In the School-Room: Chapters in the Philosophy of Education

Chapter 19

Chapter 192,089 wordsPublic domain

The compiler cannot conceal the hope that this glimpse of our general literature may tempt to individual research among its treasures, so varied and inexhaustible;--that this text-book for the school-room may become not only teacher, but friend, to those in whose hands it is placed, and while aiding, through systematic development and training of the elocutionary powers of the pupil, to overcome many of the practical difficulties of instruction, may accomplish a higher work in the cultivation and refinement of character.

To afford teachers an idea of the character of the work, we append a list of the

SUBJECTS TREATED OF.

Articulation, Pronunciation, Accent, Emphasis, Modulation, Melody of Speech, Pitch, Tone, Inflections, Sense, Cadence, Force, Stress, Grammatical and Rhetorical Pauses, Movement, Reading of Poetry, Faults in the Reading of Poetry, Action, Attitude, Analysis of the Principles of Gestures, and Oratory.

Among the _gems of literature_ collected in this volume may be named the following, which will give a general idea of the character of the selections for practice, of which the volume is largely composed.

A Psalm of Life. Address at Gettysburg. Barbara Frietchie. Bonny Kelmeny. Bugle Song. Charge of the Light Brigade. Death of Little Nell. Dies Iræ. Elegy in a Country Churchyard. Excelsior. Godiva. Invocation to Light. Laus Deo. The American Flag. Oh! why should the Spirit of Mortal be Proud? The Battle of Ivry. The Bells. The Bridge of Sighs. The Great Bell Roland. The Mantle of St. John de Matha. The Raven. The Soldier from Bingen. The Song of the Shirt. Union and Liberty. Woman's Education. Work.

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THE MODEL DEFINER,

with Sentences showing the Proper Use of Words. An Elementary Work, containing Definitions and Etymology for the Little Ones. By A. C. Webb. Price by mail, postpaid, 25 cents. Per dozen, by express, $2.16.

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THE MODEL ETYMOLOGY.

Giving not only the Definitions, Etymology, and Analysis, but that which can be obtained only from an intimate acquaintance with the best Authors, viz.: The Correct Use of Words. By A. C. Webb. Price by mail, postpaid, 60 cents. Per dozen, by express, $5.40.

The importance of words cannot be over-estimated. Knowledge can be imparted and received only by the medium of words, correctly used and properly understood. The basis of a good education must be laid with words, well chosen, properly arranged, and firmly implanted in the mind. From the richness of the English Language, which gives many words to the same meaning, and many and diverse meanings to the same word, the proper _use_ of a word cannot be deduced from its _meaning_. How, then, is the knowledge of the use of words to be imparted to children? Either by the teacher, or by conversation and reading. By the latter method the knowledge acquired is limited in extent; and as it is entirely dependent on the power of observation, the impressions received are faint and ill-defined, and the conclusions arrived at, frequently incorrect. The practice of Arithmetic might possibly be left to such teaching, inasmuch as Arithmetic is an exact science based on fixed principles, from which correct _reasoning_ must deduce correct _results_. But no reasoning can show to the child who has learned "_Deduce, to draw_," that he must not say, "I tried _to deduce_ the horse from the stable;" or, "_Deciduous, falling_." "The boy, _deciduous_ from the window, was killed." The importance and difficulty of the work demands that it shall not be left to the uncertainties of home teaching. The labor involved forbids that this essential part of education shall be imposed on the parent. Like Arithmetic, or any other department of knowledge, it should be performed by the teacher, in the time specially set apart for mental training. The plan adopted in the MODEL WORD-BOOK SERIES is not new. All good Dictionaries illustrate the meaning by a Model. To quote from a _good author_, a sentence containing the word, as proof of its correct use, is the only authority allowed. A simple trial of the work either by requiring the child to form sentences similar to those given, or by memorizing the sentences as models for future use, will convince any one of the following advantages to be derived from the Model Word-Book Series:

1. Saving of Time. 2. Increased Knowledge of Words. 3. Ease to Teacher and Scholar. 4. A Knowledge of the Correct Use of Words.

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THE YOUNG STUDENT'S COMPANION;

or, Elementary Lessons and Exercises in Translating from English into French. By M. A. Longstreth, Principal of a Seminary for Young Ladies, Philadelphia. Price by mail, postpaid, $1.00. Per dozen, by express, $9.00.

The object of this little work is to present to the young student a condensed view of the elements of the French language, in a clear and simple manner, and, at the same time, to lessen the fatigue incurred by the teacher in giving repeated verbal explanations of the most important rules of etymology. No attempt has been made to teach the syntax of the language, with the exception of a few fundamental rules; neither have many idioms been introduced; the aim of the compiler being to avoid whatever might perplex or confuse.

This little work, it will be remembered, is not intended to take the place of a Grammar, but to prepare the pupil, by careful drilling, for larger and more comprehensive treatises; and it is believed that any child, who can distinguish the different parts of speech in English, will be able to understand and learn the lessons without difficulty; and that, if they are thoroughly learned, the succeeding course of French study will be much facilitated. In its preparation, the best authorities have been carefully consulted and followed, and assistance has been kindly furnished by several Professors of the French language, whose experience in teaching enables them to judge of the wants of the young student.

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MARTINDALE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES.

From the Discovery of America to the close of the late Rebellion. By Joseph C. Martindale, M. D., Principal of the Madison Grammar School, Philadelphia. Price by mail, postpaid, 60 cents. Per dozen, by express, $5.40.

