENESS. 
 
 proper culture of these will exhibit themselves in out- 
 ward actions and expressions. Indeed, we are much 
 inclined to form an estimate of those with whom we meet 
 or associate, from their mode of address, and from exter- 
 nal appearances. If they are coarse and rude in their 
 manners, rough and undignified in their salutations and 
 remarks, or uncourteous and abrupt in their answers, we 
 are inclined to avoid them, and regard them as unkind 
 and uncompanionable. We do not expect to find much 
 that is attractive in them; and, if they possess some 
 worthy qualities, their first appearance is so repulsive, 
 that we are hardly prepared to witness any subsequent 
 evidence of real humanity and goodness. 
 
 Again, we meet with those, whose dignified and manly 
 demeanor, social and free manner, combined with true 
 politeness and civility, at once attract and charm us. In 
 every act and expression, they furnish such indubitable 
 evidence of good breeding, and so kind a regard for the 
 feelings of others, that we look upon them as noble speci- 
 mens of a noble race. We can hardly imagine that they 
 can or will be guilty of any wrong or undignified act. 
 By their pleasant and obliging manners, they command 
 the respect and esteem of all with whom they associate, 
 and gain an influence which will be really irresistible. 
 Inasmuch, then, as true courteousness contributes so 
 much to make one an agreeable companion, and thus adds 
 to his pleasant influences, is it not worthy of our united 
 efforts to do what we can to instil, into the young, feel- 
 ings of true politeness, so that they may, at all times, in 
 all places, and under all circumstances, act a " manly 
 part"? While unkind words, and abrupt answers and 
 expressions, never do good, pleasant tones, kindly words 
 
A teacher's appeal to parents. 305 
 
 THE DEFINITION OF "GENTLEMAN." 
 
 and civil answers, always command admiration and attract 
 attention. So much of the happiness of a family, school 
 or community, depends upon the proper manifestation 
 of kindly expressions, in relation, even, to every-day 
 greetings, that too much care cannot be taken rightly 
 to train and influence the young, so that they may 
 become gentlemen in the truest and best sense of the 
 term. "A gentleman," says Bishop Doane, "is gentle. 
 A gentleman is modest. A gentleman is courteous. A 
 gentleman is generous. A gentleman is slow to take 
 ofience, as being one that never gives it. A gentleman 
 is slow to surmise evil, as being one that never thinks it. 
 A gentleman goes armed only in consciousness of 
 right. A gentleman refines his tastes. A gentleman 
 subdues his feelings. A gentleman controls his speech. 
 A gentleman deems every other better than himself. Sir 
 Philip Sidney was never so much a gentleman, — mirror 
 though he was of England's knighthood, — as when, upon 
 the field of Zutphen, as he lay in his own blood, he 
 waived the draught of cold spring-water that was 
 brought to quench his mortal thirst, in favor of a dying 
 soldier." 
 
 Let me, therefore, affectionately invite you to induce 
 your children to be respectful, obliging, and gentlemanly, 
 in all their actions and expressions. The true spirit anrl 
 exercise of politeness will deter them from the commis- 
 sion of many rude acts, and exert a controlling and 
 salutary influence over their whole conduct. 
 
 Before I close, allow me to repeat the points 1 have 
 placed before you, the observance of which will be 
 most beneficial to your children, and, through them, to 
 all with whom they associate. 
 26* 
 
306 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 "THE SUMMING UP." 
 
 1. Send your children to school seasonably and con- 
 stantly. 
 
 2. Encourage them to respect and obey the rules and 
 requirements of their school. 
 
 3. Encourage them to be orderly, &c. 
 
 4. Encourage them to be studious. 
 
 5. Visit them at school. 
 
 6. Have a regard to the character of the books your 
 children read, and see that they read understandingly. 
 
 7. Aid me to check selfishness, and promote a spirit 
 of kindness and forbearance. 
 
 8. Cultivate in your children habits of politeness and 
 courtesy. 
 
 These duties, and others growing out of them, perform 
 faithfully, and you will find a most abundant reward in 
 the increased interest of your children, and their growth 
 in knowledge and virtue. 
 
 With affectionate regard, 
 
 Your friend, and your children's 
 
 Teacher. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 PARENTS SHOULD BE CAXDID AND CHARI- 
 TABLE. 
 
 Parents are sometimes too ready to listen, approv- 
 ingly, to the complaints of their children, and often 
 censure the instructor without sufficient reason. I would 
 not be understood to say that teachers always pursue a 
 course alDOve censure, or that they always do things in 
 the best or most prudent manner. They are but men, 
 with the infirmities of men, and need the heartfelt sym- 
 pathies, the encouragement, and cheerful cooperation, of 
 their patrons. In the formation and execution of their 
 plans, they must be allowed to pursue their own course, 
 nor should they be expected to coincide with the views 
 and wishes of all. This would be impossible, as there 
 are widely-differing views among their patrons. Parents 
 are often — unconsciously, I doubt not — guilty of causing 
 much injury to schools, by manifesting an interest in all 
 the little antipathies which their children may have con- 
 tracted, and by sympathizing with them in all the little 
 wrongs, real or imaginary, to which they have been 
 subjected. 
 
 Probably there is no individual whose motives and 
 proceedings are so often and so grossly misconceived 
 and misrepresented, as are those of the school-teacher. 
 This, we may readily see, arises from the very nature of 
 his employment. He has to deal with the mind and 
 
308 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 UNREASONABLE COMPLAINTS. 
 
 passions in all their various workings^ and that at an 
 age when reason and prudence have but a very limited 
 sway. As his pupils differ in disposition and under- 
 standing, so his efforts to secure order and obedience, and 
 his incentives to exertion, must vary. To one a mere 
 look or word of reproof will be as effectual as the most 
 severe discipline to another ; and yet, is not the faithful, 
 prudent, and skilful teacher, often severely censured, and 
 accused of partiality, while endeavoring to adapt his 
 mode of discipline to the peculiar disposition of an 
 offender ? 
 
 A conscientious and wise instructor will consider it an 
 important part of his duty so to study the character and 
 peculiar disposition of each pupil that he may be able to 
 pursue that course of discipline which will best secure 
 the reform or best good of every one. But, from a 
 want of proper consideration on the part of many parents 
 and guardians, this is made a fruitful source of coni- 
 plaint ^tA fault-finding. 
 
 A teacher may pursue that course which experience 
 and observation dictate as the best, and which an interest 
 in the welfare and improvement of his pupils prompts 
 him to pursue, and, while thus acting, and thus influenced 
 by the purest motives, he is, perhaps, represented by 
 one as being too severe^ by another, too lax, and by 
 many as partial in his discipline ; this parent complains 
 that his children have not studies enough, and that 
 because his has too many. And whence comes all this 
 complaint with parents ? Does it proceed from frequent 
 visits to the school-room, and from actual observation 
 while there? By no means; but from the distorted 
 statements of interested and ex parte witnesses, — the 
 
PARENTS SHOULD BE CANDID AND CHARITABLE. 309 
 
 PUPIL LIABLE TO BIASED JUDGMENT. 
 
 pupils themselves ; and many a poor teaclier is tried^ 
 found guilty, condemned^ and almost executed, without 
 being afforded the least opportunity for self-defence, and, 
 perchance, entirely unconscious of the crimes or devia- 
 tions for which he is under sentence. 
 
