ELEMENTARY AND KINDERGARTEN FIRST SESSION. TOPEKA, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, July 14, 1886. At 2.30 P. M., a joint meeting of the Departments of Elementary Schools and of Kindergarten Instruction was called to order at the Methodist church by Hon. J. W. Holcombe, of Indiana, president of the Elementary Department. At the request of the presidents of the two departments, Miss M. W. Sutherland, secretary of the Elementary Department, acted as secretary for both departments. Mrs. T. A. B. Dunning, of Wisconsin, who was to have presented a paper upon "Froebel's Principles in the Family and in the Kindergarten," was absent. Mr. William N. Hailmann, of Indiana, therefore proceeded to a forcible discussion of "Froebel's Principles in Primary School Work," speaking, however, sufficiently of the preceding subject to introduce his own clear and logical paper. At the conclusion of his address, the general discussion was opened by Mr. I. N. Mitchell, of Michigan. Miss Jennie L. Jones, of Minnesota, and Miss Mary C. McCulloch, of Missouri, who were appointed to continue the discussion, being absent, the discussion became general. Mr. Bell, of Indiana, questioned the first speaker as to whether there was not a time at which peremptory authority must be used. Mr. Hailmann answered by saying that it was easy to say "Thou shalt" and "Thou shalt not," but to produce spontaneous motive was more difficult, but more important. The speaker had been humbled to the point of "Thou shalt" by an inadequate notion of child nature. He never whipped nowadays, but had used the rod for want of knowledge of child nature. He protested against saying that that which we are compelled to do because we don't know a better way, is the best way. Miss Curtiss, of the Kansas City Schools, spoke of the harmony between kindergarten and elementary work, and the necessity of improving the latter by the spirit of the former. Mr. Smith, of Nebraska, said that he had felt great interest in the paper. He stated that the question of expense was always started, but that when he asked his Board of Directors for a place to work and then materials for work, his request was cheerfully granted. Miss Jenks, of Kansas, was anxious to supplement materials furnished, and had gained many new ideas from the exhibit of kindergarten work. Mrs. Alston, of New Jersey, questioned as to the manner of pupils making a First Reader. The substance of Mr. Hailmann's answer is included in his paper. Mr. McCrea, of Indiana, questioned as to the effect of selecting work of some children for publication. He spoke, also, of the worth of such literature as compared with that of standard authors. Mr. Hailmann said that where the proper spirit exists there is no jealousy. The compositions were not models of adult work, but were immensely better than some supplementary readers. B. G. Roots, of Illinois, spoke a word of encouragement to those anxious to do good work. Miss Kuhlmahl, of Kansas, being called upon. to tell something of her work, gave a few observations as to the general progress of good work. Mrs. Hilliker, of Kansas, spoke of the wonderful effect of Miss Kuhlmahl's work upon the State of Kansas, and the national benefits conferred by Mr. and Mrs. Hailmann. Mr. T. O. Hutchinson, of Oregon, asked how to bring kindergarten work into graded schools. Mr. Hailmann could not give a prescription, but gave some very profitable suggestions. The chief one was that a study was to be made of all circumstances,-Boards, people, pupils, etc., and the best to be made out of such circumstances. We cannot always have the methods of kindergarten work, but ought always to have the principles. The discussion closed at five o'clock. Mr. C. C. Davidson, of Ohio, moved that a committee of three on nomination of officers for Elementary Department be appointed. Motion carried, and the Chair appointed as committee, Mr. C. C. Davidson of Ohio, Mr. H. S. Jones, of Pennsylvania, and Mr. L. Messick of Illinois. The elementary section then adjourned to meet at 2.30 P. M. on Thursday. A brief session of the Kindergarten Department was then held to consider the advisability of holding, in the future, joint meetings of the two sections, and for the election of officers for Kindergarten Department. After a brief discussion it was moved and carried that next year, if possible, arrangements be made for joint meetings of the Kindergarten and Elementary Departments. On motion of Mr. Klemm, of Ohio, the present officers of the Kindergarten Department were unanimously re-elected. The Kindergarten Department then adjourned. SECOND SESSION. TOPEKA, THURSDAY AFTERNOON, July 15, 1886. The meeting was called to order by President J. W. Holcombe, at 2.40 P. M. He proceeded at once to call for the papers upon the programme. The