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Show several departments of the school are discussed. and ways and means to overcome them are considered. The good results of these con-ferences are noticeable at many of the schools. They are especially helpful in securing a closer correlation of the class-room and indus-trial instruction, and it is hoped that a11 the schools will conduct them during the current year. SCHOOL COMMENCEMENTS. A large number of schools artanged their commencement pro-grammes in accordance with the suggestions contained in a circular ' letter issued by your direction, and in all instances they proved inter-esting and instructive. The public heartily approved of the exer-cises, which were more practical and less theoretical than formerly, and ahich brought out the actual acquirements of pupils and exem-plified the methods of instruction, especially indnstrial. SANITATION. ' Sanitary conditions at most of the schools visited have been much improved. in recent years. There can be little doubt that many of the children enter school with inherited tendencies to disease, partic-ularly to tuberculosis, and special efforts have been made to prevent its development in pupils thus predisposed. The strongest hope in combating this deadly disease, however, lies in instrncting the school children in the precautions to be observed, and employees have been urged to give this subject special attention. TEACHING ENGLISH. Teaching the Indian child to speak English is natnrally the first step in his training, and efforts have been made to give him a working knoaledge of the language in the shortest pract,icable time. We have found that many teachers do not give sufficient drill work; that they fail to understand that often the Indian child does not readily comprehend what he is being taught, and in his recitations is merely repeating from memory. To overcome this, techers have been urged to adapt their methods to suit the pecul~ar characteristics of the gpi!; to. teach objectively, and aln~avs to he in the teaching of ngllsh with the use of illustrations and objects familiar to the child. Endeavor also has been made to have the teachers require much oral work in recitations, and to stimulate responsiveness in the child. Studyin the child and suiting the training to fit each case has proved beneficia f to both teacher and pupils, and has given the former in-creased interest in the work and the latter greater .self-reliance. There has been a marked improvement in many schools in the facility and rapidity with which the children learn to speak English. INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY. Endeavor has been made tocarry out your policy of giving, ,in-dustrial training and household economy a foremost place In Indian education, and it has been our constant. aim while visiting schools to impress upon superintendents and employees the importance of having all instruction practical. |