 ''But," says one, "shall parents always submit to what 
 the teacher does 7 Is he always in the right, and parents 
 and children in the wrong 7 ' ' Certainly not ; the teacher 
 is not infallible ; but does he not, or ought he not, best 
 understand his own business ? At all events, will it 
 always answer to rely on the pupil's judgment? Will 
 he not often be influenced by motives similar to those 
 of the lad, who, when asked by his teacher in what 
 way he should prefer to be punished, replied, with much 
 readiness, ^^ If you please, sb^, according to the Ital- 
 ian system of 'penmanship, — heavy strokes up, down 
 ones lighV^'\ 
 
 If parents really feel that the teacher has erred, and 
 their children have been injured or neglected, would it 
 not be better to go directly to him, and, with a spirit of 
 candor and kindness, make known their feelings ? Pos- 
 sibly, they have not been rightly informed ; or, perhaps, a 
 .false coloring has been given, or some circumstances 
 withheld ; and, upon hearing the whole story, they may 
 become fully satisfied that no injustice or wrong has been 
 intended or committed. In most cases, such would 
 undoubtedly be the result. I do not intend to assert 
 that most children design to make false statements ; but 
 they are so easily biased and prejudiced, that they, fre- 
 quently, imagine many things which exist only in 
 imagination. A wrong word, an improper emphasis^ 
 
310 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 EAKLY PREJUDICES : ANECDOTES. 
 
 a slight omissio7i or addition^ often very materially 
 aiFects an account. 
 
 Parents, probably, are not always aware of the nature 
 and extent of their influence, directly and indirectly, 
 upon their children, who are prone to like or dislike 
 what their parents like or dislike, and endeavor to 
 express the same sentiment that they hear expressed at 
 the fireside, though not always correctly. Few realize 
 how many notions and prejudices children form, under 
 the influence of those with whom they spend most of 
 their time. 
 
 A child, being asked by his Sabbath-school teacher, 
 '^Who killed Abel?" promptly replied, "Gen. Jack- 
 son !" In one of those periods of high political excite- 
 ment (whose influence upon the young is most 
 deleterious), she had heard so much said against the 
 general, that she thought, as a matter of course, that ho 
 was a general murderer^ and was the only man bad- 
 enough to commit the first homicide. Another, being 
 asked in what state man was left after the " fall," readily 
 answered, '• Vermont." Having always lived in that 
 state, and having heard its name more frequently than 
 any other, he thought it the only state in which any 
 important event could happen. 
 
 Parents should feel an interest in the results of the 
 teacher'' s labors. 
 
 With many, perhaps we may say, with most parents, 
 there is a ready inclination to render the instructor of 
 their children cheerful and prompt cooperation in every 
 desirable particular ; but it is not so with all. In most 
 communities may be found those perverse dispositions 
 which know not what it is to lend aid in any good work. 
 
PARENTS SHOULD BE CANDID AND CHARITABLE. 311 
 
 LIMITED INTEREST. — THE DUTCHSIAN. 
 
 Capricious, captious, and uneasy, they can find notliing 
 to their liking. They view all objects and operations 
 with a jaundiced eye. With such, the only desirable 
 thing about schools is, that they are standing objects, 
 about which they may daily vent their bitterness. The 
 children of these parents never hear their teachers 
 alluded to, except it be in language the most derogatory 
 and abusive ; and they enter the school-room not only 
 w^ithout a single prepossession in its favor, but with 
 heads full of distorted views and ill-conceived preju- 
 dices. 
 
 There is another class of parents who are perfectly 
 willing to throw all responsibility upon the teacher, with 
 little or no interest in the result. They are ready to 
 furnish books, and supply all the external school- wants 
 of their children ; and, beyond this, manifest no interest. 
 In employing a teacher, and sending their children to 
 school, they feel that their entire obligation ceases ; and, 
 if things go to destruction, it is no concern of theirs, 
 and they feel no interest in preventing it. They are, in 
 some respects, as independent and regardless of results 
 as was the Dutchman, who, having given very willingly 
 the sum of five hundred dollars to aid in the erection of 
 a church, was subsequently called upon to contribute for 
 the purpose of procuring a lightning-rod for the better 
 security of the building. Assuming a very decided 
 manner, he refused to give, saying, " I have help build 
 de Lord a nice house ; and now, if he pe mind to dunder 
 it down, let him pe welcome to do it, and I will be sure 
 to put noting in de way of it." 
 
 So the parents alluded to seem to say, by their actions, 
 '' We have sent our children to school, and, if the teacher 
 
312 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 EXTRAVAGANT EXPECTATIONS. 
 
 does not take care of them, and educate them, it is no 
 concern of ours ;" and, hke the Dutchman, they appear 
 perfectly willing to sacrifice their investment, rather than 
 extend any aid which will seem designed to assist in 
 preserving the same from loss or injury. 
 
 Parents should not be extravagant and unreason- 
 able in their expectations. 
 
 Every parent wishes his children to excel ; and if they 
 do not, he is prone to censure the teacher and accuse 
 him of neglect. Now, it is sometimes the case that a boy 
 may attend school month after month, and season after 
 season, receive every possible attention, and yet make 
 but little progress. The best of teachers cannot make 
 first-rate scholars from second or third tate stock. But 
 it fi'equently happens, that a boy of very ordinary abili- 
 ties — and those blunted or stunted by neglect or 
 mismanagement in his physical training — is sent to 
 school occasionally^ and, if he does not learn rapidly 
 and make a " right smart " scholar, it is entirely charge- 
 able to the poor teacher. But it should be known that 
 no mortal influence can cause such pupils to advance 
 under such circumstances, or create life or replenish the 
 strength for a boy whose entire energies have been 
 tasked to their utmost in counteracting the indulgence 
 of an excessive appetite, or the gross abuse of his phys- 
 ical nature, in any way. A lady once called upon an 
 instructor, and asked him how her daughter succeeded. 
 "Why," said he, ''not very well; she lacks capac- 
 ity." "0! if that is all," said the lady, "you buy 
 her a first-rate capacity, and charge it in her next 
 quarter's bill !" 
 
 Now, while it should be known by all that teachers 
 
PARENTS SHOULD BE CANDID AND CHARITABLE. 313 
 
 CAPACITIES CANNOT BE PURCHASED. 
 
 can neither make nor purchase capacities, it should also 
 be remembered that, with the kindly, prompt and con- 
 tinued, aid of parents, they may do much to improve 
 and develop capacities which are naturally far from 
 being brilliant or powerful. 
 27 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 HIGH AND HONORABLE MOTIVES FOR 
 ACTION. 
 
 It is very desirable that a true sense of right and 
 wrong, and correct ideas of propriety, should be early 
 and carefully impressed upon the young, — that they be 
 induced to love and pursue the right, and detest and 
 shun the wrong, and to perform every act and every duty 
 from high and honorable motives. Thus trained, chil- 
 dren will grow up free from those debasing and selfish 
 influences which are now, so frequently, developed in 
 society. 
 
 How often is it that parents and teachers, thought- 
 lessly, do injury to the young, by holding before them 
 unworthy motives for action ! Who, in this money-seek- 
 ing and dollar-grasping age of ours, may not trace an 
 over-anxious desire for riches to the injudicious practice 
 of some parents of influencing the child's mind by the 
 profier of a few cents, as an inducement to perform some 
 duty ? Or, who cannot trace the development of erro- 
 neous views, and of bigoted or superstitious feelings, to 
 the prevalent habit, with parents and others, of relating 
 to children extravagant and um-easonable stories ? 
 
