The publishers desire to thank Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & SUCCESTIONS To Teachers The following suggestions are submitted for the benefit of young teachers. In order that pupils may learn how to define words at the heads of the lessons, let the teacher read the sentences containing such words and have pupils copy them upon slate or paper. Then indicate what words are to be defined, and insist upon the proper syllabication, accent, marking of letters, etc. In this way the pupil learns the meaning of the word as it is used, and not an abstract definition that may be meaningless. Have pupils study their reading lessons carefully before coming to recitation. The position of pupils while reading should be erect, easy, and graceful. Give special attention to the subject of articulation, and insist upon a clear and distinct enunciation. In order to develop a clear tone of voice, let pupils practice, in concert, upon some of the open vowel sounds, using such words as arm, all, old. In this exercise, the force of utterance should be gentle at first, and the words repeated a number of times; then the force should be increased by degrees, until "calling tones" are used. Encourage a natural use of the voice, with such modulations as may be proper for a correct rendering of the thoughts which are read. It should be remembered that the development of a good tone of voice is the result of careful and constant practice. Concert reading is recommended as a useful exercise, inasmuch as any feeling of restraint or timidity disappears while reading with others. Question individual pupils upon the manner in which lessons should be read. In this way they will learn to think for themselves. Do not interrupt a pupil while reading until a thought or sentence is completed, since such a course tends to make reading mechanical and deprive it of expression. Errors in time, force of utterance, emphasis, and inflection should be carefully corrected, and then the passage read over again. The "Directions for Reading" throughout the book are intended to be suggestive rather than exhaustive, and can be added to as occasion requires. The "Language Lessons" in this book should not be neglected. They contain only such matter as is necessary to meet the requirements of pupils. Words and expressions not readily understood, must be made intelligible to pupils. This has been done in part by definitions, and in part by interpreting some of the difficult phrases. After the habit of acquiring the usual meaning has been formed, the original meaning of those words which are made up of stems modified by prefixes or affixes should be shown. The real meaning of such words can be understood far better by a study of their formation, than by abstract definitions. It will be found, also, that pupils readily become interested in this kind of work. As the capabilities of classes of the same grade will differ, it may sometimes occur that a greater amount of language work can be done effectively than is laid down in this book. When this happens, more time can be devoted to such special kinds of work as the needs of the classes suggest. Constant drill upon the analysis of lessons, varied at times by the analysis of short stories taken from other sources and read to the class, will develop the reasoning faculties of pupils and render the writing of original compositions a comparatively easy exercise. Encourage the habit of self-reliance on the part of pupils. Original investigation, even if followed at first by somewhat crude results, is in the end more satisfactory than any other course. The Definitions (pages 373-382) and the List of Proper Names (pages 383 and 384) may be used in the preparation of the lessons. When exercises are written, particular care should be required in regard to penmanship, correct spelling, punctuation, and neatness. |