papers were to constitute a Symposium:-A Survey of Common School Education. The first paper, entitled, Historical Sketch, with Exposition of Aims as Formulated in Different Countries, was by Mr. W. H. Bartholomew, of Kentucky. Before the presentation of the second paper, at Miss Warr's request, the President stated that she had undertaken the preparation of the paper upon the subject at a late date as a substitute for another had not, therefore, been able to collect all the statistics that and she desired for her purpose. Subject: Necessary External Conditions. By Miss Vina L. Warr, of Iowa. Third. Course of Study: Proper Limits and Divisions; Supt. H. M. James of Nebraska. Fourth. Course of Study: Order of Subjects with Reference to Laws of Growth. Miss Mary B. Phillips, of Illinois. Fifth. Principles of Method and Common Errors in Teaching. Miss Agnes I. Rounds, of New Hampshire. Sixth. Special Conditions in Country Schools, with Suggestions for Improvement. By Mr. George F. Felts and Mr. John C. Macpherson, of Indiana. Seventh. Summary: Aims, Limitations, Subject Matter, Methods, Results. By Hon. LeRoy D. Brown, of Ohio. Eighth. General Discussion. Opened by Miss Ida Joe Brooks, of Arkansas. The discussion was continued by Mr. H. G. Larimer, of Kansas, who had not seen any of the papers, and could, therefore, consider only a few of the points which he had noticed as the speakers proceeded. He thought that much that had been said in regard to the employment of kindergarten methods could be applied only to graded schools. The same objection held against manual training in schools. Teachers qualified for such work could not be obtained. The great mass of pupils have but one teacher to prepare them for life through common school instruction. The speaker protested against cast-iron grading, stating that to shut out a boy from a higher grade when he was prepared in grammar, arithmetic, etc., because he could not tell the capital of Indiana, or answer some kindred question, was absolutely wrong. He was much pleased with what had been said concerning the beautifying of schoolhouse and grounds. The school should be made like a cheerful home. These were simply thoughts that had been suggested as he sat listening. Mr. McCosh, of Kansas, thought that a school building should not exceed two stories in height. Two storied buildings were preferred to one, as the passing from one floor to another gave physical training to pupils of sedentary habits. Mr. Roots, of Illinois, understood that the reference had been to country schools. Miss Curtiss, of Missouri, thought that the height of a school building was a very important consideration. Mrs. Hard, of Ohio, wondered if there were no woman here to begin a crusade against buildings of three or more stories. The poor physical condition of woman is due to constant climbing. The very pupils sent to the higher rooms are the ones most likely to be injured by climbing. Nothing having a bearing upon the development of the highest type of womanhood should be neglected. Mr. Lane, of Illinois, indorsed all the sentiments in regard to improvement of buildings. He was in sympathy with principles uttered requiring perfect models in every respect. It is important that teachers be gathered together in order that they may learn these things. There is no reason why pupils should be gathered from attractive homes to spend five hours each day in unattractive schools. Work should be illustrative so far as it is possible to make it. The foundation is laid in kindergarten instruction. Children should be led into paths of science in its simplest forms. There are many new books to aid in this work. Kindergarten and manual training are both of great importance. Mr. T. O. Hutchinson, of Oregon, said that schoolhouses ought to be made so as not to injure health; but more girls are injured by not taking exercise for fear of being called tom-boys than by illy-constructed schoolhouses. Then again, pupils are required to be too quiet. However, the difference in individuals should be considered in school arrangements. Owing to the lateness of the hour the discussion was then closed. President Holcombe returned thanks to the Department of Elementary Instruction, for the honor conferred in his election to the presidency of the department; to the accomplished Vice-President, Mr Klemm, and to the Secretary, for assistance in carrying on the work of the department; but especially to the ladies and gentlemen for their carefully prepared papers and their work in coming so far to deliver them. He returned thanks to the audience for their presence and polite attention. The Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President - W. H. Bartholomew, of Kentucky. The department then adjourned. MARGARET W. SUTHERLAND, Secretary. |