 The young should early be impressed with the im- 
 portance of exercising a charitable spirit, and of delight- 
 ing, rather, in the merits^ than in the errors and frail- 
 ties^ of others. How many have been lost to society and 
 
HONORABLE MOTIVES. 315 
 
 A COMPASSIONATE AND FORGIVING SPIRIT. 
 
 usefulness, by the coldness of the world, in the way of 
 downright slander, or of sly insinuations, which are, 
 often, worse, in their effects, than slander ! How many 
 have been made morose and misanthropic, on account of 
 ill-treatment received ! Let the young be taught to feel 
 that there may be some good traits in all, and to exercise 
 a compassionate and forgiving spirit towards the frail 
 and erring, — ever preferring to speak kindly, and think 
 charitably, towards all and of all. If, as will sometimes 
 be the case, children go to parents to complain of real 
 or imaginary ^vrongs, on the part of their teacher, let not 
 those parents be instrumental of cherishing a capricious 
 spirit by coinciding with all that may be said ; but let 
 them rather aim to discover and assign a good reason for 
 every act complained of The young may thus be taught 
 the importance of exercising a charitable spirit. 
 
 A few years ago, there died, in one of our southern 
 cities, a man possessed of immense wealth. He had 
 lived a secluded and miserly life, his one and only appa- 
 rent desire seeming to be, the accumulation of riches. 
 Denying himself every rational enjoyment, he bent all 
 his energies to the accomplishment of the one purpose of 
 his heart. Without manifesting the slightest interest in 
 the welfare of those around him, he ''toiled and moiled, 
 poor muck-worm," to increase his store of wealth. De- 
 spised and shunned, he lived, — lonely and neglected, he 
 died ; and, were it not for the last clause of his will, we 
 might have been left to believe that human sympathy, in 
 any form, never possessed his heart. But, from that, 
 we may infer that his mind, from some early ill-treat- 
 ment, had received a misanthropic turn, from which it 
 could never recover, — yet, down deep in that miser's 
 
316 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 CLAUSE OF A RICH MAN'S WILL. 
 
 heart, there seems to have been some kindly and sympa- 
 thetic feeling, which developed itself in view of approach- 
 ing death, in a wise distribution of the wealth acquired 
 by life-long self-denial and toil. After specifying the 
 objects to which his immense wealth should be appropri- 
 ated, — a large part of which was for the support of fret^ 
 schools for poor children, — he thus speaks: "And (I 
 was near forgetting that) I have, still, one small request 
 to make, — one little favor to ask, — and it shall be the 
 last. It is, that it may be permitted, annually, to the 
 children of the free schools situate the nearest to my 
 place of interment, to plant and water a few flowers 
 around my grave ! This little act will have a double 
 tendency ; it will open their young and susceptible hearts 
 to gratitude and love to their divine Creator, for having 
 raised up, as an humble instrument of his bounty to 
 them, a poor frail worm of earth like me, and teach 
 them, at the same time, what they are, whence they came, 
 and whither they must return." What an impressive 
 lesson ought we to learn from these few lines, as emanat- 
 ing from a heart, apparently, callous and indifferent to all 
 those tender feelings and sympathies which usually bind 
 man to his fellow-man, and prompt to those little acts of 
 kindly aid which tend so much to strew life's pathAvay 
 with flowers ! 
 
 If possible, the young should be trained to feel that 
 they have duties to perform, and that, if they labor with 
 fidelity and earnestness, they may rise to exalted stations 
 of influence and usefulness. In a government like ours, 
 with the means of knowledge so widely diff"used, the 
 highest posts of honor are alike attainable by the rich and 
 poor. ''The great poet, the illustrious statesman, the 
 
HONORABLE MOTIVES. 317 
 
 HIGH POSITIONS ATTAINABLE BY ALL. 
 
 eloquent orator, is as likely to gO forth from the brown- 
 faced laborer's cottage over the way, as from the sump- 
 tuous palaces of the capital. The future ruler of an 
 empire may be unconsciously digging in yonder field ; 
 and this very school may be, under God, the appointed 
 means of reveahng his unsuspected destiny to him and to 
 the world." =^ If the young are early tramed to habits 
 of persevering industry, if they are rightly taught the 
 nature of their obligations and the extent of their capa- 
 bilities, and, at the same time, are made to feel that they 
 must, with certain aids, carve their own fortunes, they 
 will be instructed in the true steps and principles of pro- 
 gressive usefulness and increasing influence. 
 
 We are blessed with a noble country ; a goodly heri- 
 tage is ours. It is for us, in a great degree, to answer 
 the momentous question, "What is to be the future of 
 this magnificent country? " " On this point, mournful 
 voices are already beginning to be scattered upon the air. 
 Men, and women too, are predicting ovil issues. It may 
 be so. It may be that our experience is to add to the 
 warnings and admonitions of history ; that the voice of 
 the past is to sigh through the shattered walls and broken 
 arches of our social fabric. It may be that our sun is to 
 go down in blood ; that violence is to rend asunder the 
 chain of our union, and scatter its links in wild disorder ; 
 that our soil is to be drenched with fraternal blood ; that 
 the pleasant gardens of our prosperity are to be uprooted 
 by the whirl -winds of anarchy, or iron-bound by the 
 polar frost of despotism. It will be so, if our material 
 civilization is always to keep far in advance of our men- 
 
 * C. Felton. 
 
318 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 OUR PROSPECTS. BRITISH ADMIRAL. 
 
 tal and moral cultivation ; if prosperity is to make us 
 selfish, if wealth is to make us hard-hearted, if power is 
 to make us tyrannous. But not thus would I cast the 
 Horoscope of our country's fortunes. There are two 
 great houses in the world, — the house of hope, and the 
 house of fear ; far be from me and my friends the badges 
 and the livery of that latter house ! I will not believe 
 that the life of nations is like the life of trees ; that, by 
 an inevitable law, they, too, have their periods of growth, 
 maturity, and decline ; but I hold that it is sin alone that 
 makes a people weak, and wickedness that makes them 
 old, and that in the fear of God and the keeping of his 
 commandments there is perpetual youth. 
 
 " Upon us, and those who are to come after us, — upon 
 the young, especially, who are ever the patriot's hope 
 and the good man's trust, — and upon those to whom the 
 training of the young is intrusted, whether as parents or 
 teachers, does this great responsibility rest. The life of 
 man should here reflect the spirit of our institutions, and 
 be cast in a mould of greatness analogous to the physical 
 features of our country. It should be grave, simple, 
 earnest, and manly. It should be dedicated to high pur- 
 poses, and governed by a spirit of moral thoughtfulness. 
 There is no place, here, for the idler, the trifler, the 
 scoffer, and the voluptuary. Every man's Ufe is of con- 
 sequence, as forming a part of the life of the sta4:e. 
 