The want of a History suitable for the Schoolroom has long been felt by educators. In most instances, the Histories presented have been too much encumbered with details of but little service to the pupils. This has been one of the causes which has prevented History from being one of the usual branches of study in our Common Schools outside of cities and towns; none can so well appreciate the difficulties which have surrounded this subject as the teacher. Another cause which has precluded the study of History has been the high price of all the text-books on this subject. The very low price of the present treatise will obviate this difficulty. The author of this compend, a man of large experience in the schoolroom, deserves the thanks of teachers and scholars, for the concise and succinct form which he has treated this much neglected subject; ignoring all that does not properly appertain to the important events of our Nation's existence, he has given us all that should be memorized, and in so agreeable a form as to be thoroughly mastered with but little effort.

With this book in his hand, the scholar can in a single school-term obtain as complete a knowledge of the History of the United States as has heretofore required double the time and effort.

Teachers who are anxious to have their pupils proficient in this subject, or who are themselves desirous of reviewing the main points of History in order to pass a creditable examination, will find this _the book for their purposes_, and it will commend itself to the _live teacher as a book long needed_. The want of such a work suggested its preparation, and we are satisfied that in every schoolroom its advent will be welcomed by both teacher and pupil.

The unprecedented success which has attended this work since its publication is the best recommendation of its merits, more than _Twenty Thousand Copies_ having been sold during the past year. It is indorsed by prominent educators, is used in over fifty Normal Schools, and in hundreds of cities, towns, and townships throughout the entire country. Teachers, Directors, and all others interested in Elementary Education are invited to examine the book.

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PARKER'S GRAMMAR OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

Based upon an Analysis of the English Sentence. With copious Examples and Exercises in Parsing and the Correction of False Syntax, and an Appendix, containing Critical and Explanatory Notes, and Lists of Peculiar and Exceptional Forms. For the use of Schools and Academies, and those who write. By Wm. Henry Parker, Principal of Ringgold Grammar School, Philadelphia. Price by mail, postpaid, $1.25.

Prepared by a GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, and arranged in the manner that many years of research and actual experience in the schoolroom have demonstrated to be the best for teaching, this book commends itself to teachers as a simple, progressive, and consistent treatise on Grammar, the need of which has so long been recognized. We ask for it a careful and critical examination. The thorough acquaintance of the author with his subject, and his practical knowledge of the difficulties which beset the teacher in the use of the text-book, and the necessity for the teacher's supplying deficiencies and omissions and amending the text to suit constructions found daily in parsing, and in other practical exercises in Grammar, have enabled him to prepare a work which will, on trial, be found a labor-saving aid to both teacher and pupil.

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TO TEACHERS.

The Publishers desire to call the attention of Teachers to their List of SCHOOL ROLL-BOOKS, REGISTERS, GRADE BOOKS, &c. These have been prepared by an experienced, practical Teacher, with the view of meeting a very pressing want of the schoolroom. It is hoped that in their preparation most of the defects usually found in school records have been avoided.

THE MODEL ROLL-BOOK, NO. 1.

For the Use of Schools. Containing a Record of Attendance, Punctuality, Deportment, Orthography, Reading, Penmanship, Intellectual Arithmetic, Practical Arithmetic, Geography, Grammar. Parsing, and History, and several blanks for special studies not enumerated. Price, $3.50, by express.

THE MODEL ROLL-BOOK, NO. 2.

For the Use of High Schools, Academies, and Seminaries. Containing a Record of all the Studies mentioned in Roll-Book, No. 1, together with Elocution, Algebra, Geometry, Composition, French, Latin, Philosophy, Physiology, and several blanks for special studies not enumerated. Price, $3.50, by express.

These Roll-Books are in use in the leading Schools of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis, and very extensively in Select and High Schools throughout the country. They will, on examination, be found to be the most complete and practical yet published. All teachers who use them speak of them with unqualified approval; once used, they will never be relinquished.

THE MODEL POCKET REGISTER AND GRADE-BOOK.

A Roll-Book, Register and Record combined.

Adapted to any grade of School, from Primary to College. Handsomely and durably bound in fine Cloth. Price by mail, postpaid, 60 cents. Per dozen, by express, $6.00.

Prof. E. A. Sheldon, of the New York State Normal School, and author of "Lessons on Objects," and "Elementary Instruction," says of this book:

"Your Model Pocket Register is just the thing every teacher needs. I shall never again be without one."

THE MODEL SCHOOL-DIARY.

Designed as an aid in securing the co-operation of parents. It consists of a Record of the Attendance, Deportment, Recitations, &c., of a Scholar, for every day in the week. At the close of the week it is to be sent to the parent or guardian, for his examination and signature. Teachers will find in this Diary an article that has long been needed. Its low cost will insure its general use. Copies will be mailed to teachers for examination, postpaid, on receipt of ten cents. Price per dozen, by mail, postpaid, $1.00. Per dozen, by express, 84 cents.

REWARDS OF MERIT.

As there are many teachers who make use of these incentives to study, we have endeavored to meet the demand, with what success the teacher can judge after seeing our specimens. They are printed on the best quality of Bristol card, colored in gold, silver, crimson, ultra-marine, and emerald, and are executed in the highest style of the lithographic art. They are chaste, ornate, and beautiful, and need but be seen to be appreciated. The teacher will, of course, not connect these gems of art with the common colored cards in vogue. Price per set by mail, postpaid, 35 cents.

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_Please address the Publishers_,

ELDREDGE & BROTHER, 17 & 19 South Sixth Street, PHILADELPHIA, PA.