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<br /> GENERAL EXERCISES. the book by familiar objects or passing events. Every page of
<br /> We are not unmindful of the complaints that are frequently geography and history can-thus be made interesting. When, e. g.,
<br /> made, that scholars are overtasked, and these complaints come to a casualty, like the recent loss of the whaling fleet in the Arctic
<br /> us with greater bitterness, when we attempt to introduce exercises sea, is reported, it might be made the subject of a profitable address
<br /> or changes with a view to furnish the very relief needed to remedy from the teacher, with the free use of blackboard and maps. The
<br /> the supposed difficulty. We have no desire to add to the daily attention of the whole school will be eagerly given to such an
<br /> t exercise, and though it is not down in the books and may not'last
<br /> asks of our pupils ; but we do not believe that recitations, day
<br /> after day, in reading, spelling, arithmetic and geography, from .five minutes, they will never forget it.
<br /> one end of the year to the other, without anything to vary the In like manner the habits and customs, the resources and
<br /> achievements of various nations, may be frequently brought to the
<br /> routine, is the best method to pursue and we have accordingly
<br /> introduced a few other studies and exercises for a change, as well special notice of the whole school. The phenomena of earth-
<br /> as for the discipline. Fodr recitations per week, in any study, are quakes, such as have. recently occurred in California and Syria
<br /> sufficient, and the intervening time had better be spent in other should be described; also the occasions of war, the modes of
<br /> things. government, and many other things which will come up continually
<br /> We are glad, therefore, to be able to have vocal music taught in. t y in the daily papers, and in well selected books. Let the children
<br /> all our schools. During the past term Mr. Bird has awakened a learn even these things at school.
<br /> very general enthusiasm on this subject, as the eager eyes, ready;
<br /> voices and patient efforts of the children in singing will testify. TEACHERS AND THEIR WORK.
<br /> If our scholars are overtasked we have no hesitation in saying
<br /> Indeed the work has not been confined to the school-room. Our
<br /> streets and homes have been vocal with humming s of the scale and that the teacher is responsible to a great extent. If more teach-
<br /> simple melodies even from the youngest children. The same ing were done, and less memorizing required, these complaints
<br /> s in this particular is aston-
<br /> instructor has been engaged for the coming year,and if the teachers would be less frequent. The loosenes
<br /> will heartily co-operate with him in the work, we shall see much ishing. Teachers go into their school-rooms day after day, go
<br /> progress in this elevating and delightful study. These daily music through the same routine of calling class after class, asking John or
<br /> James where
<br /> lessons, with the general exercises, practiced in most of the schools, ere the lessons are, and then go through the recitations
<br /> will, we are confident, afford the very relief demanded by those by simply asking the questions in the books, without illustration
<br /> who have said that we had already too many studies. of Y kind. The teacher should prepare himself for every reci-
<br /> � an
<br /> The practice of drawing, which is now required by Statute, will tation ; he should have some plan of the method to be pursued in
<br /> be immediately undertaken ; and though many persons do not per- conducting the recitation, formed before the class is called. And
<br /> ceive the use of this, we hope to show, by actual experience, that this applies with as much, or even greater force, to schools of the
<br /> it will go far to train the eye and the hand of those who are look- lowest grades, as to the higher. Every lesson should be carefully
<br /> ing forward to good positions in life, where the ready use of the looked over, no matter how familiar the teacher may be with the
<br /> pen and pencil will be found to be of-inestimable value. We have subject, and some method of treatment considered. Teachers
<br /> spoken elsewhere of the increased attention to be given to writing. should make use of every means at their disposal, for illustration.
<br /> Gymnastics, vocal exercises, compositions, declamations, map The commonest objects about the school-room are sometimes the
<br /> drawing, and other useful and agreeable variations of the ordinary "�' best apparatus. The black-boards should be in constant use.
<br /> routine of school life, are to be particularly emphasized during the They were certainly made for use, and not for ornament, as they
<br /> coming year. seem to be regarded in some schools where no chalk is allowed to
<br /> The wise teacher will always be ready to illustrate the lesson of mar them from one end of the year to the other. We would sug-
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