 " The last signal made by the British admiral, on the 
 morning of the battle of Trafalgar, was in words which 
 have become historical and immortal : ' England ex- 
 pects every man to do his duty ! ' Would that we could 
 carve upon our hearts the spirit of these words ; for, 
 though the storm-cloud of battle does not lower upon our 
 
HONORABLE MOTIVES. 319 
 
 GLORIOUS AND LASTING RESULTS. 
 
 path, yet peace has its dangers and its trials, no less than 
 war. Would that each of us, when our country's flag is 
 floating upon the breeze, could see, with the mind's eye, 
 written in letters of living light upon its ample folds, 
 ' America expects every man to do his duty ! ' 
 Would that the contemplation of our present and our 
 future might inspire us, not only with patriotic pride 
 and gratitude, but with a firm resolve to set upon the 
 brow of our country a more than regal coronet, with the 
 virtues of her children for its sparkling gems ! With 
 this spirit and this resolve, we shall construct her pros- 
 perity from elements as indestructible and unchanging as 
 the laws of falling bodies, or the impulses of maternal 
 love." ^ 
 
 In concluding this volume, I would, once more, ear- 
 nestly entreat parents to consider the nature and magni- 
 tude of the responsibilities which devolve upon them. 
 The duties they owe to the young are of no trifling con- 
 sideration. The happy results of the wise performance 
 of them will be far-reaching, never-ending; the evil 
 effects of wrong influences or of neglect will be as exten- 
 sive and as lasting. Parents ! will you look at the sub- 
 ject in its true light ? Will you view it in all its realities, 
 and contemplate its height and depth, its length and 
 breadth ? Will you consider it as aflecting the condition 
 of your children, and of the community? Will you 
 regard it in the light of your accountability to God, and 
 strive, in every way, to assist in training the youth 
 intrusted to your care so that they will, in their lives, 
 honor and glorify their Creator ? Will you do what yOu 
 
 * G. S. HUlard. 
 
V 
 
 320 COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. 
 
 CONCLUDUia REMARKS. 
 
 can to prepare them to act wisely and well their parts in 
 life 1 If you will, then you may be the humble instru- 
 ments, in God's hands, of accomplishing a great and good 
 work for the community, and for the dearest objects of 
 your affection. If you will, then will you contribute 
 your part towards the discharge of the duty resting upon 
 every citizen of our country. If you will, then will you 
 do something towards the dissemination and perpetuity 
 of those republican blessings and virtues which we now 
 enjoy. If you will, then will you prove yourselves the 
 worthy citizens of a noble republic, promoting its best 
 interests, and increasing its power and influence. 
 
 And thus " Let each generation sweep majestically 
 on, in an increased and increasing current, each living 
 upon, and growing upon, the granaries of the past, and 
 heaping up resources for the future. Let each succeed- 
 ing generation more fully develop the true principles of 
 life and action, hushing the evil propensities of man, and 
 leading him gently by the hand into the paths of virtue 
 and wisdom. Above all, in this free and Christian re- 
 public, let the power and influence of intellect be ever 
 guided by the conservative and invigorating principles of 
 religion and morality." * Thus may each generation 
 faithfully perform the obhgations implied in the noble 
 sentiment introduced into the first chapter of this volume, 
 — a sentiment that should be regarded and cherished by 
 every citizen of our land : — 
 
 "EDUCATION: A debt due from present to 
 
 FUTURE generations." 
 
 *W. D. Northend. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 BOOKS FOR A TEACHER'S LIBRARY. 
 
 It should be the aim of every teacher to become the owner of a 
 library. The number of works designed especially for teachers has 
 greatly increased within a few years, but is still quite limited. 
 Below is a list of books which are deserving a place in every library. 
 Many of them relate directly to the profession of the teacher, and oth- 
 ers contain information of value to every one. It is not, of course, my 
 purpose to give a complete catalogue of suitable books, but to desig- 
 nate many that should form a part of such a catalogue. 
 
 Theory and Practice of Teaching. By David P. Page, M.A., late 
 Principal of the New York State Normal School. New York : A. S. ■ 
 Barnes & Co. 8vo. pp. 349. 
 
 An excellent work, by a most sensible man and an eminently useful 
 teacher. Every teacher and friend of education should own this 
 volume. 
 
 The School and the Schoolmaster. By Alonzo Potter, D.D., Bishop 
 of Pennsylvania, and George B. Emerson, A.M., President of the 
 American Institute of Instruction. Boston : William B. Fowle. 12mo. 
 pp. 552. 
 
 This work is too well known to need comment. 
 
 Lectures before the American Institute of Instruction, from 1830 to 
 the present time ; 20 vols. Boston : William D. Ticknor & Co. 
 
 Normal Schools, and other Institutions, Agencies and Means, de- 
 signed for the Professional Education of Teachers. By Henry Bar- 
 nard, Superintendent of Common Schools of Connecticut. Hartford : 
 Case, Tiffany & Co. 8vo. pp. 657. 
 
 This volume abounds in valuable suggestions, and should be in the 
 library of every teacher. 
 
 The Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold, D.D., late Head 
 Master of Rugby School, and Regius Professor of Modern History in 
 
322 APPENDIX. 
 
 the University of Oxford. By A. P. Stanley, A.M. London and 
 New York ; 1846. 8vo. pp. 490. 
 
 History of Education, Ancient and Modern. By H. I. Smith, A.M. 
 Harpers' Family Library, No. 156. 
 
 Teaching a Science ; the Teacher an Artist. By Rev. Baynard K. 
 Hall, A.M. New York : Baker & Scribner ; 1848. 12mo. pp. 305. 
 
 Common Schools and Teachers' Seminaries ; embracing a Report on 
 Elementary Public Instruction in Europe, and an Article on Normal 
 Schools and Teachers' Seminaries. By Calvin E. Stowe, D.D., Pro- 
 fessor in Lane Seminary, Cincinnati. Boston : 1839. 12mo. pp. 126. 
 
 Report on Education in Europe. By Alexander D. Bache, LL.D. 
 Philadelphia : 1839. 12mo. pp. 666. 
 
 Hints on a System of Popular Education. By Prof. E. C. Wines. 
 Philadelphia : 1838. 12mo. pp. 225. 
 
 The Teacher Taught ; or, the Principles and Modes of Teaching. 
 By Emerson Davis, D.D. Boston : 1839. 12mo. pp. 79. 
 
 The Teacher's Manual ; containing Practical Suggestions on Teach- 
 ing and Popular Education. By Henry Dunn, Secretary of the British 
 and Foreign School Society. London : edited by Rev. T. H. Gallau- 
 det. Hartford : 1839. 12mo. pp. 223. 
 
 Lord Brougham on Education. Edited by J. Orville Taylor. New 
 York: 1839. 12mo. pp. 91. 
 
 The Teacher's Institute ; or. Familiar Hints to Young Teachers. 
 By William B. Fowle. Boston : 1847. 12mo. pp. 258. 
 
 The Teacher ; or. Moral Influences employed in the Instruction and 
 Government of the Young. By Jacob Abbot. Boston : 1833. 12mo. 
 pp. 293. 
 
 Some Thoughts Concerning Education, by John Locke, and a 
 Treatise on Education, by John Milton. Edited by William Russell. 
 Boston: 1830. 12mo. pp. 317. 
 
 The Teacher's Manual. By Thomas H. Palmer. Boston: 1840. 
 pp. 263. 
 
 The District School as It Was. By Rev. Warren Burton. New 
 York: 1838. 
 
 Confessions of a Schoolmaster. By William A. Alcott, M.D. New 
 York. 12mo. pp. 316. 
 
 Account of the Edinburgh Sessional School. By John Wood. Bos- 
 ton: 1830. 
 
 School Architecture. By Hon. Henry Barnard, Commissioner of 
 Schools for the State of Rhode Island. New York : 1846. 
 
 Prize Essay, on the Improvement of the Common Schools of Connect- 
 icut. By Prof. Noah Porter. Hartford : 1846. 
 
APPENDIX. 323 
 
 The Student's Manual. By John Todd, D.D. 12mo. pp. 392. 
 
 Dr. Channing on Self-Culture, and Miss Sedgwick on Self-Training. 
 
 The Schoolmaster's Friend. By Theodore Dwight, Jr. 
 
 The Common School System of New York. By S. S. Randall. 
 
 Lectures on School-Keeping. By Rev. S. R. Hall. Boston : 1829. 
 
 Transactions of the Western Literary Institute and College of Pro- 
 fessional Teachers, from 1834 to 1840 ; six vols. 8vo. Cincinnati. 
 
 American Annals of Education. 
 
 Locke Amsden ; or, the Schoolmaster. By D. P. Thompson. Bos- 
 ton : B. B. Mussey & Co. 12mo. pp. 231. 
 
 The Architecture of Country Houses. By A. J. Downing. New 
 York : D. Appleton & Co. 8vo. pp. 484. 
 
 This is an admirable work, containing so much information on 
 architecture, styles of furniture, modes of warming and ventilation, 
 that it is well deserving a place in every library of our land. 
 
 Smyth's Lectures on Modern History, with additions, by J. Sparks. 
 Boston : B. B. Mussey & Co. 8vo. pp. 738. 
 
 Taylor's Manual of Ancient and Modern History, revised by C. S. 
 Henry, D.D. New York : D. Appleton & Co. 8vo. pp. 797. 
 
 A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines. By Andrew Ure, 
 M.D. New York : D. Appleton & Co. 8vo. pp. 1644. 
 
 History of Modern Philosophy. By M. Victor Cousin. Translated 
 by 0. W. Wright. New York : D. Appleton & Co. 2 vols. 8vo. pp. 
 891. 
 
 How shall I Govern my School ? By E. C. Wines. Philadelphia : 
 W. Marshall & Co. 12mo. pp. 309. 
 
 American Institutions, and their Influence. By Alexis De Tocque- 
 ville, with notes by J. C. Spencer. New York : A. S. Barnes & Co. 
 8vo. pp. 460. 
 
 Earth and Man. By Arnold Guyot. Translated by C. C. Felton. 
 Boston : Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. 12mo. pp. 300. 
 
 The Constitution of Man. By George Combe. Boston : B, B. 
 Mussey & Co. 12mo. pp. 39G. 
 
 Thomson's Seasons, with Notes by James R. Boyd. New York : A. 
 S. Barnes & Co. 12mo. pp. 335. 
 
 Paradise Lost, with Notes by James R. Boyd. New York : A. S. 
 Barnes & Co. 12mo. 
 
 Young's Night Thoughts, with Notes by James R. Boyd. New 
 York : A. S. Barnes & Co. 12mo. pp. 516. 
 
 The above are very interesting editions of three standard volumes. 
 
 Chambers' Information for the People. Philadelphia : J. & J. 
 L. Gihon. 2 vols 8vo. pp. 16S5. 
 
324 APPENDIX. 
 
 Graham's English Synonymes, with additions by H. Read, LL.D. 
 New York : D. Appleton & Co. 12mo. pp. 344. 
 
 American Education, its Principles and Elements. By E. D. Mans- 
 field. New York : A. S. Barnes & Co. 12mo. pp. 330. 
 
 Popular Education. By Ira Mayhew, A.M. New York : Harper 
 & Brothers. 12mo. pp. 467. 
 
 The Massachusetts Teacher. By a Committee of the Massachusetts 
 Teachers' Association. Boston : Samuel Coolidge. 8vo. pp. 384. 5 
 volumes already published. 
 
 Transactions of Massachusetts Teachers' Association. Vol. I. for 
 1845-47. Boston : Samuel Coolidge. 12mo. pp. 34 . 
 
 The Elements of Political Economy. By F. Wayland, B.D. Bos- 
 ton : Gould & Lincoln. 12mo. pp. 406. 
 
 Journal of R, I. Institute of Instruction for 1846-47 ; 2 vols. Ed- 
 ited by Henry Barnard. Providence : C. Burnet, Jr. 8vo. 
 
 Miscellaneous Works of Thomas Arnold, D.D., late Head Master 
 of Rugby School. New York : D. Appleton & Co. 8vo. pp. 545. 
 
 Lectures on Modern History. By Thomas Arnold, D.D. New 
 York : D. Appleton & Co. 12mo. pp. 428. 
 
 Atlas and Gazetteer of the Holy Scriptures. By the Rev. Wilham 
 Jenks, D.D. Boston : Jenks, Hickling & Swan. 4to. pp. 157. 
 
 The Illustrated Atlas and Modern History of the World, Geograph- 
 ical, Political, Commercial and Statistical. Edited by R. M. Martin, 
 Esq. London and New York : J. Tallis &, Co. 
 
 Essays on Ancient Literature and Art. By Barnas Sears, B. B. 
 Edwards, and C. C. Felton. Boston : Gould & Lincoln. 12mo. 
 pp. 413. 
 
 The Massachusetts System of Common Schools., Boston : Button & 
 Wentworth. 8vo. pp. 212. 
 
 The Elements of Geology. By Justin R. Loomis. Boston : Gould 
 & Lincoln. 12mo. pp. 198. 
 
 Chambers' Miscellany of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge. 10 
 vols. Boston : Gould & Lincoln. 
 
 Chambers' Cyclopedia of English Literature. 2 vols. 8vo. pp. 
 2400, and more than 800 elegant illustrations. Boston : Gould & 
 Lincoln. 
 
 A Compendium of English Literature. By Charles D. Cleveland. 
 Philadelphia : E. C. & J. Biddle. 12mo. pp. 72. 
 
 Essays on Education. By the Central Society of Education. 8 
 vols. 12mo. London. 
 
 Logic of Mathematics. By Charles Davies, LL.D. New York : A 
 S. Barnes & Co. 
 
APPENDIX. 325 
 
 The Common School Journal. Edited by Horace Mann. 
 
 There are ten or twelve bound volumes of this valuable work. They 
 contain a great variety of matter of interest to teachers and friends 
 of education. 
 
 Outlines of Universal History, from the Creation of the World to 
 the Present Day. By George Weber. Boston : Jenks, Hickling & 
 Swan. 8vo. pp. 559. 
 
 The American Encyclopedia. 
 
 McCuUoch's Geographical and Commercial Dictionaries. 
 
 Brande's Dictionary of Science, Literature and Art. 
 
 Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. 
 
 In addition to the above works, teachers should take and peruse 
 educational journals. In several of the states the teachers have 
 established periodicals devoted to the interests of their profession ; 
 and all engaged in teaching should see that they do their part in 
 sustaining these works. The States of Massachusetts, New York, 
 Ohio, Missouri, and others, now have such journals, which reflect 
 much credit upon those who sustain them. 
 28 
 
BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG. 
 
 I HAVE spoken of the importance of cultivating in the young a taste 
 for reading, and urged attention to the character of the books put into 
 the hands of youth. The number of books prepared for the youthful 
 reader is very large, and many of them are worse than valueless. I 
 shall give a list of a few works that may safely be read by any. In a 
 future edition this list will, probably, be extended. 
 
 The Rollo Books ; The Lucy Books ; Abbott's Histories ; Franconia 
 Stories, &c. 
 
 No writer has surpassed Mr. Abbott, in writing good books for the 
 young ; and all of the many volumes prepared by him may be safely 
 recommended, as interesting, instructive and moral, in their char- 
 acter. 
 
 Land and Lee ; Sea and Sailor ; Three Years in California ; and 
 Deck and Port, by Rev. W. Colton ; Lives of the Signers of the Dec- 
 laration of Independence ; Sandwich Islands. 
 
 These interesting volumes are published by A. S. Barnes & Co., 
 New York. 
 
 Pleasant Pages for Young People. Boston : Gould & Lincoln. 
 
 Arthur's Library for the Household ; complete in 12 vols. 18mo. 
 Philadelphia : by Lippincott, Grambo & Co. Containing the following 
 volumes : — Woman's Trials ; The "Ways of Providence ; Home Scenes ; 
 Stories for Young Housekeepers ; Lessons in Life for all who will read 
 them ; Seed-Time and Harvest, or, whatsoever a man soweth, that 
 shall he also reap ; Stories for Parents ; Off-hand Sketches a little 
 dashed with Humor ; Words for the Wise ; The Tried and the 
 Tempted, &c. 
 
 Arthur's New Juvenile Library, beautifully illustrated : — Who is 
 Greatest ; Who are Happiest ; The Poor Wood-cutter ; Mr. Have n't- 
 got-time and Mr. Don't-be-in-a-hurry ; The Peace Makers ; Uncle 
 
BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG. 327 
 
 Ben's New Year's Gift ; The Wounded Boy ; The Lost Children ; Our 
 Harry ; The Last Penny ; Pierre, the Organ Boy, &c. 
 
 Arthur's Cabinet Histories of the States. New York, Virginia, 
 Georgia and Kentucky, already published. These are very interest- 
 ing volumes, very neatly bound, and will form a most valuable addi- 
 tion to books for the young. 
 
 All the works of Mr. Arthur may be put into the hands of the young 
 with a perfect assurance that they tend to promote a high moral tone. 
 
 Novelties of the New World. By Joseph Banvard. 1 vol. 18mo. 
 pp. 324. Boston : Gould & Lincoln. 
 
 Romance of American History. By Joseph Banvard. 1 vol. 18mo. 
 pp. 306. Boston : Gould & Lincoln. 
 
 American IVIiscellany. By Francis C. Woodworth. 12mo. pp. 288. 
 Boston : Phillips, Sampson &. Co. 
 
 A Kiss for a Blow. B. B. Mussey & Co., Boston. 
 
 Hernan Cortez ; Henry Hudson ; Daniel Boone ; Hope on, hope 
 ever ; The Two Apprentices ; The Clock-maker ; My Own Story ; 
 Which is the Wiser ; Alice Franklin ; Sowing and Reaping ; Work 
 and Wages ; Love and Money ; Strive and Thrive ; Little Coin, Much 
 Care ; The Winter Evening Story Book ; Dangers of Dining Out ; 
 The Minister's Family ; Somerville Hall ; Settlers in Canada ; William 
 Tell ; Scenes in Africa ; Good in Everything ; Guide to Knowledge ; 
 Never Too Late ; The Gold-maker's Village ; The Paris Sketch Book, 
 2 vols. ; Story of a Genius ; Peasant and Prince ; Philip Randolph ; 
 Domestic Tales ; Rural Tales ; Looking-glash for the Mind ; Ocean 
 Work ; Dawnings of Genius ; Oliver Cromwell ; Poplar Grove ; 
 Chances and Changes ; The Farmer's Daughter ; Crofton Boys ; 
 Early Friendships. 
 
 These pretty and interesting volumes are published by D. Appleton 
 & Co., New York. 
 
 Young Americans Abroad. Boston : Gould & Lincoln. 
 
WORCESTER'S 
 
 SERIES OP 
 
 AMERICAN 
 
 SCHOOL DICTIONAEIES. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES. 
 WORCESTER'S COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY 
 
 A Comprehensive. Pronouncing and Explanatory Diction 
 ary of the English Language, with Pronouncing Vocabk- 
 laries of Classical, Scripture, and Modern Geographical 
 Names. By Joseph E. Worcester, LL. D. Enlarged 
 Revised Edition, with important additions. 526 pp., 
 large 12 mo., containing 67,000 words. 
 
 This Dictionary combines, in a very condensed and cheap form, 
 a greater amount of valuable matter than any other similar work. 
 It contains, in its various vocabularies, upwards of sixty-seven 
 thousand words, many technical terms, and a copious list of such 
 words and phrases from foreign languages as are often found in 
 English books. — It comprises very full pronouncing- vocabu- 
 laries of Classical and Scripture Proper Names, and upwards of 
 four thousand Modern Geographical Names. The additions 
 which have recently been made consist of Abbreviations used in 
 Writing and Printing ; Phrases and Quotations from the Latin, 
 French, Italian, and Spanish Languages, in general use ; and a 
 description of the Principal Deities, Heroes, &c., of the Fabulous 
 History of the Greeks and Romans. This additional matter is not 
 only very useful to the general reader, but is of the highest 
 importance to children in schools, who have no Classical Diction- 
 aries to consult. 
 
 As a Pronouncing Dictionary, it possesses decided advantages 
 over all others, the pronunciation of every word being plainly 
 marked, not only in the accent, but in the sounds of the vowels, — a 
 most important feature in the plan of the work. Every difTerenco 
 
Worcester's elementary dictionary. 
 
 of pronunciation in our language is presented according to the 
 respective and most eminent authorities. 
 
 The Orthography in the work is that which is authorized by 
 the best usage. Innovations which have no sanction from English 
 usage, or the prevailing and best usage of this country, have been 
 avoided. The vocabulary of words of doubtful or various orthogra 
 phy, together with the rules and remarks which accompany them, 
 comprises nearly all the difficult and doubtful cases in English 
 orthography. 
 
 WORCESTER'S ELEMENTARY DICTIONARY. 
 
 An English Dictionary for Common Schools, with Pro- 
 nouncing Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture, and Mod- 
 ern Geographical Names. By Joseph E. Worcester, 
 LL. D. Revised and Enlarged. 360 pp., 12mo., contain- 
 ing 44,000 words. 
 
 This work is a reduced form of the Comprehensive Dictionary 
 and is especially adapted to the use of common schools. It con- 
 tains, in its several vocabularies, upwards of 55,000 words. In 
 addition to the Dictionary proper, it comprises the following mat- 
 ters or divisions : — 
 
 1st. A list of such Words and Phrases from Foreign Languages 
 as are often found in English books. This is a class of words for 
 the definition and pronunciation of which an English reader often 
 wants assistance. 
 
 2d. A short list oi Americanisms, or words which are reputed as 
 peculiar to America, and English words which are used in Amer 
 ica in a peculiar manner. 
 
 3d. Remarks on Orthography, with a copious vocabulary of 
 Words of doubtful or various Orthography. 
 
 4th. Walker's Vocabulary of Greek and Latin Proper Names ^ 
 with large additions from TroUope and Carr. 
 
 5th. Scripture Proper Names, with the pronunciation according 
 to Walker and other orthoepists. 
 
 Gth. A Vocabulary of Geographical Names, with the pronuncia- 
 tion given according to the best authorities. 
 
 WORCESTER'S PRIMARY DICTIONARY. 
 
 A Primary Pronouncing Dictionary of the English Lan- 
 guage ; with Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture, and 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF WORCESTER'S DICTIONARIES. 
 
 Modern Geographical Names. By Joseph E. Worces- 
 ter, LL. D. 352 pp., 18mo., containing 41,000 words. 
 
 This little work contains a vocabulary of the common and well- 
 authorized words in the English language. Technical terms, and 
 words which are obsolete, provincial, vulgar, or not well author- 
 ized, and also a great portion of the compound and derivative 
 words of the language, have been omitted, as not necessary or 
 suitable in a manual of this kind, which is designed to exhibit the 
 correct orthography and pronunciation, together with a concise 
 definition, of the common words of the language, such as are 
 usually found in the standard works of English literature. 
 
 WORCESTER'S UNIVERSAL AND CRITICAL 
 DICTIONARY 
 
 Of the English Language. 1032 pages, 8vo. Containing 
 over 100,000 words, and showing in what manner the 
 words of various, doubtful, or disputed pronunciation, are 
 treated by all the most eminent English orthoepists. 
 
 Recommendations by the highest literary authorities of oui 
 country are as follows : — 
 
 The Definitions arc clear and exact, and those pertaining tc 
 technical and scientific terms are specially valuable to the gen- 
 eral reader. The author has evidently bestowed great labor on 
 Pronunciation. His system of notation, which is easily under- 
 stood, and founded on a more complete analysis of the vowel 
 sounds than we have elsewhere met with, together with his plan 
 of exhibiting all the best English authorities in relation to words 
 differently pronounced by difierent orthoepists, gives to this work 
 important advantages as a Pronouncing Dictionary. In Orthog- 
 raphy he has made no arbitrary changes ; but, where usage is 
 various and fluctuating, he has aimed to be consistent, and to 
 reduce to the same rules words of similar formation. 
 
 We confidently recommend it as containing an ample and care- 
 ful view of the present state of our language. 
 
 Jared Sparks, LL. D., President of Harvard University. 
 Sidney Willard, A. M., late Prof, of Hebrew, &c., Har. Uni 
 Moses Stuart, D. D., Prof. Sacred Literature, Andover, Mass 
 Edwards A. Park, D. D., Abbott Professor of Christian 
 Theology, Andover, Mass. 
 
RFX0M3IENDATI0NS OF WORCESTER S DICTIONARIES. 
 
 Leonard Woods, Jr., D. D., President of Bowdoin College, 
 Maine. 
 
 N. Lord, D. D., President of Dartmouth College, New Hamp- 
 Bnire. 
 
 Edward Hitchcock, D. D., LL. D., President of Amrierst 
 College, Mass. 
 
 Mark Hopkins, D. D., President of Williams College, Mass. 
 
 Edward T, Channing, LL. D., Boylston Professor of Rhetoric 
 and Oratory, Harvard University. 
 
 Henry W. Longfellow, A. M., Professor of Belles Lettres, 
 Harvard University. 
 
 Benjamin Hale, D. D., President of Geneva College, New 
 York. 
 
 Alonzo Potter, D. D., LL. D., Bishop of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Robley Dunglison, M. D., Professor in Jefferson Medical 
 College, Philadelphia. * 
 
 Francis Bowen, A. M., Editor of the North American Review. 
 
 Charles Folsom, A. M., Librarian of the Boston Athenffium. 
 
 Hector Humphrey, D. D,, President of St. John's College, 
 Maryland. 
 
 David L. Swain, LL. D., President of University of North 
 Carolina. 
 
 John McLean, LL. D., Justice United States Supreme Court, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Philip Lindsley, LL. D,, President of the University of Nash- 
 ville, Tenn. 
 
 N. Lawrence Lindsley, A. M., Professor of Ancient Lan- 
 guage and Literature, Cumberland University, Tenn. 
 
 We concur fully in the leading portions c^ the above recommend- 
 ation, — not having had leisure to examine all the particulars 
 referred to. 
 
 Levi Woodbury, LL. D., Justice of United States Supreme 
 Court, Mass. 
 
 Eliphalet Nott, D. D., LL. D., President Union College. 
 
 From a general and frequent reference to this Dictionary, in 
 constant use, I fully concur in the general merits of the work, and 
 regard it as a very valuable aid to science. 
 
 Theodore Frelinghuysen, LL. D., Chancellor of the Uni- 
 versity of New York. 
 
 I have used " Worcester's Universal and Critical Dictionary of 
 the English Language," in preference to any other, for constant 
 reference. 
 
 John Wheeler, D. D., President of University of Vermont. 
 
 The Comprehensive Dictionary is used in the public schools of 
 Boston, the Free Academy of New York city, and many othei 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF WORCESTER S DICTIONARIES, 
 
 places. The Board of Education of New Hampshire have recently 
 adopted it for the schools throughout that state. 
 
 Attention is particularly invited to the following recommenda- 
 tions from gentlemen who do not lend their names or influence to 
 mdifferent publications. 
 
 " This Dictionary exhibits, in its diflferent parts, ample evidence 
 of inquiry, careful comparison, and sound judgment. It combines, 
 m a very condensed, yet intelligible form, a greater quantity of 
 valuable matter than any other similar work ; and as a Pronounc- 
 ing Dictionary, it possesses decided advantages over all others, by 
 Its superior system of notation, and by its exhibition of all the 
 principal authorities respecting words of doubtful and various pro- 
 nunciation. We do not hesitate to pronounce it, in our judgment, 
 *he most comfrehensive, accurate, and useful compendium within our 
 knowledge.''^ 
 
 Joseph Story, LL. D., Professor Law, Cambridge, Mass. 
 
 Sidney Willard, A. M., Professor Hebrew, Latin, &c.,Cam 
 bridge, Mass. 
 
 E. T. Channing, a. M., Professor Rhetoric and Oratory, Cam- 
 bridge, Mass. 
 
 John Pickering, LL. D., Boston. 
 
 Wm. Allen, D. D., President Bowdoin College, Maine. 
 
 J. L. KiNGSLEY, LL. D., Professor Latin, Yale College, Conn. 
 
 Alonzo Potter, Professor Rhetoric, Union College, N. York". 
 
 C. Anthon, LL. D., Professor Greek and Latin, Columbia 
 College, New York. 
 
 J. P. Cushing, a. M., President Hampden Sidney College, Ya. 
 
 Jasper Adams, D. D., President Charleston College, S. C. 
 
 Alonzo Church, D. D., President University of Georgia. 
 
 Philip Lindsley, D. D., President Nashville University, Tenn. 
 
 Edward Beecher, A. M., President Illinois College. 
 
 David Prentice, LL. D., Professor of Languages, Geneva 
 College, New York. 
 
 Peter S. Duponceau, LL. D., Philadelphia^ says : — Worces- 
 ter's Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary contains many val- 
 uable improvements on other works of the same kind, which 
 makes me consider it as the best Parlor Dictionary now extant. 
 I have introduced it into my family, and will not fail to recom- 
 mend it to my friends on every occasion. 
 
 Hector Humphrey, D. D., President of St. John's College, 
 Annapolis, Md., remarks: — Worcester's Dictionary is in out 
 schools, and I should be glad to see it adopted everywhere. I find 
 it exceedingly convenient and useful. 
 ]# 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF WORCESTER'S DICTIONARIES. 
 
 RoBLEY DuNGLisoN, M. D., Professor in the University of 
 Maryland, observes : — 1 have examined this Dictionary with care, 
 and am mucli pleased with the plan and execution. I can have 
 no hesitation in awarding- to it the merit of being- the best adapted 
 to the end in view of any that I have examined. It is, in other 
 words, the best portable " Pronouncing and Explanatory Diction- 
 ary " that I have seen, and as such is deserving of extensive cir- 
 culation.. 
 
 The American Monthly Revie-w remarks : — That a work of 
 this kind was needed, no one who has attended to the subject can 
 doubt ; and all who have examined Mr. Worcester's Dictionary, 
 and are competent judges of its merits, must be satisfied that much 
 has been done to supply a well-known deficiency in regard to books 
 of this class. 
 
 Tait's Edinburgh Magazine says, in a notice of a specimen of 
 this Dictionary, which was republished in London : — If the work 
 possesses the sterling merit of the specimen before us, it will go 
 far to supersede most others at present in common use. 
 
 The Select Journal of Foreign Periodical Literature 
 remarks : — No specimen, as is well known by all who have used 
 this Dictionary, wonld give too favorable an impression of its 
 completeness and correctness. 
 
 The Boston Daily Advertiser says: — This work has been 
 so long before the public, that it has assumed in many circles 
 the character of a standard book of reference. Mr. W.'s name is 
 a sufficient warrant that the accuracy of the book will be fully 
 maintained by the closest examination. 
 
 The Boston School Committee, in their Report fur 1851, 
 say: '' Instances of mispronunciation also occurred; and on call- 
 ing for a Dictionary, none was at hand. A fine edition of Web- 
 ster's large work lay on the master's table in another story, but, 
 for all practical uses, where it was then wanted, it might as well 
 have been in Texas. It is recommended that all the teachers be 
 required to have Dictionaries in their several rooms. It is also 
 proposed that all the younger pupils be required to have Worces- 
 ter's Primary Dictionary, and the more advanced pupils his Com- 
 prehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary. These 
 books are very cheap, and, for the price, are the most valuable 
 School Books in the English lang-ua^e." 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF WORCESTER'S DICTIONARIES. 
 
 Mr. William H. Wells, Principal of the Putnam Free School, 
 and author of a popular Grammar of the English Language, says : — 
 ** As a standard of orthography and pronunciation, the compilation 
 of Mr. Worcester is far in advance of all other works of its class. 
 His exhibition of the elementary sounds of the language surpasses 
 even the masterly analysis of Smart. The definitions are copious 
 and accurate, and every portion of the work affords evidence of 
 the most careful and exact discrimination, and the profoundesl 
 research." 
 
 Mr. William Russell, formerly editor of the American Jour 
 nal of Education, and author of a Series of Reading Books, says : — 
 "You are aware that I have, in my compilations on elocution, and 
 in my instructions on that subject, uniformly referred to the pre- 
 vious Dictionaries of Mr. Worcester as the most accurate and sat- 
 isfactory sources of information in their department. The new 
 Dictionary I have examined closely, and am daily using it as a 
 standard for reference ; and it seems to me the most valuable work 
 of the kind ever produced in this country. To teachers and stu- 
 dents it commends itself by its comparative completeness, its perfect 
 fidelity in observing the authority of the lest standards, and its 
 exactness in detail. Its 4xy\e, both in orthography and orthoepy, 
 conforms strictly to actual living usage, both in this country and in 
 England, with the single exception of words of more than one syl- 
 lable terminating in the letters or or our, in which Mr. Worcester 
 gives the preference to American usage. In my communications 
 with teachers, I have been accustomed, for many years, to hear an 
 earnest wish expressed for an American Dictionary, free from the 
 peculiarities of Webster, and the obsolete extremes of Walker. 
 Such a work Mr. Worcester seems to have furnished, and it bids 
 fair to be generally adopted as a standard in instruction." 
 
 Mr. D. S. RowE, Principal of Massachusetts State Normal 
 School, Westfield, says : — "I know of no author who has so uni- 
 formly exhibited so much good taste and accurate discrimination 
 in respect to all the departments of lexicography as Dr. Worces- 
 ter. His book is truly a splendid production. ' ' 
 
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY COMBIIVED. 
 
 HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 
 
 COMBINED. 
 
 IN THREE PARTS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES. 
 
 THE FIRST BOOK OF HISTORY, 
 
 COMBINED WITH GEOGRAPHY; 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 THE HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE WESTERN 
 HEMISPHERE. 
 
 This work contains, as its title indicates, the History and Geog 
 raphy of the Western Continent. " In preparing it," says the author, 
 " two things have been had in view. In the first place, it should be 
 useful ; and in the second place, to make it useful, it must be enter 
 taining. To accomplish these ends, the book is provided with maps, 
 and before the pupil enters upon the history of any state or country, 
 he is to learn from them its shape, boundaries, rivers, shores, &c. He 
 is then briefly made acquainted with its present state, its towns and 
 cities, and the occupations of its inhabitants. These geographical de- 
 tails are conveyed to the pupil by narrating supposed travels through 
 various countries, in which he takes a part. 
 
 " The pupil, being thus acquainted with the present condition of a 
 country, is then told its history. The author has been careful to in- 
 troduce precise dates ; for without them, it would be impossible to give 
 any distinct view of any portion of history. But he has sought more 
 assiduously to select from the great mass of events those topics which 
 would be most calculated to please and to improve the young reader. 
 He has introduced many tales, anecdotes, adventures, and curious par- 
 ticulars, for the double purpose of enlivening the book, and throwing 
 light upon the periods and events with which they are connected. A 
 large number of engravings have been inserted, as well for illustration 
 as for fixing certain ideas permanently in the memory of the pui)il. 
 
 " A familiar style has been adopted, and the materials throughout 
 are arranged on a new plan. The common method is to begin at the 
 earliest date, and follow doAvn the train of events to the present time. 
 
 36 
 
HISTORY AND GEOGUAPnY COMBIIVED. 
 
 The author of this work has partially reversed this method. He begins 
 •with the individual states of our owa country, and first exhibits their 
 present condition. He then notices a few recent events, and having 
 fixed the attention of the reader upon the subject, proceeds to narrate 
 the history. Avoiding general statements, he has endeavored to keep 
 the attention and interest of the pupil alive by descriptions, sketches, 
 and tales, which may at once gratify the taste and improve the under- 
 standing." 
 
 Since the publication of the first edition of this work, many impor- 
 tant events have occurred and great changes have taken place i-n the 
 political geography of the western continent. In this country, six new 
 states have been added to the Union, and towns and cities have been 
 built as if by the hand of magic ; the geographical part of it had there- 
 fore become exceedingly defective. To remedy this defect, it has 
 recently (1852) been thoroughly revised. It contains twenty-four maps, 
 newly engraved upon steel, and colored, and these maps are inserted 
 in connection with the states and countries which they represent. 
 
 The work has already passed through many editions, and met with 
 unprecedented favor. Since its revision, it has been introduced as a 
 text book into the public schools of Boston, Roxbury, Salem, Lynn, 
 Worcester, Springfield, Massachusetts ; Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, 
 New York, and many other places. It is in general uses throughout 
 the country. 
 
 Numerous recommendations from distinguished teachers in every 
 section of the country are in the hands of the publishers 5 but fiie work 
 has been so long and favorably known that it is not deemed necessary 
 to publish them. We have only space for the following letter from 
 the principal of the Brimmer School, in Boston : — 
 
 From Mr. Joshua Bates, Jr., Principal of the Brimmer School, Boston 
 
 " Brimjier School, Boston, February 5, 1853. 
 " The First Book of History, combined with Geography, was intro- 
 duced into the public schools of this city at the commencement of the 
 present school year, to take the place of the Primary Geography then 
 in use. It has now been in use in this school five months, a,nd the re- 
 sult is perfectly satisfactory. The pupils not only learn the History of 
 their own country, and thereby acquire an early taste for historical 
 reading, but they obtain a better knowledge of the Geography of the 
 country than from the study of any primary text book upon this sub- 
 ject. I am confident that whoever carefully examines this book will 
 favor its general use in schools. 
 
 JOSHUA BATES, JR." 
 
 We trust that all teachers who have not seen the revised edition of 
 the work, will do us the favor to examine it. We shall l)c happy at 
 all times to furnish copies for this purpose. 
 
 37 3477 5